Friday, October 26, 2012

Feature and Follow #3


Question: What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.


Answer: Such a great question! One of the most annoying things that I hate in a book is repetition. Don't get me wrong, repetition to a point is at times needed and unavoidable, but sometimes it is taken too far. For example, in The Boy Who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window every other page seemed to describe the characters as purring. Okay for a description for a particular character, or okay for certain situations, but it seemed like every character was at some point described as purring when they talked. Got on my nerves. :)

I love learning new words, I mean studying for the SAT in high school was great for me, love the big words, but when it seems that an author has gone through the story and replaced phrases or words that would work better with bigger words that just do not let the story flow, it gets on my nerves. The fact the author has written a book proves they are smart, wish some didn't feel the need to continue to try to prove it. We love you already authors, no need to try and impress us more. :)

The biggest problem I find in writing though is when an author switches the point of view, and gives no indication that it has changed. Most authors will have a break in the page, or start a new chapter, but in some of these adult books I have been reading the point of view changes IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARAGRAPH!!!! One minute I'm in a female characters head, and then the next I'm confused until I reread a section and decide that the author has to have changed to a new character point of view for the section to make sense. I would prefer a little warning before going around and changing point of view. Please don't tell me I'm the only one that feels this way! :)

What about you? What gets on your nerves when reading a book?

24 comments:

  1. Well said! I hate repetitions too!

    old follower. My FF

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  2. A couple of people have managed the changing POV/no mention from the author, but I really can't think of a book I've read where that's happened!
    New GFC & Networked Blogs follower =)
    Rinn (My FF)

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  3. Repetition is annoying, I agree!

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  4. I agree repetition is bad, I also read a book that was a sequel and half the book was recalling the first book. I know why the author did that just in case you didn't read the other book but I say tough luck just move on with the story. LOL
    Thanks for the follow returning GFC Happy Halloween
    Krista
    Book Review club

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  5. Hi. Thanks for stopping by YA Society! I agree that one of the most annoying things is repetition. When an author uses the same word over and over you can't help but notice. You would think the editor would catch it! Thanks for sharing.

    Peace & Love
    Crystal @ YA Society

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  6. All very good points. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  7. I haven't read a book in which PoVs change middle of a paragraph. That's insane.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, following you back!

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  8. I think sometimes big words are used in place of repetition. I don't know if it always works. It especially does not work in YA. A very popular YA novel this summer had way too many nonplussed characters. It got on my nerves.And it didn't sound YA.

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  9. I hate it when an author changes P.O.V as well!
    New follower via GFC

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  10. Repetition is very annoying. I know people who use the smae word all the time for everything but that gets on my nerves and I don't really want to read about it.

    Thanks for stopping by, following back. :)

    Myra @ Pieces of Whimsy

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  11. Great answer. I hate when I feel like the story is peppered with "SAT" words that don't fit, but also hate when authors use the same words over and over again! Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Agreed on repetition! Got to mix it up some.

    New GFC follower!
    - Jessica @ Book Sake

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  13. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hate repitition too. New follower~

    - Cindy
    http://bookaholicfaggots.blogspot.com

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  14. the sudden change of POV is a popular answer this week! but I agree with you on repetition. It's like they teach in high school english: use a variety of vocabulary. I had the same sentiment during Fifty Shades of Grey every time Anastasia Steele got "breathy"
    thanks for stopping by!

    Aspen
    http://inner-aspen.blogspot.com

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  15. True repetitions are pretty annoying.
    Thanks for droppin by my FF!
    New follower.

    P.S If you don't mind, I would like to recommend to you to get your body text a little bigger, if you decided the pink font color to stay. It's kinda hard to read your wonderful message. :)
    Michelle Shouts Random

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  16. Thanks for stopping by my Friday Hop! I completely agree with your answers! Repetition and head hopping are a few of my pet peeves too! Old follower =)

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  17. Thanks for stopping by :)! Following back via GFC :) xoxo

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  18. The unexpected POV switch is definitely annoying. Good choice!

    New GFC follower.

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  19. All excellent points and i agree with every one. As an author, it's prudent that we listen to the advice of our readers, it will only make our books better!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog, I had to come and see your original answer too!

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  20. I have the POV issue and repetition as part of my answer as well, great minds think alike :)

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  21. Yes, Yes, Yes!! Agree with all your points!!

    Thanx for visiting my FF!
    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
    Old Follower :)

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  22. Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm following back!

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  23. Big words when they aren't needed can definitely be annoying. And I don't mind multiple POV's but when the author doesn't indicate the change of character that can be really annoying.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier, returning some of the love <3

    Old Follower

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  24. If you don't like authors flexing their vocabularies, you'd best not read anything my boyfriend writes. LOL

    New follower, following back. :)

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