hosted by Donna MacMeans
Please join me in welcoming Monica Burns into the lair. I met Monica last year at a reader's event when we discovered we share a publisher and an editor. We had a ball. Today, we're celebrating Monica's March release. RT Bookreviews said this about PLEASURE ME: "Multilayered, sexually charged, innovative and emotional, Burns’ novel will touch readers because she compels them to believe in the beauty and tenderness of love, and the value of every person in a relationship." Can't ask for more than that!
Most everyone enjoys music, and no matter who you are, you have a favorite singer or composer that you like to listen to. I’m also betting that when you hear one of their latest songs without the announcer telling you who’s singing, you’ll recognize it’s your favorite musician. I love John Williams’ soundtracks from all the Star Wars movies, Jaws, ET and many others he’s done. I also love Jerry Goldsmith who’s done many Star Trek movies and others. I can pick out their work even without seeing their name on the screen.
A number of years ago NBC News changed their opening soundtrack. The first time I heard it I knew John Williams had written the piece. My husband told me I was crazy, that I couldn’t possibly know it was Williams’ work (umm, yeah, like I wouldn’t be able to tell whether it’s Pepsi or Coke if I’m blindfolded! LOL). When the credits rolled that night, he looked at me in amazement and asked me how I’d known. I said it was the sound, the chords that I picked up on.
Books are the same way. Ever wondered why an author’s work resonates with you? Some readers and authors will say it’s because they write wonderful characters that are well-rounded. Others will say it’s the ARC in the story, how the author develops the story and brings it to its full conclusion. Then there are readers who want to get to the sex right away. They want “the nookie” right up front, they don’t want to wait for it, and don’t care for sexual tension in their books. Then there are the readers who despise what’s referred to as purple prose, while others want more dialogue between characters. ALL of these things and more are reflected in an author’s voice.
I’ve been published since 2004, but I started writing for publication in 2002. During the first two years, I heard nothing but I had to do this and that in order for a book to be brilliant enough for me to get an agent and get published. I learned “rules” about GMC (goals, motivation and conflict). I learned about deep POV and character ARCs. So I worked on these things, but over time I’ve developed a new theory about what makes a good book. I’ve since come to the conclusion that it’s an author’s voice that is the most important thing in whether readers enjoy a book. I’ll even going out on a limb to state that all the GMC, deep POV, character ARCs, etc, doesn’t mean squat if an author’s voice doesn’t grab a reader. I admit that those things enhance a book, but I truly believe they’re a small fraction of what makes a reader think the last book they read was wonderful, meh or lousy.
A reader falls in love with an author when the book resonates with them, when they feel as though they’re seeing the book directly through the author’s eyes. The story is unfolding for them just as it would if they’d written it themselves. It appeals to their own inner voice and the reader can identify with the story’s characters. I firmly believe this is true because of reactions I get to my own work.
Pleasure Me is a good example. I’ve gotten rave reviews for the book and reviews where readers panned the book in a major way. With my work, I’m seeing a pattern. Readers either love my work or they find it annoying. They cite all the “rules” they’ve heard from
other reviewers or writers as to why a book is good or not. But I’m convinced that these “rules” have nothing to do with what makes an author popular. My theory says it’s all about how the author’s voice appeals to the reader, and how the reader can identify with the characters.
For example, I have three author friends who write wonderful, sexy, angsty romance with delicious heroes (two are in the same genre, one isn’t). IMHO, they all have all the right “rules” in place in their work. Guess what, one of them is close to being a superstar, while the others aren’t even mid-list authors. Why? What makes one of my friends increasingly popular while my other two friends are struggling to climb the ladder? Voice. I’m convinced of it.
I’m the same way. My work tends to make readers love it or hate it. There’s not much middle ground with readers who read me. I’m a wall banger or a keeper. This is perfectly okay because I have never expected everyone to love me. My latest book, Pleasure Me is a good example of that love/hate relationship. It’s important to understand that when an author writes, they write for themselves first and then for readers. I love pleasing my readers, but I know that if I’m not happy with the book, then those who DO enjoy my books, won’t enjoy the book either
I analyze my work constantly because I want to improve the way I write my stories. I want to create
full-bodied works, but when I take into consideration all the “rules,” I keep coming back to the same idea. Voice is all that really matters. I tend to cite Dan Brown as an example constantly, but I think his work is wonderful example. I love Brown. I think he writes amazing books, but his characterizations totally suck IMHO. Langston is completely flat and one-dimensional. This opinion however is based on what I was taught about writing. The “rules” if you will. BUT, as far as
I’m concerned I don’t care about the “rules” because I love Brown’s storytelling, I love his books, and it’s because of his voice. His voice keeps sucking me into the story.
