Generally speaking, if two of these three elements are top-notch, the reader will have an enjoyable reading experience.
Think about it. Think about those books you've read that are "really good," that you enjoyed reading and would recommend to friends, but that did not leave you with that *wow* moment or that stick-with-you-for-ages experience. Most of these books – books that are enjoyable, worth recommending, sometimes perhaps even worth reading more than once – master (or come close to mastering) two of the three elements: Story, Characters, and Writing.
Then, think about those sublime books you have read. The ones you still think about years after reading. The ones you want to recommend to everyone, even when you can no longer remember exactly why.
These books have characters who are as three-dimensional as the people you live with or work with (uh…perhaps even more three-dimensional than the people you work with).
These characters are part of a unique, multi-layered story that could nearly carry a book all on its own – that could nearly carry a book even if it was packed with characters who functioned as nothing more than devices by which the story could move along.
And of course, the writing in these sublime books is impeccable.
Some might argue that impeccable writing is a necessity.
I would argue that even literary purists can enjoy the ol' John Grisham treatment (minus A Painted House or Bleachers – both of which mastered only one of the three elements: Characters). In fact, Harry Potter fans can attest to this as well – Rowling did not become more than a competent writer until Goblet of Fire (an unbelievable storyteller, sure; but no more than a competent writer), and yet even a borderline literary snob such as myself can glory in reading the entire Harry Potter series (not just books 4 through 7) every December. After all, her characters and story are as flawless and absorbing as anything else you could find.
I'm sure there are exceptions. But as I ponder this, I can think of none I myself have come across.
If a book commands two of the three elements, it is likely worth reading.
If a book masters all three, it is likely to stick with readers for a long, long time.
I am curious to know your thoughts on the matter, Dear Writer; Dear Reader. Agree or disagree?
And if “disagree,” I would love some sample examples.
In the meantime, I will continue my aim of mastering the craft…with my path made that much clearer by the realization that you just have to become good at three simple things. That is to say, you just have to become masterfully, incomprehensibly good at three simple things.
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Yeah, it's as simple as that :)I tend to agree with your rule of 3 - or 2 out of 3. I would also suggest setting can have a pretty big impact. I've just read a book set in nineteenth century China - and the descriptions of the places the characters trekked through were incredible. The same author (Sara Sheridan) has just written a second book and the setting on the Arabian peninsula is equally gripping. Sometimes the setting becomes like a character in its own right.
ReplyDeleteBut, yes if character and story are nailed - this reader isn't unduly concerned about exquisite writing.
I agree also. In fact I would suggest that only the best writers can consistently remain in control of all three areas, book to book. But it is something to strive for, no doubt about it.
ReplyDeleteEven within a book, the difficulties inherent in balancing these areas are clear. Sometimes the middle sags, in others the ending mystifies or irritates.
This is more apparent in modern efforts. The need to hook the reader -prompted by pressure from editors and publishers- can often start the reader with a slap, yet fail to follow it up because the hook has been shoehorned in.
Yet without bowing to these external pressures we never see our name in print.
Luckily the average reader never picks up on this.
Still I agree that the holy trinity of story characters and writing should remain immutable, now if only the Publishing world would agree...