May 2024

Hardcopy or E-reader

Whether you read a physically hardcopy book or use an E-reader comes down to personal preference. I have a friend who prefers to have the physical book in her hands, to turn the pages manually and have that book grace the bookshelf for years to come and for re-reading at a later date.

I used to feel the same way but over time, my bookshelves housed thousands of books and space was an issue, travelling on public transport to the city every day meant a book took up room in my handbag and before long, the book was very dog-eared. I tend to be one of those people who lose bookmarks so turn the page edge over.

When I discovered Kindle through my iPad, it was such a breath of fresh air. I could have all my books present on the one device, my own little digital library. When I had finished reading one book, it was simple to purchase another without having to attend a book store or wait for a delivery. I could read at night without needing to switch on a bedside lamp. I could even change the font to be larger or smaller if so desired.

Of course, that was before I discovered Audible.

Knockers

I was reminded recently that if I put up a website, that I should expect some knockers and negative feedback.

I’m aware of that, and I can’t say that any of us are ever comfortable with criticism or trolling, but with books, everyone has different taste and what one person loves, another will detest. Life isn’t all sunshine and roses.

I used to think that a four star review was not great but now I realise that four star means the reader really enjoyed the book. Five star are more rare and when I think to my own reviews, I rarely give someone a five star. On social media, the author community joke that you are not a true author until you have received a one star review. I did receive one on Amazon for A True Witch Book 1 and interestingly, I know it was not from someone who actually bought the book. Amazon allows a person to review any book including ones that have not been purchased provided the person has met a certain criteria such as spending a certain amount of money on Amazon over a time period. There are trolls everywhere and even competitors who like to muddy the water. These things happen.

My books are fast moving and the focus is on the story. Although I promote that I write ‘fantasy’ – my books are not Game of Thrones type with dragons and alternative worlds of magic, swords and weird creatures. My books are generally contemporary with a low fantasy element, possible paranormal or slightly horror.

Constructive criticism is great as a writer is always looking for ways to improve the experience for the reader, and you are welcome to send me feedback privately, or publicly if you prefer.

Writing Style

I find it interesting reading my earlier books and noting that my writing style has changed a little as I’ve matured as a writer. I used to be a tad too formal in character dialogue, for example a character may say, “I am feeling hungry,” whereas now I write “I’m feeling hungry.” My character dialogue flows more smoothly these days.

I do tend to adhere to a similar structure with my books.

One piece of feedback I received is that I write like it’s a screenplay. If that means each chapter is a scene on its own, then I would say that is correct. I personally find it challenging to read a book where chapters run over different scenes and different characters and the chapter seems to go on forever. It’s so easy to get lost. I prefer to focus on one character per scene – per chapter.

I like to keep each chapter reasonably short and entertaining, and try to captivate the reader at the start of the chapter and at the end. I want the reader to want to turn the page to see what happens next. That was key in the James Patterson Masterclass I completed. I also like to add an unforeseen twist in the story somewhere. It’s not as exciting and almost a little boring, to know what is about to happen in a story. If I can shock or surprise the reader, then I’m pleased.

I also hate sad or grisly endings and I think we all have that desire for justice to be served and the good guys to win, but I like to think we can have our happy ending and still leave something in the air, perhaps room for a second book. I do admit that I had a rather bizarre ending in Babies Garden, and I make no apologies for that. I can’t make it too easy to guess the ending.

I’m also aware that so far, all the main characters have been female and morally good people. In The Passive Observer, the main protagonist is a slightly overweight, middle-aged and an ordinary looking woman living in a normal, everyday house. Heroes can be overweight, middle-aged and ordinary to look at and are not all beautiful, young and desirable.

Maybe one day I will write with a male as the main protagonist but it is unlikely. Women are the heroes of my stories.