tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post7260690158370648382..comments2024-03-27T07:18:58.033+00:00Comments on Frances Garrood: A good read?Frances Garroodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10614916006798375706noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-40158930019714136222011-05-17T21:53:15.919+01:002011-05-17T21:53:15.919+01:00Thanks, Alis. I had you especially in mind when I...Thanks, Alis. I had you especially in mind when I was referring to Dan Brown!<br /><br />I think there are books that can only be read on holiday. I don't mean great big glittery bodice-rippers; I mean the kind that take time to get into, and usually there just isn't that time. I would never have got through the Last Chronicle of Barsetshire had I not been on holiday, although I love Trollope. <br /><br />I shall look out for your Geraldine Brooks. I loved the last one I read.Frances Garroodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614916006798375706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-88928678936050167522011-05-17T21:25:50.165+01:002011-05-17T21:25:50.165+01:00Frances, I like the distinction you've drawn a...Frances, I like the distinction you've drawn and I agree with others that sometimes we want a gripping plot and are prepared to forgive prose we would want - in anohter mood - to have at with a red pen. At other times I long for a well turned sentence and characters who are so real they live in my memory long after the book is finished. <br />Occasionally, one comes across an author who both grips and enchants with their prose. I've just read the latest Geraldine Brooks - Caleb's Crossing - and she is definitely one of that handful of authors.<br />Hope you enjoy your Dan Brown - you know I do!Alishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18406189984167289987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-9845627686949386952011-05-17T17:04:46.267+01:002011-05-17T17:04:46.267+01:00Somehow, that doesn't make me like him any bet...Somehow, that doesn't make me like him any better.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-32609707178407068102011-05-17T15:16:41.670+01:002011-05-17T15:16:41.670+01:00And he has made more money than you or I (well, I,...And he has made more money than you or I (well, I, anwyay!) can dream about..Frances Garroodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614916006798375706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-55314114381633862522011-05-17T11:34:33.536+01:002011-05-17T11:34:33.536+01:00Yes, lots of people do enjoy DB's books - just...Yes, lots of people do enjoy DB's books - just goes to show what a varied lot readers are. Luckily authors are just as varied, so there's something for everyone.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-55442204301634525732011-05-16T22:11:43.394+01:002011-05-16T22:11:43.394+01:00Thanks, Judy. A really thoughtful, helpful comment...Thanks, Judy. A really thoughtful, helpful comment.<br /><br />Suzy - thank you! (Re the book - I keep having brilliant ideas for crime novels, but can't write crime fiction!)<br /><br />Patsy, I wasn't going to mention DB, as people I like and respect enjoy him, but....However, you're right. So much depends on the mood when reading a novel. But when you're the writer, you have to appeal to enough people who are (enough) in the mood for what you write, otherwise no-one will read what you've written!Frances Garroodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614916006798375706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-19624082737002168032011-05-16T21:40:51.183+01:002011-05-16T21:40:51.183+01:00What makes a good read depends on my mood. Sometim...What makes a good read depends on my mood. Sometimes I just want a good story, sometimes good writing will seem more important. Sometimes hell freezes over and I consider trying another Dan Brown book.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12263765378083045973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-9864625529367244322011-05-16T20:56:23.430+01:002011-05-16T20:56:23.430+01:00Good luck with your book Frances. I enjoy reading...Good luck with your book Frances. I enjoy reading your blog, and like your no-nonsense, but always with feeling, getting straight to the point - style.suzy doodlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09115717046181879704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132582821010486689.post-26866286115228153932011-05-16T15:57:55.790+01:002011-05-16T15:57:55.790+01:00Frances, you've made an important distinction....Frances, you've made an important distinction. There's good writing (which is memorable) and good story telling (which is entertaining). Both have serve an important purpose. I know that there's times when all I want is a good story to transport me away and, at other times, I need to read something that moves me deeply.<br /><br />Both require talent and skill and all we can do as authors is as you suggest: accept that we write in a particular way and work hard at honing our unique skill and talent.<br /><a href="http://judycroome.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Judy, South Africa</a>Judy Croome | @judy_croomehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455755011354905278noreply@blogger.com