As
a book reviewer, there are times when I know I love a novel and other
times when I know I don't like a novel. What I didn't totally
understand was why.
Collins
has clarified that for me. She suggests three aspects of a novel that
need to be well done for us to like that novel. First, there must be
an effective story structure. She suggests a strong protagonist, a
formula for plot development, and how to grab the reader's attention
quickly. Second, there must be strong desires (emotions), more than
one, and that they can be revealed through dialogue. Third is
sentence rhythm and vividness, using sentence construction to convey
the pace of the plot and using effective words, making every word
count.
To
those I would add a fourth, proper use of words. An example comes
from this very book. “You might think,” Collins writes, “if a
novel uses less words, it takes less time to write.” Ouch. This
should have been “fewer” words and less time. “Fewer” is used
when individual items are in mind while “less” is used elsewhere.
For example, fewer calories, less fat.
Reading
this short work has helped me understand why I thoroughly enjoy some
novels while others leave me unexcited. It has also helped me
identify issues I have with a novel when I write a review.
I
recommend this book to those interested in writing fiction that
engages readers and to those who review fiction.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Brandilyn
Collins was born in India and grew up in Kentucky. She and her
husband now live in the Pacific Northwest. She has written nearly 30
novels and has won numerous awards. You can find out more at
http://brandilyncollins.com/.
Challow
Press, 84 pages.
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