10 things I hate about your book

[Charley Brindley]

Reviewers, what is your pet peeve about the books you read?

I read a lot of first-time authors and I see the same mistakes over and over. I have my list of the ten things that annoy me the most, but what irritates you when reading a book?

There are the obvious distractions of poor punctuation, grammar, and formatting, but the subtle problems of foreshadowing, author intrusion, POV shifts and so on, can cause a reader to give up on an otherwise promising story.

I’m working on a new book called, “Ten Things I Hate About Your Book: Frank Advice From 25 Book Reviewers”.

Any reviewer who has a pithy complaint (and a helpful solution to the problem), may, at his or her option, be quoted and referenced in the book.

Please take my poll at

http://www.ariionkathleenbrindley.com/ten.shtml

and let me know if you would like to participate in the book.


Charley

[Charley Brindley]

Hi Natalie,

Poor character development can kill an otherwise good story. The reader doesn’t have to like the main character, but if the character has no personality, no quirks, or not even a mean streak, then where is the interest in reading about him or her?

If you haven’t already, please take my poll at

http://www.ariionkathleenbrindley.com/ten.shtml

and let me know if you would like to participate in the book.

Charley

[Charley Brindley]

Good morning RYCJ,

You made some good points. And I agree; the story has to have some depth to keep me engaged.

Thanks,

Charley

[Charley Brindley]

Hi Amy,

I can't tell you how many books I've put down because of repetition. You would think that would be lesson number one in creative writing 101.

Yes, one or two metaphors are fine, if they are original and thoughtful. Too many will turn the reader off almost as quickly as repeating unusual words.

Charley

[Anita Mann]

I hate narrative garbage. I don't want to read 3 pages about a field of flowers and hills. I would love to help you with this. I have a few pet peeves!

[Charley Brindley]

Hi Anita,

Good point and thanks for your input. I just sent you a message.

Charley