Reviewing with River

Do you look at the plot, the characters, and the way that the author puts words together?

Absolutely, all of those are important and it would be hard to have a story without them. You can have the most interesting characters in the world but if they don't DO anything, they're not very interesting. And if the words are put together in a haphazard fashion I won't care about plot or characters. Like a great meal, all the ingredients of your story must work together to fill the senses of the reader until the very fulfilling end.

Do you like stories that have a lot of action or a lot of character development?

I don't have a preference. I read a lot of different types of writing, and have a wide variety of eclectic tastes. I look for a story that captures my attention and holds me there, almost as a hostage to the words and the visions dancing through my mind. I'm a very visual person so the better the writing is, the more I'm able to envision it in my mind. Action isn't necessarily a requirement as I've read many great stories with little to no action whatsoever. Those more literary stories oftentimes are looking at the world in a different way or sharing a message. Character development is important, to be sure, but it's about the whole picture. All the elements of the story are important for it to be a success. You can't point to a single element as making a story a success, but rather how each element is successful on its own within the overall story. Those collective elements all working together are what make a story successful.

Do you like authors to use a lot of complicated words, or very simple words?
I'm not a big fan of people gratuitously using big words. I was taught years ago - never use a dime word when a nickel word will do just the same. But I see a lot of writers, particularly new ones who use this fancy, lofty language in an effort to impress others. There's no need for that and I learned it on early in my career. Be direct. Be honest. Be clear. Use your own unique voice. Choose your words with care and deliberation. Each and every one.

If your reader needs a dictionary for every sentence, you're failing to connect with that reader. The occasional complex word used in the proper context can be fun, but overuse of archaic vocabulary is annoying to the reader. I have an exceptional vocabulary and good comprehension so if someone is using language I don't understand repeatedly, I get tired of it pretty quick.

The point is to bring your reader close, so they trust you, not drive them away by talking over their head. It's important the reader feel safe with you, not lost among your words. While writing a story isn't the time to search the dictionary for the most challenging word you can find. Leave that for spelling bees and word contests. Find the words to convey what you're trying to say, clear as the water from a mountain's spring thaw.



Charity Marie

Access my portfolio showcase here:

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2177494 by Not Available.