This a subject that I've been thinking about a lot lately, so I decided to start a discussion and see what you guys think. In getting my first book edited by a professional, I was made aware of the fact that the style modern readers prefer is one more focused on plot and pacing and excitement, and less on depth and creativity. What this means is that the style used last century, i.e. Tolkien-like, won't fly as well, if at all, in this day and age. Or at least, it will appeal to a much smaller slice of readers than it used to. Sure people read classics like that, but that's more than likely because they are classics. If someone wrote a story similar in style and slower pacing like LOTR, how would it be received by the average reader? According to my editor, not so well.

One of the things I've been wrestling with is how big the percentages are. Do readers not care so much about style as long as the book is engaging, if slow in parts? Does it all have to be conflict and incessant action without a pause for what would be considered boring, everyday happenings? Is there a magic blend that uses both effectively? Furthermore, which type is most likely to see success in the marketplace? Granted, this varies for different groups, but I think the majority would prefer a plot that was always pressing forward.

More importantly, what as writers should we give more attention to? I'm not talking about cliches or originality, but rather the way in which you portray the events of your novel. Do you write with slower pacing or do you like to keep things moving at a brisk if not frazzled pace? If a writer is devoted to writing a particular way, should he or she change their style to accomodate readers, or a larger portion of readers? I think it depends on your goals. If you want to reach as many people as possible, then you have to write a story a lot of people will find engaging. If, on the other hand, you write merely for the pleasure of crafting a work of art, and see people reading it as a bonus, then you probably don't have to worry about changing much. The there's the middle option, which combines both. Undoubtedly, there is a market for every genre and style of book, the question is, what does the audience in your target genre like?

Sorry for the ramble. My thoughts just whisked me up and carried me off. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, both from the perspective of a writer, and from the perspective of a reader.

I actually have a few (albeit probably jumbled) thoughts on this subject, though I don't have time to write it out tonight...

Good topic.

In Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, "modern" style novels of emotion and intrigue driven stories are questioned.

Sometimes a fast paced book is nice, but more often I like the ones that tie together nicely at the end. Charles Dickens can be a little bit difficult to dive into, but he's so orderly with his character arcs that even when nothing seems to be happening, it becomes important at the end. Also look at how well Harry Potter did. They're long books in which much happens, but sometimes it's just a chance to show off world building or character development or sneakily foreshadow a plot twist. In the long run, the slower books are more likely to become my favorite because some cliff hanger usually forces me to marathon through the action ones before I have a chance to get to know them.

Personally I like a fast-paced story, because my attention span is so tiny. I need something to keep me paying attention and normal, everyday happenings is just a bit slow. That's why it's best to start out with a thrilling first chapter, then slow down a bit and let the reader's get to know the characters (at least, that's what I think...).

Also, I like a book that's personal. I begin to dislike third person omniscient view because it just seems so impersonal. There is a way to make it personal while still in third person, and I think that is a large necessity. First person view would make it even more personal, but then (I find) it makes it harder to feel for the other characters because the reader is focused so much on the main character.
Still, every writing style is different and some people will find one style more likeable than another. It's finding that style and sticking with it that is most important (as long as that style is good ).

Personally I enjoy both; I am not too keen on books that are all fast paced with no depth of description etc. A good balance is what I like. I think that fast paced books aren't for everyone.

One thing to consider is are you self publishing or going down the traditional publishing route? We were talking to an Author recently in Waterstones, he had self published initially but was then taken on by a publishers, and now has a bestseller. He said if you're self publishing, you need to make, especially the first three chapters of your book, fast paced, gripping and something that will keep the attention of your reader; make them leave chapter three wanting more. The first three chapters of an e book can be read as a taster: that was why he was saying that when you're writing and aiming to self publish, you have to make it fast paced and leave out the more descriptive parts at first (or keep them quick and snappy), as you want to keep the readers engrossed in the story. It was an interesting take on it.

My intention has never been to win an award, get published, sell one thousand books (or even one hundred), or have fans. My one and only writing goal is to write a good story. So I use whatever style I think is the best for a given story.

As for what will sell the best, I think that ultimately there isn't a formula. The simple truth is that people buy what they want to buy. Most people want to by a good story done in a style that they understand (the modern, fast paced, things-explode-and-die-a-lot style, or the modern, fast paced, all-dialogue-is-either-deeply-meaningful-or-uproariously-funny style). Some people, however, want to read junk (Twilight, poorly done Star Wars EU novels, etc., no offense to those who like either.).

Styles are a fad. But a great story is timeless. Therefore you should strive to write a great story first, and then if you want to sell it, drape it in the current style.

I'm really glad for that, Elanor, since I am starting out with the self-publishing ebook route. I'll keep that in mind.


And that's exactly what I intend to do.

That's me. * has no need to say anything more now *