Now maybe I’m unusual, but I don’t think so. I’ve been reading for many
years, and not until I seriously considered trying to get published did I even think about what makes for a good book. I read, and either I totally fell in love or was just meh about a book. I can’t think of too many books that made me want to chuck them aside. Wait, A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I just wince when I think how I struggled to finish that book. I eventually put it down. I never thought it was badly written, I just didn’t get it. Yet it was a hit. Why? Because people loved the author’s voice. They got the book. I didn’t.
Romance books are the same way. We can analyze a work all we want, but IMHO, it’s just to try and make romance appear literary, to give it respectability. I don’t care about respectability, I care about making myself happy writing a book I enjoy reading, and finding readers who like it too. My voice is like a dark and stormy night, followed by a beautiful sunrise when the grass is still damp from last night’s rain. I am who I am. Love me or leave me because it’s my voice, and even if I could change it, I wouldn’t. I like who I am, and I like what I write.
Read the first three chapters of Pleasure Me
http://monicaburns.blogspot.com/p/pleasure-me-with-romance-blog-event_28.html
So do you think we over analyze romance books? Do you have an author you willing forgive just about anything simply because you love the way they write? Leave a comment to have a chance at winning a copy of Pleasure Me.
49 comments:
:)
Woot, Mariska! Hi, Monica! I do enjoy your writing, and you do make a point--when I enjoy a writer's storytelling, I can overlook other areas, but if the story's not holding my attention, then even minor things will bother me (a misplaced comma? ;))
In general, I don't overanalyze romance--I love to read it, and I'm happy with that!
Hi Monica,
i've been wanting to read your books since last year. no luck for me so far ( mean i haven't won anything *grins*)
i've never over analyze romance, i just enjoy the ride :)
Hi Monica, welcome to the lair! Thanks Donna, for bringing Monica to us today.
I think you're absolutely right about voice--and that's what makes it so frustrating for writers trying to break in sometimes. Voice is something you can't really teach, although you can learn to play to your strengths and find the genre that best suits your voice. I do believe in knowing the so-called rules of good storytelling. They can help me analyze why I feel a story is going in the wrong direction. But it's dangerous to become a slave to the rules because that's likely to stifle a writer's voice. I think you have to learn the rules and then forget them and write.
Congrats on the rooster, Mariska!
Congrats on the new release, Monica. I do sometimes find myself over analyzing some books, but I do forgive certain authors if something bothers me about the plot or how the characters behave.
Aloha, Monica! Yes, I think we overanalyze romance. I enjoy it for the escapism. But some readers enjoy the analysis - perhaps that's their escape.
Thank you for giving us "outside the box" characters!
Aloha, Mariska! At least the GR is staying in the Pacific!
Well done Mariska have fun with him
Hi Monica and Donna
Monica I am sorry to say that I have not yet read one of your books but they are on my must have list.
I don't over analyze romance books either they take me on an adventure to a HEA and that is what I enjoy yes I do agree that some authors voices just get me straight away and I will read them all the time there have not been many romance books that I have not really enjoyed.
Congrats on the release
Have Fun
Helen
I already have Pleasure me so don't enter me in the contest.
I do recognize my fav authors voices, but I don't analyze their books. I have been known to try and figure out why there are some stories I just can't get into.
There are several authors that I believe I could pick out of a lineup just by the way the book reads, and the same number that I could forgive just about anything..LOL
Mary Balogh, Victoria Alexander, all of the published Banditas, have strong voices. I believe I could even pick out a couple of the not yet published Banditas. In the blog I don't usually have to see who wrote it to know who it is.
Hey Mariska - Congrats on snagging the GR.
I find that if I identify with the characters - and really like the characters - I'll follow them through the story even if the story stresses my suspension of belief or sort of loses steam midway through. I'll keep reading just to make sure the characters get that Happily Ever After!
