I have some
questions for all you avid readers, I hope you’ll reply. …And I have offered my thoughts regarding my questions. 1. What makes you want to buy a book – the cover or the blurb on the back of the book? As an author (and an avid reader), I find buying books depends on what the story is about (the blurb), but the cover has to catch my eye for certain! The cover of any book should spark our imaginations, make us want to know more about what’s on the pages of the book and how involved the story will make us. I want to feel as though I’m the heroine, the strong woman who defies all around her to get what she wants. Since I’m not that person in real life, a character such as this would be one I would enjoy and cheer for as she makes her way through thick and thin. 2. When you get into a story, what keeps you reading? Is it the bad boy hero or the tough, strong willed woman or the cast of characters that help push the story forward? I like to laugh, to find humor in even the darkest of moments. When my heroine is about to go where no one should, I want it to be scary, yet challenging and ludicrous at the same time. While that can be hard to manage when working through the storyline, I can always allow the story to take a nap. Then, later, when I read the chapter, I take the opportunity to tweak and add to it. My Vinnie Esposito novels are a good example of that. In my latest Sarah McDougall novella, I gave Sarah a new power that puts her at a disadvantage as she learns how to control it. She ends up tangled in a coil of rope, flung onto a table of food, and other such experiences. If I chuckle as I write it, then I know I’m on the right track. If I don’t, then I know the scene needs reworking. (Hence the book naptime). 3. What makes you favor one author over another? For me … that would be story content! I’ve read Karen Marie Moning’s Fae Fever series a few times, and I can almost recite the stories verbatim. Honest! J I was sad when she ended the series and keep hoping she’ll bring Barrons and Mac back for another round of craziness. 4. Okay, this is the last question I have for you – When does a series become boring? Is it the 5thbook, 10th book, etc? As long as the author keeps the characters fresh, I find I don’t have a problem with the number of books in a series. When the storyline takes the same direction over and over without changes to keep the reader wanting thenext book, then it’s time to reevaluate the series, the direction and the characters. This sounds easier than it is, but for the sake of the readers, authors must keep those things in mind. Without readers, we have no audience, without an audience, authors are out of a job. We enjoy sharing our stories and feedback (constructive, that is) keeps us going. While we like to read how much a reader has found our novels to be better than ever, we also want to know our strengths and weaknesses. That can be said to us in a private message on Facebook, or in an email. We appreciate readers more than they realize, cross my heart! Thanks for reading, Jeanne You can visit me at: www.JMGriffin.com
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