I recently read a book by one of my favorite authors. As I neared the halfway point, I thought to myself, “I really should slow down. I don’t want to finish this book too fast, because then I’ll be done and have to wait too long for her next book to release.”
Have you ever found yourself saying that? And then at the end, when you finally reach the last page and breathe a satisfied sigh, you also feel that terrible sense of disappointment because the book is over?
Although I always have a stack of books waiting for my attention, I’ve found that my favorite authors trump the TBR pile. The day I get their book in the mail, I eagerly start it, even if that means putting aside another book I’m reading.
I don’t look at the back blurb. I could care less about the title. And I really don’t pay much attention to the cover. When they’ve already earned my trust as a go-to author, then all that matters is the story on the pages.
I only have a handful of must-read authors whose books I devour and then have to wait impatiently for their next release. That doesn’t mean I don’t like other authors, because I do. It’s just that their books don’t grip me quite the same way.
So, that begs the question—what makes a book so gripping that you wish the author would write one book a week instead of one or two a year?
I think the answer to that question will be as diverse as we are as humans. But here are just a few of the things that put an author onto my go-to list:
1. The characters are vibrant and alive. I don’t have to fall in love with them right away, but I at least have to like them.
2. The pace of the story is just right. It isn’t so fast that it moves me along without allowing me to catch my breath. And yet it’s not so slow that I get droopy-eyed and am tempted to put the book down. They also have a feel for when to use exposition to tell and when to slow down a scene and show.
3. The plot is engaging. The twists and turns don’t have to wow my socks off. And the conflict doesn’t have to jump at me from every page. But the authors utilize various methods of creating tension to draw me in and hold my attention.
4. The writing is smooth. While no author or story is absolutely perfect, my go-to authors have definitely learned their writing craft and have honed their skills. I’m not jarred from the story by quirky mechanic issues.
Personally, I also have to really like how the author is able to tell a good romance tale. This will make or break a story for me. Even though all the other elements (listed above) are present, if the author fails to deliver a well-told romance, then they don’t make my list of favorites.
When authors consistently put out books that encompass the above traits, they gain my trust and subsequently earn a place on my must-read list.
Your turn! What things put an author on your must-read list?
Jody Hedlund
Latest posts by Jody Hedlund (see all)
- Saying Farewell - October 7, 2022
- Another New Book Release - September 16, 2022
- The Beauty of Weddings - September 2, 2022
Steven James’ novels – If I start one, I read straight through to get to the conclusion. Dee Henderson, Lynn Blackburn, Susan Sleeman, Irene Hannon, Cara Putman, Tamara Alexander, and Jody Hedlund are a few of my favorites.
You hit the nail on the head. Those are the things I look for too. Two years ago I started reading a series that intrigues me and had 20 books already published. I finally caught up in August and now can’t wait for the next one.
Yes! You’ve articulated the ingredients of a “must-read” author well. For me, characters and romance are the two most important aspects, but each of the things you mentioned are critical. I’m also looking for an author with a distinctive voice. I love it when an author has a confident, clear, and unique voice that charms me as I’m reading.
That same list. I have my group of must-reads, and they keep jumping my TBR pile, too. Love your list, and Becky’s addition. A distinctive voice is key. It can’t feel like any other book I could pick up.
I agree with so much of what you said. If the author is one of my favorite authors, I don’t read the back blurb…just dive right in!
My favorite authors usually include mysterious plots that keep me guessing, have relatable characters, Scriptural truths, and don’t take romance (if the book has any) too far to make me uncomfortable.
Your books are that for me. I noticed that you are prominent on my shelves and e-reader just yesterday. Thank you for writing all the wonderful stories you have published!
I am looking forward to your next book.
As others have commented, your go-to list is pretty accurate. I need vibrant, engaging characters to bond with, and then I’ll follow them anywhere! I haven’t had much time to read lately, but Kate Morton is a new favorite. Her books are long and have many characters, but I love that there is always a twist. I rarely figure it all out by the end of the book, and I really enjoy that!Sounds as though I need to read some Jody Hedlund books!
The biggest reason I will fall in love with a story is if it has a group of misfit characters who gradually become the closest thing to family they’ve ever had. Those moments where someone takes on that parental or sibling role, especially if they’ve been a loner up until then. Those found families are my favorite thing in the world!
I found myself agreeing with Jody’s and the above comments for qualities that my favorite authors have but I’m also drawn to touches of humor and some elements of the unexpected.
Quirky characters with real struggles and failings draw me in- no cookie cutter Hallmark perfection. Jan Karon is an all-time favorite of mine. Father Tim is a balding rector who struggles with diabetes and anxiety. So real and relatable.
My ‘go-to’ authors have the ability to draw me in from the very first line, and keep me riveted until the final line, for all of the reasons previously stated. There is one more thing that sets them apart though, and that is the ability to reveal more to me than I perceived originally, when I read it for the second or even the third time! And then the book becomes a familiar old friend that I go to for comfort on a cold, wet, wintry day, or when I’m really ill and need to curl up in bed and recuperate with my favourite authors.
I like a story to be fairly easy to follow, too many complicated words or twists and turns and I’m lost.
I agree with all the elements you and others have included, and would add that dialogue is key for me. Dialogue can either make or break a story, and strong, realistic dialogue, preferably with a little humour, is what draws me in and keeps my interest.