Dianna - How sweet of you to mention that you can pick out the voices of all of us, published or not. It's hard to recognize one's own voice - but it's often clear to others. Funny how that works.
Morning everyone, It's stormy here, so will have to make this short (*snort* I'm too vocal for that! LOL)
Fichen1 Thanks for reading. I think when we over analyze a book, we miss out on what it was meant for. Escapism and just the fun of reading a story. Now not all stories are for all people. :-)
Mariska, Sorry you've not won anything yet, but I can direct you to Amazon where Kismet is sell for $5 something. Not a bad value as it's a long historical. As I said, I'm long-winded. :) And enjoying the ride is what it's all about IMHO
Christine - Rules are good like you said when you're starting out, but relying on them or listening to reviews that say the author didn't do this or this right is a mistake IMHO. We can't please everyone, because IMHO voice is what pleases. Good grammar and some sense of continuity is important though. :-)
Jane, I think readers are being trained to over analyze, and while a little analyzing is good, I think it can ruin an otherwise pleasurable experience. In a lot of places I see reviews that go into detail about why a book does/doesn't work, and for me, it's like reading a critique from another writer.
Kim - I'm so glad you like out of the character books, because I love to write them. Thanks for reading
Helen thanks for the congrats, as I told Mariska, try me out on Kismet which is at a bargain price on Amazon. Just enjoying the read is what it's all about for me.
Donna, you've hit on it right there when you say you know who wrote a blog post without seeing their name. THAT is voice, and if you love the voice, then you're going to enjoy the book. Maybe not as much as others the author has written, but that's all about the actual story and possibly the execution, but voice is critical
I'll be back later today folks. Day job is calling.
An unexpected piece of theme music from the great John Williams: Lost in Space, the TV series. Credited to "Johnny Williams." I was astonished when I found that out.
Congrats on the release :) I don't think I over analyze, for me reading is an escape (ie: no major thinking wanted). There are some authors I'll buy and read as long as I enjoy their stories at least some. If their writing (or my taste) have changed such that I find their last few books (the 1st one or two are always forgiven as a anomoly) left me wanting, I may find myself hesitating and looking closer before buying rather doing automatically. I don't nitpick over the minor details of a book, but it's the overall story that interest me and influences the reading experience for me.
For me I know a story doesn't have my full attention when I start to analyze everything. But when I am really enjoying a story I don't think about why.
Hi, Monica! Welcome to the Lair. What an interesting post.
Whoa, Mariska, again? LOL.
Hi Donna and Monica!
Monica, I'm on page 153 of Assasin's Honor and really enjoying it. I'm normally not a reader of paranormals, but I read an excerpt of the book from your website (or somewhere!) and I was hooked.
I chafe at the over analysis of any book. In fiction, it's all about the author's voice and characterization. I read a novel a couple months ago that was written in 1st person POV. It had a great plot, plenty of twists, but the author's voice wasn't strong enough and came off as tedious.
Congrats on the GR, Mariska!
Cheers,
Pink
Welcome to the Lair, Monica and thanks for a thought-provoking post!
I can always tell if a book isn't working for me, because I start to analyse it and read it like a writer! Like Fedora, that's when typos and copy editing mistakes start to annoy me too.
I remember a case where I didn't enjoy a book from a favourite author and the more I analysed it, the more I became convinced the author hadn't written the book herself. I don't know if it was over-edited or if she had a ghost writer or if she was just having a really, really bad book, but it was so strange because her voice was completely missing. What's more, when I asked others what they thought, they all felt the same way!
I don't tend to analyze books and don't believe in rules for them. If the story is interesting, I like it. I love it when I find unique books to read.
I do find that I can pick out my favorite musician's music without knowing it was them, especially Metallica's music.
Mariska, looks like you have the golden one today!
Monica, lovely to see you here! And congratulations on all the buzz Pleasure Me is getting! It's interesting about voice, isn't it? I think there's definitely a lot in what you're saying. I have authors I just buy on the name and pretty much always enjoy. Even if the story has a few flaws, I just love being in that particular author's world. There's definitely a Madeline Hunter World and a Liz Carlyle World and a Christine Wells World!
