Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what draws readers into a particular story, and what might cause them to skim-read large portions of it, or to not finish it at all. I know. It’s a question I am sure every author has struggled with at some point in their writing career. No dedicated wordsmith wants to see their title listed as a “DNF” on any review site, nor do they relish the idea that their creative endeavor was so awful it caused such a drastic reaction. Although I might agree that a lot of it has to do with individual tastes or beliefs, I wondered if there were any general “enlightenments” that I could use as guidelines going forward.
So, when I had the recent opportunity to visit with a few book clubs that selected my romantic ghost story, ONCE UPON OUR TIME, as their monthly read, I put the question out to them; what makes you not finish a book? I’m posting a handful of their quotes here, as I found them quite revealing. Maybe you share some of these same thoughts:
“K” says, “If I can’t make myself like the characters in the first few chapters, or care about what happens to them, it’s a no go for me. I get that authors want to make a big splash in the first few pages, but some go overboard in creating a genuine villain to the point where I already think the main character is an awful person and I don’t want to wait around for twenty more chapters for their redemption.”
“M” comments, “I hate when the story starts out with so many characters that it's tiresome to keep track of them. Worse yet, especially in fantasy books, they all have these weird names you don’t know how to pronounce. If I have to keep a list of who is who to understand the plot, it’s a DNF for me.”
“C” related to me, “I like spicy romance books now and then, but the whole question of ‘will they do it or not,’ can’t be the whole plot. Real people don’t spend all day thinking only about when they will have sex next, and that concept is boring. But that’s just me.”
“G” admits, “Abuse of any kind toward kids or animals. Non-negotiable. If the dog dies, I’m out. There’s enough of that stuff in the news. I don’t need it in my books.”
“J” remarks, “ Too much info or worldbuilding in the first couple of chapters. It starts getting boring and I lose interest. I want to like the story first before I care about the water systems of your imaginary world. I also hate too much description. I don’t care if ‘the sun shined on the glorious fields of green and gold.’ Just tell me what happens next.
I truly appreciated the honesty that these comments offered, and I plan on taking them to heart. I realize not every book is for every reader, but if making little changes keeps readers engaged, then I’m all in. Do you have a strong opinion about what constitutes an automatic “DNF.” Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comment box below or message me on Facebook or Instagram. I’d like to hear what you think and add your views to my growing list.
On a completely different topic, I hope you all are enjoying the first book in The Morrigan Tales, Trick or Treaty. Early feedback has been very encouraging, and Ted, Maureen and Fr. Kevin seem to have found a solid literary home with readers of urban fantasy. I know that Trick or Treaty left a lot of unanswered questions, but have no worries, dear readers…the second book is coming soon!
Jingle All the Fae picks up where Trick or Treaty leaves off, as we get a peek inside the life of the Becketts and O’Kenney’s in the chaotic weeks before the Winter Solstice and Christmas. A strange letter from Ted’s great aunt sends the Black Knight and Fr. Kevin on an unexpected trip to France in the hopes that his Aunt Sybille can shed some light on the missing Merlin Grimoire and the lost wizard’s location. Left at home to contend with a fussy newborn baby and the chaotic trappings of the holiday, Maureen, the Lady Dear Heart finds herself embroiled in political espionage in the Fae Otherworld Kingdom of I Idir. Throw into the mix an abundance of revealed secrets, family loyalty and Christmas miracles come true, and you have the perfect modern fantasy read full of Celtic charm and hilarious banter just in time for early holiday reading.
Jingle All the Fae will be available in e-book, paperback and stunning hardcover edition,
complete with silver foiling and gorgeous sprayed edges. See this website for more information on pre-ordering any of these formats. This title will also be available in digital and paperback editions anywhere you buy your books online, and can now be pre-ordered for release on October 26, 2026.
I hope you’ll pick up one of my many offerings for your next “curl up with a good book” event.
Until next month, dear readers, may your days be filled with good books and pleasant friends!
Victoria Rocus
