Reading and the Appeal Factor
Framework of Appeal: Capture the essential essence of the book that a reader enjoys
Eight interdependent essential elements of appeal:
1. Pacing: The speed at which the book moves through the story arc and how the reader experiences that movement. Both what it feels like to read the book and the rate at which the story unfolds.
Dialogue speeds things up, while excess details, description and exposition can slow things down. Length of chapters and paragraphs, changing scenes and multiple points of view read more quickly. Some genres have more predictable story arcs than others.
2. Characterization: The number and type of characters, and how the reader interacts with them. Can the reader identify with the character, like them and understand their motivations? Or does the reader prefer to stay objective and detached?
What kind of personality does each character have? Do characters remain stagnate, or do they grow in change throughout the course of a series or story? Are the characters heroes and villains, or is there moral ambiguity?
3. Storyline: The blueprint of the book. What is its context? What genre does it represent? What is the topic and theme of the story?
4. Language: Some readers simply cannot enjoy a book that they feel is poorly written. Example: Ana Grey series – bad moral choices, but so well-written that I couldn’t stop reading!
5. Setting: Where is the book placed? How much of the setting is brought to life? How well-incorporated is the landscape in the work? Example: Sister Mine
6. Detail: All the added extras that authors put into their books to bring the story alive.
7. Tone: How the book feels when it is read. What kind of story is the reader in the mood for? Does the reader prefer a story that will make them sad, make them laugh or scare them?
8. Learning/Experiencing: How motivated is the reader to learn and understand another perspective? How well does the author meet that expectation? Example: Notes from Nethers
For every reader, some of these elements matter far more than others.
What’s My Reader Profile?
1. Learning/Experiencing: I read memoirs solely for this element – and it’s nice when the mysteries that I listen to weave in expository information (setting, job, family background) as well. I believe in universal truths and principals, and am always happily surprised whenever I find a quote that resonates with me.
2. Pacing: I prefer a book with dialogue and character interaction to an introspective monologue. If I have to listen to someone ponder their navel too long, I will stop reading.
3. Characterization: It’s important to me to be able to identify with the main character and to respect his or her decisions. I don’t like moral ambiguity.
4. Tone: I don’t like stories that end on a note of hopelessness (e.g. White Oleander, Back Roads)
Eight interdependent essential elements of appeal:
1. Pacing: The speed at which the book moves through the story arc and how the reader experiences that movement. Both what it feels like to read the book and the rate at which the story unfolds.
Dialogue speeds things up, while excess details, description and exposition can slow things down. Length of chapters and paragraphs, changing scenes and multiple points of view read more quickly. Some genres have more predictable story arcs than others.
2. Characterization: The number and type of characters, and how the reader interacts with them. Can the reader identify with the character, like them and understand their motivations? Or does the reader prefer to stay objective and detached?
What kind of personality does each character have? Do characters remain stagnate, or do they grow in change throughout the course of a series or story? Are the characters heroes and villains, or is there moral ambiguity?
3. Storyline: The blueprint of the book. What is its context? What genre does it represent? What is the topic and theme of the story?
4. Language: Some readers simply cannot enjoy a book that they feel is poorly written. Example: Ana Grey series – bad moral choices, but so well-written that I couldn’t stop reading!
5. Setting: Where is the book placed? How much of the setting is brought to life? How well-incorporated is the landscape in the work? Example: Sister Mine
6. Detail: All the added extras that authors put into their books to bring the story alive.
7. Tone: How the book feels when it is read. What kind of story is the reader in the mood for? Does the reader prefer a story that will make them sad, make them laugh or scare them?
8. Learning/Experiencing: How motivated is the reader to learn and understand another perspective? How well does the author meet that expectation? Example: Notes from Nethers
For every reader, some of these elements matter far more than others.
What’s My Reader Profile?
1. Learning/Experiencing: I read memoirs solely for this element – and it’s nice when the mysteries that I listen to weave in expository information (setting, job, family background) as well. I believe in universal truths and principals, and am always happily surprised whenever I find a quote that resonates with me.
2. Pacing: I prefer a book with dialogue and character interaction to an introspective monologue. If I have to listen to someone ponder their navel too long, I will stop reading.
3. Characterization: It’s important to me to be able to identify with the main character and to respect his or her decisions. I don’t like moral ambiguity.
4. Tone: I don’t like stories that end on a note of hopelessness (e.g. White Oleander, Back Roads)
Labels: appeal factor, writing
posted by Lisa | 11:21 AM
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