tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post3667808820375181015..comments2024-03-18T01:49:03.153-06:00Comments on Blood-Red Pencil: If You Love an Author, How Much Will You Forgive?Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-38859991609431165542012-03-14T17:07:46.163-06:002012-03-14T17:07:46.163-06:00You are right too much sex scenes are a turn off.You are right too much sex scenes are a turn off.aquarium supplieshttp://www.aquariumpetsupply.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-16322736331904248322012-02-28T10:49:02.780-07:002012-02-28T10:49:02.780-07:00Heidi, I wouldn't have wanted to read further ...Heidi, I wouldn't have wanted to read further either. Poor cows!<br />Anyway, I'm one of those people who for some reason can't get too interested in Nora's books. Don't know why.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-69379183767281995642012-02-27T22:14:55.582-07:002012-02-27T22:14:55.582-07:00I read a book by Nora Roberts once because it had ...I read a book by Nora Roberts once because it had Montana in the title. When she repeatedly talked about going out to "castrate the cows" I threw the book down and have not read another of hers.Heidiwriterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02593338979995203659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-1778147587920712592012-02-27T20:30:59.607-07:002012-02-27T20:30:59.607-07:00If I see an error, it actually makes me feel good....If I see an error, it actually makes me feel good. If one escaped me, I'm not alone.<br /><br />But when I see multiples, then I know someone didn't care enough to do a decent job. <br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-47983955787426443932012-02-27T18:04:30.921-07:002012-02-27T18:04:30.921-07:00If I LOVE an author, I'll forgive him or her a...If I LOVE an author, I'll forgive him or her a lot, but the "two crappy books" rule is pretty close to what I live by. If it's someone whose work I've really adored, I'll stop reading after a couple of bad ones but come back periodically to see if they've gotten their mojo back. Head hopping makes me crazy. If there's too much of that, an author won't get to the much-loved level in the first place.Jaden Terrellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11113218513166921429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-17015630771359655932012-02-27T17:45:07.785-07:002012-02-27T17:45:07.785-07:00I'm a proofreader and editor, so I'm prett...I'm a proofreader and editor, so I'm pretty picky. I have found numerous mistakes in the CLASSICS downloaded to my Kindle, so... I read a lot of books. The traditionally published books seem to be the cleanest, in their printed versions. I have found some boo-boos in the Kindle versions of some best sellers. What bugs me is those that think they have nothing to gain by hiring a professional to proofread and edit them properly. Not only are there mistakes and proofreading problems, but there are also extraneous words (like in this comment), bad writing, bad story-telling, boring commentary, run-on sentences... Of the dozens of books downloaded to my Kindle, I have NOT deleted only one or two. If I find more than a couple of mistakes in the first chapter, I delete. I don't care how great the book. It's just too annoying. I realize not everyone agrees with me, because I read reviews on the books I have deleted and they are getting 5-star after 5-star.Karen S. Elliotthttp://www.karenselliott.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-35040925595565793722012-02-27T17:25:59.211-07:002012-02-27T17:25:59.211-07:00I wouldn't read a book that has three pages de...I wouldn't read a book that has three pages devoted to shoes, either!<br /><br />As far as author intrusion, it gets on my nerves, unless it's very subtle. Certain good and/or traits will slip in when the author is building the characters, and those traits will be influenced to some extent by the author's opinions on good and evil.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-9723354901534931892012-02-27T17:18:15.879-07:002012-02-27T17:18:15.879-07:00Oh, and I don't mind political commentary as l...Oh, and I don't mind political commentary as long as the comments are on my side of the aisle. Hahahaha. I suppose we're all a bit like that.Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-58448730974378609252012-02-27T17:16:37.089-07:002012-02-27T17:16:37.089-07:00Parenthetical comments have gotten on my nerves la...Parenthetical comments have gotten on my nerves lately. Too much of that in a book, and the author loses me.Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14471919576687777886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-81701816693839365662012-02-27T16:43:27.124-07:002012-02-27T16:43:27.124-07:00The murder victim cannot be someone the world is a...The murder victim cannot be someone the world is a better place without unless the perp gets away with it like in Sherlock Holmes and the blackmailing case. I was pretty fed up with an episode of Lord Peter Wimsey in which the victim was awful and had been a menace and a danger to the perp. This is why I haven't gotten around to reading Dorothy L. Sayers' actual books. <br /><br />I cannot stand it when someone throws away the gun they needed to save themselves or another. This would be a fatal error I wouldn't come back for again. <br /><br />A famous mystery writer who spent three pages on the shoes of her protag lost me there. The fact that I disagree with her analysis of Jack the Ripper doesn't help me go back & try again. <br /><br />Sara Paretsky temporarily (though for years thus far) lost me when V.I. somehow saddled an innocent uncle of hers with a psycho aunt's -- his sister's -- medical bills. Her message seemed to be the protag would not let anyone escape bad relatives. (The uncle was not associating with his crazy sister.) I was steadily reading ALL of her novels until that one. Since then I have only read her excellent memoir. I probably will read her again, but I don't know exactly when. I know of two of us who quit on that one for that reason.