Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Reading What I Write - Sort Of

This weeks topic asks us what we read vs what we write. I write High Fantasy and, I've admitted this before, I don't read much High Fantasy.

It's not that I'm afraid I'll 'copy' an idea or anything like that. It's the point that quite frankly, I hate the way the majority of High Fantasy novels are written. I know that sounds terrible as a High Fantasy writer myself, but it's true.

I do love to watch fantasy movies however, as it takes away the flowery language to describe the new world - it's just there in picture. This might also be due to the fact that I'm naturally a character driven writer. I want to know about the characters, how they act, their quirks, etc not read paragraphs of flowery adjectives about their house.

I absolutely love to read mysteries! Mary Higgins Clark is my favorite mystery/suspense writer and I own many of her books. I read her books over and over again because the tension is so great that even when I'm reading it for the 10th or 20th time, I still feel my breath caught in my throat in anticipation for what happens next. I don't think I could ever write one though - or anything contemporary for that matter. It's just not in me to write about the world I already live in I guess.

My novels do have a hint of mystery and suspense in them though. I love writing about the many twists and turns of solving some mystery - especially in my series The Kinir Elite Chroicles. The elves are elite warriors and it's their job to bring down the bad guy - much like a cop would! So the mystery element is definitely there.

I also enjoy reading romance novel - but not straight romance. It needs to have another main plot going for me to enjoy it. The romance is the side plot not the main point of the story. I eat those stories up. And as far as my writing is concerned, I always have a romance element in it as well.

Frankly, when it comes to what I like to read - I'll read almost anything. Horror is a definite no in my book and with fantasy it all depends on the voice and style of the writer. Sorry to any horror writers out there but I just can't do it LOL. One of two things happens when it comes to reading (or watching) horror 1 - it's so cheesy I feel like I wasted my money or 2 - it's so scary I can't sleep for a month. Which I know is the point of horror, I just prefer to NOT lose sleep thank you. :P

Since I feel like I've rambled through this post, let's recap. I write High Fantasy but don't read too much of it. My stories also have a hint of mystery and romance. I don't read horror, ever, and I'll read most anything else but my favorite is mystery novels. :) I want to write Sci-Fi some day, and I do read a lot of that.

What about you? What do you like read? Writers, do you read the same as you write? Why or why not?

4 comments:

  1. Have you watched (or read) Game of Thrones? I love the show SO much, I want to buy the books. It's High Fantasy and I think it's right up your alley, think you'd really enjoy it.

    Though I love twists in plot, mystery really doesn't do much for me.

    Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with the overly flowery part on some high fantasy -- but others can do it really well. Have you read any of Anne McCaffrey's stuff? You might like her style.

    Dragon Riders of Pern and a she does a Sci-fi series too... both excellent.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, miss Anastasia. So very glad to greet you today and to read your post. Thanks. I will have no comment since I am posting Friday. ;) How's the fam? Hope everyone's well.

    -Jimmy

    ReplyDelete
  4. No I haven't watched it yet J.D. But I hope to sometime this week. :)

    No, C.J. I haven't read any of her, but I'll check her out for sure.

    The fam is all right Jimmy. I'm just a tad stressed trying to get my new writing site off the ground, but...it'll get there.

    ReplyDelete