tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post2983086459056350475..comments2024-02-13T08:31:03.541-08:00Comments on Terri Tiffany: Writing Stories You Remember: Everyone is a CriticTerri Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-34717313198179693892011-01-02T14:46:23.847-08:002011-01-02T14:46:23.847-08:00I mainly go by the back and cover flaps to decide ...I mainly go by the back and cover flaps to decide if I'll go farther. I read to see what the story's about. If it sounds interesting, I read the first page and scan through a few more. <br /><br />If I like the style of writing, I buy it. I don't care about cover art. Yeah, I know... I don't even care about well-known authors vs unknowns (except for John Grisham. I haven't found one of his that I didn't love.)<br /><br />I do like recommendations, but often the friend that recommends has different taste than me.Lillian Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488638666900705015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-35593289526276681452011-01-01T09:59:33.876-08:002011-01-01T09:59:33.876-08:00I won't even buy a book just from browsing in ...I won't even buy a book just from browsing in a bookstore. Unless its been recommended or I read a great review, I won't buy it. Okay, I take that back. I did buy an Anne Lamott book (Operating Instructions) from a B & N store just from reading the blurb and the first few pages - before I'd heard of her at all. But I think that's the only exception! (well that and writing books) These days I buy based on my bloggy friends' recommendations!Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-44878600349453192942010-12-27T03:04:07.506-08:002010-12-27T03:04:07.506-08:00First of all the title comes to my attention. Afte...First of all the title comes to my attention. After I pull the book from the shelf, or take it off the table, if the summary in the back doesn't create curiosity I put it back. I just love perusing for books! It's been a while since I've had the time to do so. Hopefully I will be able to in the future.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08168456429920961116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-853214633338560372010-12-23T19:52:56.378-08:002010-12-23T19:52:56.378-08:00Let's see if it's Fiction, I read the back...Let's see if it's Fiction, I read the back and if it pokes my curiosity, then I buy. <br /><br />If it's nonfiction, there are a few factors at play. Layout, is the biggest selling point. Can I open it and find a place to stop reading quickly? I am always hopping up after the kids or if I'm somewhere like a doctor's office or waiting in line, I need to find a good spot to end quickly. <br /><br />Tone is another factor. It needs to teach me, but without being preachy. <br /><br />I love books, but have been burned many times, by fiction and nonfiction books alike. Fiction where the writing is atrocious and plot holes obvious. Nonfiction where the author keeps selling the book in each chapter (for the love of Pete! I bought the book stop selling it) or the author's voice comes across being smug. <br /><br />I know the best way to pick a book would be to read a section before buying, but dog-gone-it, I hate to spoil the excitement of not knowing what's coming next. <br /><br />Okay, I just rambled away, LOL. Sorry, have a great day!Diane J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06638568994448668008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-31258553838711553482010-12-19T13:32:30.199-08:002010-12-19T13:32:30.199-08:00What a great post, Terri. Wish I'd have though...What a great post, Terri. Wish I'd have thought of it!<br /><br />I look at the cover, the author, and the back synopsis. Then I thumb through and read a few pages here and there, randomly. If it pulls me in or intrigues me with it's premises, I'm likely to buy it. <br /><br />Unlike others here, I like to try new authors I've never read before. I love variety.Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-68297548195332835432010-12-18T23:53:11.181-08:002010-12-18T23:53:11.181-08:00First, if the cover doesn't invite me, the boo...First, if the cover doesn't invite me, the book doesn't get picked up. If the blurb doesn't grab me, I'll put the book down again. And finally, if I get to the bottom of the first page and am still ambivalent, the book goes back onto the shelf. I'm influenced by whether it's been written by a favourite author, or has been recommended, but in the end it has to pass my first impressions test.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-18537671861519567072010-12-18T08:52:48.833-08:002010-12-18T08:52:48.833-08:00I start with the cover. If that catches my eye, I ...I start with the cover. If that catches my eye, I move to the blurb on the back (or inside flap). If I'm still hooked, I move to the first paragraph. If I'm still engaged, I'll buy the book. <br /><br />A bad first page/paragraph will not only make me put the book back, but will most likely mean I won't consider that author again.<br /><br />First impressions make such a huge difference.<br /><br />Great reflection here - important for us all to consider.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-50530934904593899892010-12-18T07:40:08.453-08:002010-12-18T07:40:08.453-08:00Again very insightful! I love your perspective!