This ones got me thinking this morning. I appreciate the folks that do put reviews on books, I do take them into account when looking for a new book/author. I tend to discredit those who review books and everything they read is a 5 star book, maybe they are easier to please than I am.
I don't think I over analyze the romance that I read, but I know that I def have a strong opinion about what I do/don't like.
One author that I can forgive pretty much anything is Dean Koontz. Not romance, but I love his stories!
I didn't have time to address the question early (7:00 a.m. dental appointment -- WHAT was I thinking??).
I think we don't analyze romance fiction enough and that's one of our problems. If we analyzed romance like we did literary fiction in high school or college, we'll hold ourselves to a higher standard in general. There's a lot of bad romance writing out there (not here in the Lair, of course). As writers we should seek to please our readers, give them enjoyment and entertainment, but we also should produce high quality writing and other elements that make good books.
I use romance novels more as an escapism to the real world and just want to read what I enjoy. I do read reviews and excerpts to know what I'm getting into but I tend to not think to hard about everything.
Okay, I give up. The last three days the Blogger has eaten my post. Is anyone else having this problem?
You got the GR, Mariska! Could you turn him loose on the Blogger please?
Hello, Monica! I really enjoyed your blogfest! Great authors and great conversation!
And I do love your take on voice. There are a number of authors I will forgive anything simply because I love their voice. Their story telling skills, their voice sucks me in and carries me through the story before I know it.
I do tend to analyze a romance novel after I've finished it. I go over what the author did well and what they did not. And in that analysis sometimes a light bulb goes on for me and I think "Oh, that is what they meant by _____"
My favorite authors are the ones who immerse me in their world from the first page and before I know it I have finished the book without one thought to analysis. The Bandita authors do that to me all the time. Many a night I've been kept up by a Bandita book, trapped in its clutches because the story simply won't let me go.
As an aspiring writer I've spent the last four years going from all voice, to following the rules everyone told me I should follow and now I am back to writing what I want the way I want with a tip of the hat to the rules, but for the most part I am depending on what I hope is becoming a real voice in Regency historicals. We'll see!
I usually don't tend to overanalyze books that I am reading. It takes away from the story if I am just sitting there looking for things the author did that are wrong or inconsistant. I read to escape and that isn't escaping.
Now when it comes to my "go to authors" I treat them the same as if I were reading a new author. If they keep writing books that I don't like I will not continue to purchase their books. I am at the point that I have way too many on my TBR and wishlist to continue to read an author who's work I am not enjoying.
I am very forgiving but, oh I do not know. There are just certain tropes I am not to keen about
Speaking of voice...a few years ago I read the Buccaneers by Edith Wharton for research purposes. About 80% through the book, the voice changed. The descriptive passages weren't as detailed as earlier in the book and the dialogue just didn't have the same sparkle. After I finished the book, I discovered that Edith had died before she'd finished the book. Another writer who was a great fan of hers, finished the story based on the synopsis. The page that explained all this mentioned that the new author picked up the story about page XX - which was precisely when I knew something had changed.
The page with explanation also had a little grumbling over the fact that the book didn't closely follow the synopsis. I had to smile over that.
Donna...
I've never read the book, but have you seen the Buccaneers mini-series? It's one of my favorites.
Pink
Ellis, That is such a COOL trivia note on Williams! I didn't know that. Now I'll have to go hunt down the theme music as I never watched the show.
Gamistress, Thanks for the Congrats. Reading is an escape for me too. Tastes do change as we move through life. I have on author who I read up through the 2002, then I found that her writing shifted more toward a mystery bent, and I didn't really care for that type of storyline so I stopped buying. Her writing was still good, but my tastes didn't evolve with her.
Maureen, I think reading is about forgetting everything and just living in the world itself.
Jennifer, I'm gald you're enjoying Assassin's Honor. While I like the book, I will be quite honesty and state that Assassin's Heart is infinitely better. But then I analyze my own work harshly. :-D
Anna Sugden, This is EXACTLY what I'm talking about. When a book isn't working for us, I think we're not connecting with the author. We look for little things to pull it apart. We look for the "rules" that there shouldn't be so much internal dialogue or that there should be more talking between characters. I think these are signs of personal tastes and whether an author's voice connects with us, otherwise we try to find reasons why the book doesn't work for us.
