Writer’s Workshop: Keep Readers Hooked

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The best way to keep a reader’s attention is to withhold as much information as you can to keep the story interesting. It won’t do to lose your readers or to never answer any questions, but what good is a mysterious stranger if you learn everything about him at once?

Consider this conversation:

“Frodo: Who are you?
Aragorn: I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, last of the line for the Gondor throne. I was raised in Rivendell with the elves, but lately I’ve been up north with the Rangers. Oh, and I’m one of those people who lives a really long time.”

Pretty bland, right? The average reaction would be, “so what?” But if the reader discovers these tidbits along the way, as part of the action, Aragorn as a character slowly starts to take shape.

Omitting details is a sure-fire way to keep your reader turning pages. Who is this tantalizing stranger, and how does he play into the story? Is he friend or foe? Your reader won’t want to put the book down until these questions are answered. And if you’re a pro, you’ll raise more compelling questions to replace them.

What do you think? How do you keep your readers hooked?

The Gothic Requiem

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A Review of “The Phoenix Requiem,” by Sarah Ellerton

“It’s important to believe in something, don’t you think?”
- Jonas

The Phoenix Requiem is a beautiful online graphic novel, both in the art and the plotline.

The story is set in a Victorian-styled world. Anya, nurse to a small town, heals a mysterious man from his gunshot wounds. He decides to stay in town, but so do a series of supernatural beings. As Anya tries to find out why, she must risk her beliefs and her life.

The novel is a real page turner, full of surprises at every corner. The characters are charming or infuriating by turn, creating wonderful interactions and witty banter.

The artwork is gorgeous. The people are realistic, the supernatural beings beautifully etheric, and the colors compelling.

Phoenix Requiem is an instant favorite, but Ellerton has only planned five volumes. While I wish there were more to come, I can appreciate the satisfaction of a completed arc. I hope to read her other work soon, and that more will follow.

Warning: may not be suitable for younger readers due to horror, drugs, graphic death, and suggestive material. May also be addictive.

My Rating (out of five stars)
★★★★★

An Editor’s Useful Advice to Writers

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A Review of The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers, by Betsy Lerner

“When writers say they have no choice, what they really mean is: Everything in the world conspired to make me quit but I kept going.”
- from Chapter One: The Ambivalent Writer

Normally I wouldn’t review, or even read, a non-fiction book, but this book I read for a class project is too useful to not pass on.

Editor Betsy Lerner pulls together her own experiences and those of famous authors to give aspiring writers advice on writing and publishing. Her tips range from getting words down on paper, to finding an agent, to dealing with rejection, to the disappointment of Publication Day.

I found every chapter valuable. Even if something did not apply to me specifically, I could easily share it with the writers around me.

It was most revealing to discover all the neurotic behavior writers are susceptible to. Turns out problems like insomnia and asthma that I have suffered from all my life are merely symptoms of my being a writer.

If you wish to publish one day, or just like to write, pick up a copy of this book. You will be very thankful you did.

My Rating (out of five stars)
★★★★★

Sense and Sensibility Music

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Here’s the main titles for a good adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. BBC does Jane Austen well.

Mini Update 8

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Only two or three chapters left for Narrator! I am this close.

As we get closer to November and NaNoWriMo, I’ve been thinking more and more about the novel I’ll be working on. I’m almost 100% certain I won’t win this year, what with a full-time job and part-time grad school, but it’s worth a shot if it gets me to write a lot.

Given the odds, I might break the rule about starting something new, and stick with Gatekeepers or Fragment of the Moon. I’d rather bring them closer to the finish line than start another new project. I’ll keep you posted.

I’ve also been working on updating the site. If you’d like automatic updates on blog posts, or would just like to connect with me on Facebook, click on the new buttons on the right sidebar.

Success!

Filed Under Publishing, Tales from the Author's Desk, Updates | Leave a Comment

No, I did not finish my first revision of Narrator. No, I was not offered a publishing deal based on the enticing details provided on this blog (although that would be awesome).

I am officially employed.

I have a full time job. I have benefits. I have – wait for it – self-esteem. Or at least, more than I did yesterday.

For the curious, it’s in the publishing field. For the detail-maniacs, I’m a marketing assistant. For the jealous, fear not, for ye shall be next.

I am super excited, and can’t think of anything better to share with you today than my latest achievement!

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  • Welcome

    new haircut

    Hi, I'm Jenn, new grad student and old YA fantasy writer. I've long dreamed of being a novelist, and I bet you have too. I hope you find my blog helpful, inspiring, and maybe just a little bit fun. (But not too much fun. Writing is serious business, you know.)

    You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or email me at:
    jennifer.a.johnson7 at gmail dot com

  • Official Progress


    4/21 segments

    A narrator hijacks a cliche fantasy story, much to the chagrin of its characters.

    Status: Second revision



    1,639/70,000 words
    A young noblewoman with strange powers must choose: her king or her soul.

    Status: First draft



    1,087/70,000 words
    When a girl's heart is stolen, she's plunged into a world of magic and shadows - but can she get her heart back before she loses it completely?

    Status: First draft





  • All writing, unless otherwise specified, is the property of
    Jennifer Johnson © 2010