G...Again very insightful! I love your perspective!<br /><br />Generally I usually have some knowledge of the topic or author before I lay down my hard cash, unless I'm at the Goodwill. <br /><br />However I'm like you. If the cover is not visually appealing or the typeface is difficult to take in or the first few paragraphs don't grab me then I move on. I think that tells me that all the details are important. It's not just about content, it's about the total package. It's like cooking, we eat first with the eyes. If it's not visually appealing then the whole experience starts off badly.<br /><br />Blessings<br />RRobin Lambrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12408265939620170615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-30302999701082676902010-12-18T07:02:08.961-08:002010-12-18T07:02:08.961-08:00I must confess: I've gotten very, VERY picky ...I must confess: I've gotten very, VERY picky about what I'll read at this advanced stage in life :)<br /><br />Mostly I look for books that will make me, or my life richer; books that inspire, or educate, or edify. You can guess, then, that I toss most aside in my search for the best one.<br /><br />It is good to be a critic, for I learned long ago, "what goes in, comes out"; and it's from the overflow of our hearts that our mouths speak.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />KathleenKathleen https://www.blogger.com/profile/05245926913888212148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-12312465758360367692010-12-17T11:37:13.351-08:002010-12-17T11:37:13.351-08:00I've gotta say it's the cover. Or that...I've gotta say it's the cover. Or that's one of the biggest components. If it looks good (professional, well designed, etc.), I'll pick it up. That gets my attention first.<br /><br />And now my new name is Shallow Girl! <br /><br />Waving and smiling at my down-south blogging buddy!<br /><br />RhondaRhonda Schrockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05512423397478708632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-88561629430175293252010-12-17T08:58:00.448-08:002010-12-17T08:58:00.448-08:00I'm shallow. I'll pass on the book even if...I'm shallow. I'll pass on the book even if the premise is good but the cover is cheap or poorly designed. TO me the cover reflects the publisher which reflects the quality of the author.Jaime Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07768583469408522818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-21136908794638007922010-12-17T08:28:49.852-08:002010-12-17T08:28:49.852-08:00Most of the time when I go in a bookstore, it'...Most of the time when I go in a bookstore, it's to get a specific title. But on the internet, I usually pay attention to cover, author (is this one recommended because of another author I like) and reviews.Stacy Henriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03303383087338174942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-84143716884134496752010-12-17T07:24:15.499-08:002010-12-17T07:24:15.499-08:00Absolutely...although the book you pass on will be...Absolutely...although the book you pass on will be picked up by someone else and vice versa. That's the great thing about it! Everyone has different tastes.Stephanie Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10461865229341760836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-55072269034046165792010-12-16T20:54:51.460-08:002010-12-16T20:54:51.460-08:00Terri,
How great to spend a few hours at B and N! ...Terri,<br />How great to spend a few hours at B and N! I tend to gravitate toward certain tables in the store that feature books I've read and enjoyed. Covers are very important as is the back cover.<br /><br />I can't wait to see one of YOUR books on one of these tables one day soon.<br /><br />Merry eight days until Christmas. I hope the coming days are filled with peace and joy.<br /><br />Sending you a frosty hug from Philadelphia.<br /><br />KelliKelliGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00261710060954867880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-46736771373913802342010-12-16T10:22:52.620-08:002010-12-16T10:22:52.620-08:00Hi Terri,
I tend to use Amazon.com more than a boo...Hi Terri,<br />I tend to use Amazon.com more than a bookstore, but when I DO go to a brick and mortar bookstore, I pass on books by authors with whom I'm not familiar. What makes the difference for me is if someone I know and respect recommends the book. That always pushes me to make a purchase. Of course, if I know the author, it's a done deal. :)Julie Gillieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16043208077641628180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-86842099666572825672010-12-16T05:10:49.732-08:002010-12-16T05:10:49.732-08:00I have so many books in my TBR pile that I only pi...I have so many books in my TBR pile that I only pick up new books based on reviews I read or a recommendation by a friend or I know the author.Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-4012507174059177822010-12-15T19:23:01.652-08:002010-12-15T19:23:01.652-08:00Hi Terri -
I have a long Wish List, so it's r...Hi Terri -<br /><br />I have a long Wish List, so it's rare I don't know what to buy. My decision is made before entering the store or clicking on an Internet site.<br /><br />Book reviews, word of mouth, familiarity with an author, and genre all play a major role in my selection.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-74899079370178971732010-12-15T08:44:31.144-08:002010-12-15T08:44:31.144-08:00The title or cover usually draws me in. Then I rea...The title or cover usually draws me in. Then I read the write up on the back, and then I consider price. I'm a pretty simple girl.=DCarmenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08860778037757805996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-12111620763724385332010-12-14T20:17:50.418-08:002010-12-14T20:17:50.418-08:00That's a difficult question to answer. I choo...That's a difficult question to answer. I choose based on writing style, place, situation, etc. I'm so prejudiced, really. I don't like reading about CEOs in New York, for example. And I'm not much into historicals that take place in the 19th C (unless early, a la Jane Austen, romantic era). The cover has to be lovely, the writing style beautiful, the place enticing . . . If I'm at a library, I'm not nearly as picky.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05536293384635588296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-90219420136857414202010-12-14T18:26:39.668-08:002010-12-14T18:26:39.668-08:00This sounds like me. If I'm in a bookstore for...This sounds like me. If I'm in a bookstore for 3 hours most of that time is spent rejecting books not buying them. I'm so very very picky. I go for the voice, the writing style, the genre of course, altho if I love the other 2 I'll pick a genre I usually don't read. <br /><br />And yes, it is encouraging isn't it??Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-58065825370052608812010-12-14T17:09:57.421-08:002010-12-14T17:09:57.421-08:00The Print!The Print!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-58915598743672982612010-12-14T15:48:35.462-08:002010-12-14T15:48:35.462-08:00Usually my reasons for rejecting a book are whethe...Usually my reasons for rejecting a book are whether or not I find the concept interesting. It might be a great book, but if I'm not interested, I won't read it.amber colleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05874229679458717329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-79253455996829798382010-12-14T13:36:39.979-08:002010-12-14T13:36:39.979-08:00My biggest reason for rejecting a book is the pric...My biggest reason for rejecting a book is the price. If it isn't a mass paperback, I'm not buying it!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-15456510008022835862010-12-14T13:24:26.394-08:002010-12-14T13:24:26.394-08:00I usually do the library or buy books online, but ...I usually do the library or buy books online, but when I do go into a bookstore, I have a hard time finding something I like--because they all seem so SIMILAR. And I don't find anything that really grabs me. If I'm going to plunk down hard-earned $$$ instead of going to the library, I want something to grab me and not let go!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-65407929056973544412010-12-14T12:02:56.583-08:002010-12-14T12:02:56.583-08:00I'm with Jennifer...I usually buy my books onl...I'm with Jennifer...I usually buy my books online and usually have one in mind when I log on. If I'm in the mood to browse, I tend to go toward certain publishing houses that produce stuff I like and even then, it has to draw me in on the first page. Boy, it is a tough world out there, isn't it? :)Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.com