Where did April go?!
This month has gone by in a blur. Between work, writing deadlines, children, and a house in mid-renovation, I feel like I haven’t had a moment to breathe. Truth be told, I’m scrambling to finish this only a few hours before it goes live.
Despite the madness of life, I really enjoy these Read Around the Rainbow posts. When there is too much to do, it’s good to have something that forces you to sit quietly and take a moment for yourself. And these monthly posts force me to do just that. Something I would probably not do otherwise. And I love to read everyone else’s thoughts on each subject—though I still haven’t managed to finish reading the posts from the last time around. :(
This month Read Around the Rainbow is talking about what works for us as readers. Specifically, if story or writing plays the biggest factor when it comes to enjoying a book.
This is actually a conversation I’ve had many times, with many people. And, I think, despite writing changing me as a reader, my answer is mostly the same as it ever was.
I’ve always thought of myself as a laid-back reader—it’s one of the reasons I probably make a terrible beta—as I tend to take a story as I find it. When I’m reading, I’m there for the story the writer is telling. Would I have written the same story? Would my characters have made the same choices? Of course not, but I’m not here for that. I’m here to enjoy someone else’s tale.
I can love characters who are complete assholes just as much as can I love ones who are likable and sweet. Whether it’s a story of first love, or a story of revenge, for me the story always trumps.
When you have good writing and a good story?! Hell’s bells! Joy of joys!
True, it can be a delicate balance, and I’m sure that reading widely and writing have likely caused my definition of a good story to evolve, but it is still the story. I’ve read plenty of well-written, boring stories. And, while I can appreciate the skill, I’ll return to the flawed but creative author over a skillful author whose stories I don’t connect with, again and again.
For me, it’s as simple as that.
Make sure to check out all the other Read Around the Rainbow author posts to learn each of their thoughts on reading. I wonder if I am in the minority.
You can check out the other Read Around the Rainbow authors by clicking their names below!
Addison Albright • Holly Day • Lillian Francis • Fiona Glass • Ofelia Gränd • Nell Iris
• A.L. Lester • K.L. Noone • Ellie Thomas
