BTT: stories!
If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?
Or, um, is it just me?
Nope, for sure that is meeeeeeeee too. all the way. I enjoy beauty, but mostly I like to entertained, and carried away into a world not close (not that I don't want to be where I am...but a vacation is always nice!) to where I am physically. Yes and what drives me in a book, is fo sho what happens next. no doubt. haha!
Character development comes in second, tied with beautiful writing.
What do you think?
August 28th, 2008 - 07:08
Wow – I can’t believe you didn’t get in first on the comments with this lightning response!
August 28th, 2008 - 07:09
I agree with you and Cathy, and I can’t help but wonder if anyone will disagree.
August 28th, 2008 - 11:21
I concur!
August 28th, 2008 - 11:56
I think this is why I’m struggling with Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul… I know what happens next.
August 28th, 2008 - 12:09
Exactly. I think the story and the character development go hand in hand. Happy BTT! Here’s mine.
August 28th, 2008 - 12:40
I also like a novel with stories within the story!
Booking through stories
August 28th, 2008 - 12:50
I’ll take beautiful writing and well-drawn characters over plot, but I really don’t want to sacrifice either for the other.
August 28th, 2008 - 13:53
Ok my post disagrees slightly. I don’t think you care what happens if literary devices aren’t present.
August 28th, 2008 - 14:01
Whole-heartedly agree!
August 28th, 2008 - 14:07
I agree, the story is the first draw, but looking at your pile of books in your photo, you picked some well-written books to read. Chicken or egg, huh lol. Great post.
August 28th, 2008 - 14:14
I think they go together… but the story has to be the hook, then great characters keep you there.
August 28th, 2008 - 14:57
I agree with bluestocking that literary devices have to be present in order to make a story enjoyable. I just don’t want them shoved in my face. I don’t want to be thinking about them when I’m reading, instead of just getting lost in a good book.
August 28th, 2008 - 15:25
I agree somewhat. Story is always great, but sometimes the characters make me want to pick up the next book so I can find out what happens to them.
August 28th, 2008 - 17:28
I even feel if it is book that isn’t so great I still want to know what happens but I am strange that way
August 28th, 2008 - 18:32
Hi Bethany, I agree with you. I definitely read for the story the author is telling. I like to see interesting characters develop, but it’s the story that keeps me turning the pages.
August 28th, 2008 - 19:00
Overall the story is what drives me, but I have enjoyed some characters eve when I didn’t like the story.
August 28th, 2008 - 22:24
I too love the story but I like to know how it’s going to end.
August 28th, 2008 - 23:00
I’m with you. I always think beautiful writing will impress me, but too much of it usually ends up being a distraction.
August 29th, 2008 - 03:33
I’m with you on that-I like to be carried away…
August 30th, 2008 - 05:18
I defined story in this question slightly differently in my own response. I see a story as being the cake with plot, setting, characters and all that being the ingredients that make up the story.