June - I'm with you, if I'm reading a book and it doesn't work for me, I just put it aside. I don't feel the need to analyze why it didn't work. Because what I think is good writing isn't necessarily the same for everyone.
Anna, thanks for all the kudos. There will always be flaws in any book, simply because as authors we're not perfect. So I just read authors whom I love (of which you're one, doll)
Jenn3128 - Since I don't use reviews to buy my books, I find the stars, roses, cups, etc. useless to me. Primarily because my tastes rarely match up with the reviewers. I'll check out Amazon reviewers to see what they rate as good or bad. That tells me whether or not I can rely on they're comments. If they give a high score to a book I like on a consistent scale, then I can generally trust their opinion, but I still find myself disagreeing more often than not.
JoRobertson, I don't think there's any more "bad romance writing" in the industry than there is bad literary works on the shelves. In fact, I think BECAUSE romance gets such a bad rap romance writing has stronger characterizations, deeper emotional connections and overall stronger plots. However, I don't think romance should be treated as literary. It's entertainment first and foremost. Escapism. I think it can be used to provoke thoughtful conversation about different topics, but I don't want every romance I read to make me think about heavy subjects, cultural differences or why the world is the way it is. I'll let books like To Kill a Mockingbird or Grapes of Wrath do that for me. I want my romances to be about the fairytale, a HEA and I don't necessarily want to think when I'm reading. *grin*
ClaudiGC - I write what I want to read. I write not just for my readers but for me too. If I'm not enjoying my writing, then it's going to show, and readers are apt to be disappointed.
Louisa, I'm glad you enjoyed the blog fest. It was exhausting but fun. In analyzing I think what you're doing is what a writer tends to do. We want to look at a good book and say what can I do to repeat that success. The problem is that takes away from the enjoyment for me, so I work really hard not to analyze. I also think that when rules are bandied about without the understanding that rules are made to be broken, there's a tendency to analyze something to death. LOL
Danielle, yep, I agree. If an author switches tracks (like my fav author did by moving to a more mystery type plotted book) then I move on. I write what I like to read, and if an author moves to contemp from historical, it's unlikely that I'll follow since contemps aren't my fav.
Blodeuedd, But certain tropes are tastes for you, so that's quite understandable. It doesn't mean the book is good or bad because the author uses that trope, so an analysis of the book shouldn't reflect badly on the book, but should be a reflection of the readers tastes. Two different things in my mind.
Donna, Voice does make a difference doesn't it. The book isn't necessarily badly written, it just doesn't appeal in quite the same way.
I don't like to over analyze too many things (such as books or art). I want to have my own opinion and not be told what I should or should not think lol. Didn't do well in art history or some advanced reading classes for just that reason. But I do know what I like and if the author's voice is to my liking, I will continue to buy their books no matter what genre. Now I have to admit that I haven't read you as yet but your book does sound wonderful!
catslady, Art is a REALLY good example of what's considered good or not good in terms of overall quality. Everyone raves about Picasso, and I find his work annoying. It's not that I think his work has no quality or value, I just know its not for me. There's a Picasso exhibit here in Richmond and the DH asked if I wanted to go. I looked at him as if he'd suddenly sprouted a new head. His response was, "obviously not." LOL
This book sounds unbelievably good !!! Please enter me for a chance to win a copy !!
Personally I like the way you analyze books. It makes me more aware of underlying points that I have missed or should look for while I'm reading.
I've really enjoyed reading the books of new author Kieran Kramer. I think she brings a fresh new view to the historical romance book genre (and her titles are witty and funny).
Hello Donna and Monica. Congratulations to Monica on your new book. I have heard such great things about Pleasure Me and can't wait to read it.
There is nothing like a good romance. When I read romance I am looking for a great story that makes me go.. ahh. I don't try to analize them and I love creativity. Lucky for me I have never been in the situation where forgiveness was needed for a favorite author.
So do you think we over analyze romance books? Well, I certainly don't. I either like the book or not.
