What is it about a piece of writing that makes it appeal to you? Is it the characters, the plot, the emotions, the use of language or something entirely different?
What is it about a piece of writing that makes it appeal to you? Is it the characters, the plot, the emotions, the use of language or something entirely different?
I love any piece of writing which makes me laugh. Especially if it is related to real life. I suppose it's because I love to see the silliness in life. Essentially it's also why I like comedians like Victoria Wood, Billy Connely and (yes, I know it's old-style, but he's fun), Ken Dodd.
Also I love writing that chills me. Dracula is still one of my favourite pieces of gothic horror in this respect. It's an extremely accessible story, remarkably well-written given it's diary-style format and still feels remarkably fresh considering its age. But throughout, there's a looming presence from Dracula. Even when not in a scene, he retains a palpable, chilling presence which never lets up throughout the story.
Literary sleight-of-hand tricks also make me love a piece, especially when they poke fun at the English language or grammar. This doesn't just apply to writing, but also to clever adverts on TV. (Wallace and Grommet's latest ad has a book being packed called "Fifty Shades of Greyhound" and I LOVE Aleksandr Orlov's line, "I am NOT being ordered around by a rock!" in response to a threatening message hurled through his window wrapped around a rock.)
Often I find it's the simple things which make me love a piece.
Aula; I found that with David Eddings' Belgariad series the first was boring the rest amazing :)
The use of linguistic devices such as metaphors and personification, I find that helps me picture the story better. The way the characters are addressed and the way they are portrayed aswell. I find if someone writes their character(s) well I become more attached to the book and can't put it down. I've also found it means I feel empty when I finish the book and cry if something happens (good or bad) to a character I've grown attached to. I think this was done very well in 'Between Shades of Grey' by Ruta Sepetys and 'Skin Deep' by Laura Jarrat :)