There’s been a discussion on Romance Divas about whether being a writer makes reading harder. That is to say – is it harder to throw yourself into the story and ignore the editing? Are you harder on books than you used to be? I am.
I love to read. 
However, before I was distinctly aware of POV or tense, something in the story might have bothered me but usually I could get through it. Especially if it was a good plot. Now, those things pull me completely out of the story.
Lately I have read some really bad books. A couple of these I would have thought were bad whether I was a writer or not. One, I would have thrown up against the wall and then flushed down the garbeurator (sp?) if I could. Yes, it was that bad. Some of them were just bad because I recognised the editorial errors that, I believe, I wouldn’t have noticed before.
I have also read some really good books. A few of these books were so good that I may have overlooked some of the flaws. A book that sucks you in to the story can do that – you’re at the end without even noticing how you got there.
The thing that scares me is that some day someone will be reading my books (at least that’s the plan). How will they view them? As a writer? As a reader? And, will my writing pass the test? I am thankful I have a great CP who keeps me in check and on track. But then, didn’t these other writers have that too? Why didn’t they see the head hopping or past/present tense changes? Were they too scared to be honest with the writer? What’s the point of that?
What is it that makes a good book work? It is all so subjective, I know. What I think is good someone else doesn’t necessarily like. However, I choose to believe that someone can not like the plot of a book but still recognise good writing.
Ha! What’s funny is the reason I became a writer is because I picked up two new books at the
bookstore of the same author, but one I didn’t have yet in my collection. They were the most
brutally terrible books I have ever read! To date – I might add. I wish you had the WTF
character picture because that seems the most appropriate here.
I didn’t even get through the second book… I had to put it down, I just didn’t deserve that!
So I went to check out the reviews on the book… 4 out of 4 1/2… again WTF? What the hell was
I missing?
I’ve moved on with my life since then, but I too get thrown off when something in the book isn’t
working. But as far as I’m concerned we have a right to judge – in our heads at least. Not only will we learn from
their mistakes, but maybe they will learn from them as well.
I agree about the plot of a book too. How many times I’ve picked up a book and not liked the
plot – yet a good author, and a well writen book can draw me in and hook me in seconds. Those
authors have even more of my respect.
Great discussion!
by Victoria Krain February 24th, 2007 at 3:08 pm ♦I posted something earlier in the week about how I wished for the good old days when I didn’t
have a constant critique going on in the background while I read.
For me, if the story itself is good (and after all, that’s what we’re reading for) then I
will forgive minor things. That’s not to say they don’t annoy me, but I’m a little more
willing to overlook them.
By the way, I finally found a minute to start reading Love Songs! I’m only a few pages in,
by Elle Fredrix February 25th, 2007 at 5:35 am ♦but looking good!
Oh yes, today I was reading a mystery and then went off into writer land wanting to know how many words were in the book, how many lines to the page and how come the author confused me with that dern different dialogue, I couldn’t figure out who was speaking. Then I went into if this is 65000 words, why did I pay 7.99 for it? Probably not the writer’s fault because my mind went wandering off into book production land.
by Jackie February 25th, 2007 at 10:59 pm ♦I have stopped reading to count commas, too. Is there a twelve step recovery program? Shall I book into rehab?
:smirk:
I enjoy reading but I do find I’m critiquing the books more than I used to. I’ve also ruined my husband LOL. That iis one of the reasons I’m terrified for when my book comes out. I don’t want to be the one that gets thrown!
by Christine d'Abo February 26th, 2007 at 4:54 am ♦I have been assured this will happen to me. Apart from a few really terrible instances-it hasnt yet. I’m not looking forward to it either. I love reading-its my joy. I guess I’ll just have to be pickier about my reads. :}
by RG February 26th, 2007 at 8:59 am ♦Victoria – sorry I don’t have that emoticon – LOL. What about this one :cuss: ? You are so right. I’m reading one right now that has good reviews, 4.5 stars, etc. and I don’t get it. I just don’t. There’s headhopping and just lack of connection with the characters. There are parts that I think, “Oh wait, it’s going to get good.” Then nothing.
Elle – yes, I’m the same. I will forgive some stuff if the story is good.
and thanks on my story. I hope you liked it once you finished it. I hope you didn’t want to throw it against the wall. 
Jackie – I hate it when I can’t figure out who is speaking. That’s what’s going on in the book I’m reading now. I keep going back a few paragraphs to figure stuff out and it’s totally ruining it for me.
Christine – I’m sure your book will be great!
RG – Ahh, to be so innocent! LOL Reading is my joy too. But since I’m a writer (and also a reviewer) and have to read a lot it is now a more critical joy. I’m like that with food though too and I’m not a food critic. I like really good food. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just good. My MOm is not a good cook. I know whereof I speak (fancy language – just thought I’d try it – not sure it works! OK, I need
)
by Michelle February 26th, 2007 at 9:13 am ♦It makes me so cross when a book with serious flaws gets the 4.5 reviews. I don’t mind reviewers having different tastes from mine, but actual flaws like unresolved subplots or never being able to tell whether the heroine is fifteen or twenty-five (real example from a recent read), or characters being referred to by the name that belongs to another character (another real example) are not just taste issues – they’re flaws and they should lose the book more points than just a token .5 . *glares around*
And it makes me hugely untrusting of the review site. That’s why I like your reviews, MG – you’re not mean but you’re not all ’4.5′ either.
Immi
by Immi February 27th, 2007 at 9:32 am ♦x