Ten quotes from readers

Over the years I’ve posted a number of reader and blogger interviews as well as book club discussions and comments on books I’ve read. Beyond that are the surveys I’ve conducted to understand reader preferences and perspectives. So, today I’ve looked into the archives to find a few comments that stands out.

“Historical accuracy is very important to me, but I don’t mind a twist or three, if you tell me what you’ve done to make a better story.”

“Historical fiction brings different dimensions to the personalities of people, who really lived. It makes you think about how these people actually were. You also learn your history.”

“I have recently adopted what I call the 49 Page Rule. If the author hasn’t hooked me by page 49, I abandon the book.” [49 pages – authors take note]

“There are many more average or poor working people in the world than society or wealthy traveled ones. Books with normal characters are more intriguing.” [Normal characters are what I choose to write about.]

“I’ve always been drawn to historical fiction. Something about utilizing the past as a lens to explore people and ideas fascinates me to no end.“

“I like that a well written historical fiction takes me to the time and place described and makes me fall in love with the characters, real or fictional.”

“For me the power of fiction is its ability to transport me to a different time/place/circumstance, and yet allow me to connect with the characters in a way that makes me interested and invested in what happens to them.”

“I apply my five “E” tests to books: (1) Engrossing and interesting – being hooked in. (2) Enjoyment – warm feelings about a particular book. (3) Entertainment – the chuckle and laughter factor. (4) Emotional – one’s feelings and personal intimate memories. (5) Educational – learning about a subject for the first time or in more detail.” [I should post this on my bulletin board.]

More and more authors are going Indie and self publishing which may have an effect on the way mainstream publishers dictate what they want readers to read. [interesting to see the word ‘dictate’]

“We had a rich discussion of themes: freedom, rising above the boundaries imposed by life’s circumstances, the powerful and the powerless, meanness born of frustration, the importance of education, the slave economy, personal courage, sacrifice. A novel touching on so many compelling ideas offers much for readers to consider.” From a post on Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings.

Here’s the question: What is it about historical fiction that stands out for you?

FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION  FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page. 

M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.