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?
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.
ReplyDeleteThough I love twists in plot, mystery really doesn't do much for me.
Great post.
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.
ReplyDeleteDragon Riders of Pern and a she does a Sci-fi series too... both excellent.
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.
ReplyDelete-Jimmy
No I haven't watched it yet J.D. But I hope to sometime this week. :)
ReplyDeleteNo, 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.