Do you have an author you willing forgive just about anything simply because you love the way they write? Well, not really. Even Nora Roberts has some books I can't stand. They are all well written, but some of them just leave a bad taste to my mouth. Like Divine Evil or Birthright. They may be well written, but I don't want to read them again. You mentioned your experience with trying to read A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I haven't tried to read that one yet, but I had a similar experience with Lord of the Rings. I did struggle through the entire book, but I much rather read books by David Eddings for so many reasons.
Jenn3128 - Just wanted to say that I have a love/hate relationship with Dean Koontz. If I open one of his stories, I'm instantly hooked. Man- that guy knows how to hook a reader. But then I'm terrified of everything that goes bump in the night while I'm reading the book and even after I finish. So I try to avoid his books. I did turn my son onto them though. He's a fan.
Jennifertanner - I haven't seen the miniseries of the Buccaneers - I'll have to see if I can get those on DVD. I wanted to read the book as I wanted to absorb the words. There's nothing like reading a book by a contemporary of the period to get the flavor and sense of that period. Plus, the idea of the Buccaneers - wealthy American heiresses hoping to marry a British title - was the concept behind my arranged marriage story - THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE. I really enjoyed the book and learned. rather unexpectedly, about voice in the process. Thanks for the tip. I'll watch for the DVDs.
Jeanne, I've not heard of Kieran Kramer before, I'll have to check her out. As a writer, I tend to live in a hole because between a day job and writing full-time there's only so much time available to me. :-D
ChrisS, thanks for the congrats. I agree there's nothing like a good romance. One of my favorites is Judith McNaught's A Knight In Shining Armor. While the ending was a bit tricky for me, I did sigh and go man that was a great book.
Minna, Liking the book or not liking the book is pretty straightforward and simple. I do enough analyzing of my own work when I'm writing, that I don't have time to pick apart a book I'm reading. :-D I just want some relaxation. If the book doesn't give me that, then I move on. Although I think as a writer it's VERY IMPORTANT to analyze one's own work. And I struggle to read Harry Potter books!! But I LOVE the movies and my girls say they're pretty close to the actual books. It's the prose that doesn't work for me, but the story arcs in the movie are amazing!
Donna...The Buccaneers is available in DVD now. I liked it so much that I bought the series when it first came out on VHS a few years ago. If you like costume/period dramas, you'll enjoy this.
Cheers!
Pink P.
Thanks for the response, Monica.
Of course, I meant romance WRITERS should analyze romance literature to figure what works and what doesn't in the genre. I probably didn't say it very well.
Jo, It's really hard to discuss an issue online without being face-to-face. If we'd been sitting across from each other, one of us would have said, wait a minute...are you saying... LOL
As a writer, I analyze my work constantly, but I try really hard not to do that with books I read. I admit to studying Anna's books in depth because I love how she writes. In fact, I have one ditty from her that I use. What's the one thing my h/h would never do. That helped me a lot in my last book. But for the most part, I just put the internal editor away and read her and Loretta Chase simply for the joy of reading. *grin*
I love discussing topics like this though because it makes me think, and hopefully makes others think too.
Evening ladies ...
I'm kind of in the middle here ... there have been books and for whatever reason they didn't click with me and I'll pick the whole thing apart. Everything from the editing job to wither or not a certain scene could even happen "in the real world".
But if it's an author I've enjoyed before, there's a lot I won't even think twice about.
Kimberly, That's what I love about the romance genre. The real world doesn't really exist in our books. Elements of it do, most certainly. BUT, there are plenty of things that need suspension of disbelief in order for it to be believable. Not that takes some skill from the author to pull that off, but their voice is going to play a huge part of that IMHO. Of course, I am now doing what I said we shouldn't do with romance books. ROFL
LOL, Monica, I learned that same line from Anna.
I guess it's the teacher in me that feels compelled to analyze.
Welcome Monica. I'm a little late in the comment game today, but welcome! Great post!
I tend to over-analyze everything books, music, movies. Searching for the deeper meaning, the reality within and so on.
I am just like Dianna. I can recognize my favorite authors, favorite actors or actresses voices. FYI Sam Elliot has a new Dodge commercial on the radio. Sexy as hell!
Final note: Mariska good job landing that wascal of a chook!
Slush, isn't it neat how you can enjoy an artist's work so much that you recognize their voice anywhere, even when you don't know the name? Mozart and Beethoven are like that for me in addition to Williams and Goldsmith.
Post a Comment