Friday, September 2, 2011

LIKE?

Before continuing on yesterday’s topic..
Of what constitutes literary fiction…
I’d like to thank everyone for their comments.
So…
I’m currently reading a national bestselling novel…
By a famous author I won’t mention it here…
Because as we all know, electronic comments…
Can haunt, choke, or kill a career.
Being that my career isn’t even off the ground…
I don’t need to do it any harm.
With that said…
I’m conflicted as I read this bestseller because…
I can’t stand the main character!
I don’t like her, she’s whiny, and self-centered.
(no silly, I’m not talking about me).
However…
While I struggle liking the protagonist…
I LOVE the author’s writing.
It’s amazing, fascinating, and truly literary.
And I admire the hell out of her.
I’ve never seen so many similes and metaphors…
I think every page has one. Or two. Or three!
And all so perfect. And I’m not being disingenuous…
They’re like….
It’s as if they…
Well, see there? I can’t even come up with one simile here…
Obviously, that’s not my forte.
Are metaphors and similes your forte?
Do you use them often I your novels?
How hard do you have to squeeze to get them out?
Or do they flow like my sinuses on a…eeewww!
See I told you. Similes are not my forte.
So tell me…
Have you ever kept reading a book you didn't like...
Just for the writing?

Always, Em-Musing

6 comments:

Anne Gallagher said...

All the time, unless the protagonist is a total tool. But most of the time I'll stick with it if I like the writing.

Yes, simile's and metaphors are not my strong suit either and I envy those who can write them with ease.

Talli Roland said...

Oh yes, oh yes. Also because I just needed to see what would happen!

Jayne said...

I couldn't finish the book, and I wonder if you're reading the same one??? Is it fiction or non-fiction?
If I'm turned off by the main character I simply don't have the strength to stay in for the long haul. Sometimes the writing alone (even if it's fabulous) is not enough to sustain.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Well, not for the writing but maybe out of sheer stubborness. :-)
Sometimes a popular book or author will keep me reading to figure out what they're doing right.

PM Kavanaugh said...

A well-crafted simile or metaphor can stick in my head for years after I've finished a book. I think they are priceless. I absolutely try and write/use them in my story. I have spent hours trying to dream up original/ inventive ones. I think the result can be worth the time and effort. The extra challenge is to try and write similes/metaphors that "fit" the character. A story featuring an ex-war hero should use different similes than one featuring a cowboy!

Samantha Vérant said...

Sadly, yes. I stick with things until the end. Well, most things. Anyway, I always hope something will happen to make me change my mind if I'm not into it. An optimist?