I recently read a book by an author new to me—something I regularly do. About a third into the novel, I was struggling to invest in the hero. It wasn’t due to poor writing or a lack of interest in the storyline. The setting and description was adept and colourful, the struggles real and the villainous threat compelling. And yet, I felt next-to-nothing for the hero and was perplexed, instead of intrigued, by a parallel narrative that I wasn’t 100% certain the author could (or would) link back to the dominant plot.
As a persistent reader it takes a lot for me to hit a DNF (did not finish, for the uninitiated). I wasn’t at risk of that with this story, but found this disconnect unsettling. Fact was, it was making reading hard work—and it was not the first time I’d encountered this. Reflecting, there have been other new authors, highly decorated authors, whose heroes I’ve struggled to invest in. But then I had an “Aha” moment, as Lisa Cron would put it.
It’s a matter of trust.
As an emerging author there is much talk of building one’s platform and readership connection, but this moment was enlightening. I’ll explain why.
When a reader picks up one of my books for the first time, or a first time read of any other writer, they are engaging in an investment of time and emotions—and if they really like it, sleep debt! 😜😴 Like any “relationship”, we as readers take a risk. And with relationships, history is a significant factor. When there is no history [insert “never read this author before”], the level of trust is … well … non-existent.
I’ve seen this in reviews on my novels—readers saying they would have no patience for unrealistic “instant solutions”, and gratitude when they discover a hard-fought, satisfying resolution. But first-time readers don’t know if you can pull this off. There’s no history; no trust. Subconsciously they’re asking, “Is it worth investing time, energy and emotions into this story?” That’s why, on the rare occasions I have an opportunity to watch a movie, I’ll sometimes select a low-end romantic comedy—it’s minimal investment so I can pull out at any time, without any compulsion to return.
That’s what I was experiencing. Could the author really pull the story threads together? Were these increasingly insurmountable odds and, frankly, repeat dumb choices by the hero, able to be redeemed such that they could culminate into a heart-stopping, hero driven, but ultimately satisfying end?
I’m happy to report the author did pull this off, and next time I read one of their books I will be less wary, but it was a valuable learning experience for me as a writer. How about you? Have you ever found yourself doubting your first-time reading of an author, only to read to the end and discover a life-time favourite? Feel free to drop a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experiences. 😊
Interesting post, Adele. If I’m having trouble ‘getting into’ a book by a favourite author, I’m more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt and keep reading. I’m more likely to hit the DNF if I’m having trouble getting into the book of a new-to-me-author. Whether or not I have some feeling for at least one of the characters is a big thing for me. I’m more likely to abandon a book where I don’t like the main character.
One book that ended up surprising me was Kate Morton’s novel ‘The Secret Keeper’. I really enjoyed her first three books, but was having trouble getting into this fourth one. As usual with Kate Morton’s books, it was a parallel narrative. An old lady was in hospital dying and her adult children had been called to her bedside. When we jumped back to her story as a younger woman, I really didn’t like her. But eventually, something happened that turned the whole thing on its head and gave it the WOW factor. Can’t be specific due to spoilers, but it made me want to go back and read the whole thing again (which I haven’t done yet – LOL – those books are long).
But I think it’s a brave author who doesn’t give us at least something to like about the main character early on, or at least sympathise with them. We need something to make us want to go on the journey with them.
Thanks for taking time to read and comment, Nola. Yes, it really helps to have a reader-author track record and strong connection to the main protagonist, or even some point of potential redemption if they are abrasive. I feel it’s always valuable to reflect on the reader journey as a writer, given we are all readers seeking a new bookish adventure. Now you’ve got me curious about “The Secret Keeper”! Will have to read it for myself one time. 🙂