In the time of Dickens, writers could take their time telling a story. They could describe things in great detail and then spend many paragraphs letting us get to know their characters.
Today, however, if we want our books to sell in a big way, we don't have that kind of time. We have to catch people's attention right from the start.
Today, there are thousands (hundreds of thousands?) novels on the market. Some by professional writers, some by amateurs, some by young children. The competition is fierce. If a reader starts a book and it doesn't immediately hook them, they are going to put it down. There's lots more books where that one came from.
So, as novelists today, we have to get our readers intrigued as soon as possible.
A key component of intriguing the reader is having a great concept for your book. Something different than we've seen before.
Recently, I picked up a new novel by a writer whose first book I had really enjoyed. It had a unique concept and the writing was excellent. I read it very quickly and enjoyed it.
The writing in his new book was also excellent. However the concept was nothing special. Even though the book was well done, it didn't keep me reading. The reason was that the concept had not pulled me in. I didn't care.
For many years I worked as a magician. A lot of magicians do the same tricks in the same way as everyone else. They probably earn an "okay" living. However, the ones who succeed in the biggest way either are very unique in their magic, or in the way that they perform. Someone who just does "the old rabbit from the hat," is not going to make a splash. However, the magician who does his whole act with lightbulbs is going to do well (aka Mr. Electric.)
So my suggestion is to write a terrific book, but also make sure the concept is a unique one.
Have fun every day!
Steve
Today, however, if we want our books to sell in a big way, we don't have that kind of time. We have to catch people's attention right from the start.
Today, there are thousands (hundreds of thousands?) novels on the market. Some by professional writers, some by amateurs, some by young children. The competition is fierce. If a reader starts a book and it doesn't immediately hook them, they are going to put it down. There's lots more books where that one came from.
So, as novelists today, we have to get our readers intrigued as soon as possible.
A key component of intriguing the reader is having a great concept for your book. Something different than we've seen before.
Recently, I picked up a new novel by a writer whose first book I had really enjoyed. It had a unique concept and the writing was excellent. I read it very quickly and enjoyed it.
The writing in his new book was also excellent. However the concept was nothing special. Even though the book was well done, it didn't keep me reading. The reason was that the concept had not pulled me in. I didn't care.
For many years I worked as a magician. A lot of magicians do the same tricks in the same way as everyone else. They probably earn an "okay" living. However, the ones who succeed in the biggest way either are very unique in their magic, or in the way that they perform. Someone who just does "the old rabbit from the hat," is not going to make a splash. However, the magician who does his whole act with lightbulbs is going to do well (aka Mr. Electric.)
So my suggestion is to write a terrific book, but also make sure the concept is a unique one.
Have fun every day!
Steve