<br /><br />These are some of mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-45264394741821108682012-02-27T14:22:21.177-07:002012-02-27T14:22:21.177-07:00I'm not the best at figuring out endings, but ...I'm not the best at figuring out endings, but if I can figure it out ahead of time, the author hasn't done a very good job. That said, I do enjoy romantic movies, even predictable ones. They're kind of relaxing.<br /><br />As far as popular authors go, I wonder if they're under so much pressure to get their books done, they can't spend as much time on making qualities products. Or, maybe they've done so many books, they can tell the difference anymore.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-13674163238765151812012-02-27T14:00:57.204-07:002012-02-27T14:00:57.204-07:00These are all good and valid points. I skipped ou...These are all good and valid points. I skipped out on Danielle Steele years and years ago, for all the same reasons. This week, I read a book by another author who will remain unnamed. I loved her first two books, but was hugely disappointed in book three. I read book four this week to give her another chance and now she is off my reading list for good. I know she signed a multi-book contract, and sadly, it appears the need to churn the books out has impacted her stories' depth and quality.Lizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16170701034715108039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-59938375755691003972012-02-27T12:52:32.058-07:002012-02-27T12:52:32.058-07:00Fantastic post, and I agree on every point. I thin...Fantastic post, and I agree on every point. I think my biggest peeve at the moment was mentioned by Jenny Milchman: <i>I love it when the writer leaves stuff out--I think this is as much a part of the art as creating what goes in.</i><br /><br />Meaning, I hate it when an author reveals too much about the character and plot too soon. I need that tension, that mystery to keep me engaged--no matter the genre.<br /><br />I also don't like it when things finally come to a head in the story and it's completely predictable. I read a book recently by one of my favorite authors where this happened. I kept waiting for a twist, some surprise or shock, but it turned out exactly the way I thought it would. (It probably didn't help that the MC was very 2-dimensional and dull.)Randihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16308581550317612770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-76346518817709589252012-02-27T12:26:58.874-07:002012-02-27T12:26:58.874-07:00I'm seeing lots of good reasons to give up on ...I'm seeing lots of good reasons to give up on authors, the political ones also turn me off, the long sex scenes are a drag to me,books that don't really end, cardboard characters -- all good reasons to go on to something else.<br /><br />Paula mentions the wordiness of what was one of her favorite authors. I think times have changed in that respect. What once was acceptable, isn't anymore. We live in a fast-paced society now, and though readers do like some description to get grounded in a setting, they also want authors to get to the point.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33330038628607696722012-02-27T11:57:59.038-07:002012-02-27T11:57:59.038-07:00I agree with all the points you made, Morgan. I al...I agree with all the points you made, Morgan. I also think the more we learn about the art and craft of writing, the more critical we become of writers who were once our favourites. You've quoted one example, where the author is repetitive with her stories - I would also add that Steels' characters are cardboard cutouts, with no depth at all. Recently, I picked up a new novel by someone who used to be one of my favourite writers. Hadn't read any of hers for several years, and oh, what a shock I got. She has good plots and strong characters, but oh my, she is SO wordy, with long paragraphs where one succinct sentence would be far more effective.Paula Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10040623635956769807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-13126625888631677052012-02-27T11:56:25.534-07:002012-02-27T11:56:25.534-07:00Too much foreshadowing will make me put a book dow...Too much foreshadowing will make me put a book down. Descriptive Sex every single chapter, I'm done. Blatant grammar errors (there/their? REALLY?) Unlikable characters, repetitive language (Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb is infamous for this - all her books the dialog is the same nearly). And totally agree with tried and true authors all the sudden including WAY to much descriptive sex in their books. Obvious emotional manipulation, endings that just aren't ENDINGS, plots that lead off into nowhere and just drop off. But oddly enough, as picky as this sounds, I will really read almost anything. I'd prefer to read GOOD books, but I'll read bad ones if that's all I have!Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13750328613084179279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-48768213760879133652012-02-27T11:34:36.009-07:002012-02-27T11:34:36.009-07:00I'm pretty forgiving and will continue to read...I'm pretty forgiving and will continue to read people long after I should have given up. There are a couple of authors' whose work I continue to read, but I have to force myself. One annoyance is political or social commentary, especially repeated in book after book, which does NOT advance the storyline at all, but just gives the author a chance to gripe. It doesn't matter if I agree with the observations or not: it gets tiresome. If I wanted to read social commentary, there are any number of nice non-fiction books I could choose. Now if views are used as a part of the plot I don't mind as much. <br /><br />I also don't care for blatant reader manipulation. There was one author who introduced as adorable little puppy just so he could kill it in very graphic fashion off to prove how bad the killer was. I understand the author's intent, but he spent quite some time endearing the puppy to the reader, just to be sure we were properly upset. I read another book or two by him but sort of lost interest in his characters. <br /><br />JeanneBPL Refhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07206148409183653691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-62596819899726760662012-02-27T10:55:58.282-07:002012-02-27T10:55:58.282-07:00Tex is right about e-presence. Even many of the we...Tex is right about e-presence. Even many of the well known authors are online, or at least have representatives online for them. <br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-66022043172825022212012-02-27T10:20:21.860-07:002012-02-27T10:20:21.860-07:00I think a great example of a much-loved author who...I think a great example of a much-loved author who's been losing fans is George RR Martin. Complaints seem to fall into two categories: 1) the two newest books are largely filler material, with little of the action or resolution of previous books in the series, and 2) he's taken five years to write each one of these sub-par books, neither of which have done much to advance the main plot.<br /><br />This is an issue I've seen come up with authors like him, who are writing a single multi-volume story (rather than books in a series, where each one is a whole story in itself). Some people argue that the author doesn't owe the reader the end of the story: you the reader are just paying for one installment at a time. Others feel that the author has sold you on the promise of a whole, complete story; once you've signed on and become invested in the characters and what happens to them, it's irresponsible of the author not to deliver on the rest as promised. <br /><br />One thing I can say for sure, though: I am not likely to stick with an author who treats his fans poorly. It's not just about conventions and book-signings anymore; authors have a continuous e-presence now, and one who responds to legitimate reader questions or criticism with hostility puts me off the pre-orders right quick.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500527854574907482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-63871460926138260332012-02-27T10:04:43.180-07:002012-02-27T10:04:43.180-07:00Christopher, I hope the two crappy books in a row ...Christopher, I hope the two crappy books in a row happens instead of your first alternative!<br /><br />Patricia,<br />Yes, head hopping drives me up the wall!<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-58707179344082748412012-02-27T09:50:52.446-07:002012-02-27T09:50:52.446-07:00I have a lot of trouble with head-hopping within a...I have a lot of trouble with head-hopping within a scene. I need a character with whom I can identify, even if the <br />POV character changes in the next scene or chapter.Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-66275617800609233952012-02-27T09:39:23.183-07:002012-02-27T09:39:23.183-07:00If it's an author I love, he/she would pretty ...If it's an author I love, he/she would pretty much have drive a bus full of school children over a cliff for me to quit reading their stuff ... that, or write two crappy books in a row.Christopher Hudsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667548312923348614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-9869237763641026122012-02-27T09:15:20.739-07:002012-02-27T09:15:20.739-07:00Lucy is right. Self-published, as well as traditio...Lucy is right. Self-published, as well as traditionally published authors, owe readers a well crafted book. To paraphrase a slogan,authors need to Be All That We Can Be.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-68473188955494294842012-02-27T09:06:19.388-07:002012-02-27T09:06:19.388-07:00Too-stupid-to-live heroines kill a book for me eve...Too-stupid-to-live heroines kill a book for me every time, as do nasty heroes with no redeeming traits or heroines who are whiny and shallow. <br /><br />Authors who regurgitate the same darn plot or use the same characters, merely changing names and haircolor, lose me. And if the conflict is a minor misunderstanding that would be all better if they merely spoke to each other for five minutes, that book may well hit the wall.<br /><br />I don't mind sex in books so long as it's actually accomplishing something besides fun times for the characters. There had better be growth or some important change in one or both characters and their relationship via the scene, or it's extraneous and I'll skip it. It gets old fast trying to find the story bits in between the sex scenes.<br /><br />Linda asked a great question about what self-published authors owe the reading public. We owe readers a book that's been polished, professionally edited, properly formatted, and gives them an enjoyable experience in exchange for the money spent on the book. In other words, the same thing traditionally published authors owe readers.Lucy Francishttp://www.lucyfrancis.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704943052235281766.post-33656011660130774442012-02-27T09:00:24.788-07:002012-02-27T09:00:24.788-07:00Lots of great comments so far, which goes to show ...Lots of great comments so far, which goes to show readers are not always happy with what they get to read!<br /><br />Knowledge of the craft can hinder enjoyment of a sloppy book, yet can increase appreciation for one well written.<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.com