What sort of things do you love to read about?

Question

I want to be a writer but i don't want to write something that no one will read.
Do you like realistic novels? historical? fantasy?

I want to write because it's the only thing in the world that makes me feel perfectly content. I will write what i want, i just want to make sure there's an audience out there for what i want to write. because whether i like to think of it that way or not, i want to be able to make a comfortable living off what i love to do.

Answer 1

What do I look for in a book?

1: Prose style. Not too flowery or overwrought, but smooth and beautiful nonetheless. Ursula K. LeGuin is an excellent example of this. She writes with such simplicity yet makes it sound poetic.

2: Convey strong emotions, but do so subtly (ie. show, don't tell). Without the emotion I'll lose interest, but if you are blatant about it I'll be put off.

3: Characters. They have to be the sort of people that make their way into my dreams when I put down the book and go to sleep. Ordinary people perhaps, but show me the extraordinary in them. Tap into Jungian archetypes. And show me what they feel, so I can feel along with them, otherwise I'll lose interest.

4: Yes, I do want to be engaged intellectually as well as emotionally.

Those are the most important things, but there are a few other things I like as well. I like to read about unusual things rather than everyday things, so I like fantasy and science fiction, but only when they make the otherworldly seem plausible and well thought out. Also, while morally ambiguous characters can create a lot of good dramatic tension, sometimes I get tired of so many books/movies/tv shows having so many protagonists who are ethically deficient.

Finally, avoid cliches and stereotypes. It can be hard to do; you may have to research them because you might not be aware of a particular one and fall right into that trap. Also if you're invoking an archetype it can be even harder to steer clear of stereotypes.

Answer 2

First off, why do you want to be a writer? Your motivation will be a key factor in your success or lack of it. If you want to do it for fame and fortune (which is a myth for the most part), you will produce nothing but banal works. If you love to write, the sky's the limit.

The only person you can honestly hope to please with your writing is yourself. The general population's opinion on literature is finicky, so don't worry about pleasing the reading population just yet. As the cliche goes, you gotta walk before you can run. Enter into local writing contests and submit your work to local publications.

Good luck and keep reading and writing.

Answer 3

I like sad, realistic novels...I'm reading a lot of 19th century novels right now, but of course that doesn't help.
I don't think that you can write a book based on what people tell you...if you write about what you really like, it will be a good story, so people will like it even if it isn't their style.

Answer 4

Although I am not a writer, I am an avid reader. I think you should write about what you know and love. Avid readers may have favorite genres but are more apt to pick up any title that catches their attention. Although it is important to sell, I believe that an author should go with their gut instinct on which genre fits their style, aptitude and inclination.

Answer 5

I'll read anything, as long as it has a good character, someone you can relate to, and someone who could be real. and its really important (to me) that the first few chapters are good. you want your reader to get caught up in your book as soon as they pick it up, its hard to read a book if the begining's booring.

But, more importantly you should write about what you want, cause theres always an audience for any subject.

Hope I Helped!!!
Best of luck!

Answer 6

I enjoy books in any of those categories. A books characters have to be realistic. your readers should be able to relate to them. i like books that try to tell you or teach you something about life, human nature, or love, etc.

Answer 7

I like realistic novel.