At the beginning of June, my 17th published book made its way into readers’ hands. In addition to 3 published novellas, that means I have 20 different works out there.
I’m blessed to have faithful readers who have read everything I’ve written and who let me know how much they’ve enjoyed all my books.
However, I know that not every book I write will resonate with all my readers. In fact, the larger my readership gets, the greater the chances that I’ll disappoint more people. It’s inevitable.
Even if we do our best to craft a page-turning, heart-wrenching, riveting story, authors can’t hit a home-run with every book.
I know this because my favorite authors don’t always wow me with every single one of their books. In fact, occasionally after reading a book by one of my tried-and-true’s, I come away disappointed. Not often. But it does happen.
Usually, when I finish a book like that I just shrug my shoulders and say, “Oh well. I’ll probably like the next one better.” I don’t give up on an author just because one book didn’t resonate.
But that begs the question: How many books do you read of a favorite author before you give up on them, before you move on to someone else? What are some of the reasons why a reader might be tempted to stray from an author they love?
1. The subject matter of their stories no longer resonate.
This is probably one of the top reasons I stray from a favorite author. For whatever reason, the stories don’t grip me anymore. It could be because I’ve changed in my tastes, my needs, or my priorities. Or it could be that the author is writing about topics that just don’t interest me the way previous stories did.
2. The author changes their writing style.
Whether they get bored or simply want to keep things fresh, writers may incorporate new writing techniques or styles into their books. Sometimes those changes grate on readers who are already comfortable and familiar with the writing style of the author.
3. The author switches to a different genre.
The old rules about authors having to stick to one genre for branding purposes are changing. Numerous authors are dabbling in more than one genre and having success in each. However, if a favorite author completely switches genres, especially to a genre I don’t like, I probably won’t follow them to that new genre.
4. After multiple books, an author looses originality and their stories all begin to sound alike.
This has happened to me for a number of authors I like. Usually I take a break from the author. And after time away, I can go back to that author and enjoy him or her again. Even so, I appreciate when authors take the time to come up with fresh stories, new twists, and original characters time and time again.
5. The quality of editing goes noticeably down.
Sometimes best-selling authors are given more freedom with their stories. Editors may ease up (especially with content edits) thinking those authors have won a permanent place in reader’s hearts and thus no longer need as much input. But with the plethora of books out there, it’s all too easy for even die-hard fans to put aside their favorite authors because the stories haven’t had the help needed to take them from mediocre to great.
6. Trends change.
Genres tend to have cycles of popularity. For example Vampire books became very popular after the Twilight books came out. New authors sprang up following on the heels of Stephanie Myers. But eventually after gorging themselves on that genre, readers are ready to move on to the next popular genre, finding new favorite authors and leaving old ones behind.
What about YOU? How many books do YOU give an author before giving up on them? What are some of the reasons why you stop reading a favorite author?
Jody Hedlund
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That’s a tough one. I read from many authors and genres, but I will try maybe 2-3 books before I give an author up and don’t read them again. I might revisit them many years later to see if they’ve improved or my taste has changed. After the second try is when I write them off completely.
Oops I forgot the second part to the question. You named every reason for me,but the biggest is if I can’t relate to the story from the start I move on. I have a short attention span and there are tons of authors out there so if you don’t grab me I will try a different book or author.
Generally, if I can’t follow the writing or the storyline I end up putting down the book and not picking up anything by the same author again. That’s really only happened twice, mostly because the setting was strange and I delved into book number two or three of a series without having read the first.
If the first book by a new author doesn’t interest me, I don’t go further with the author.
Good answers in the preceding comments. I have a few genres that I like: Christian–Historical fiction, Suspense and Cozies. I have a large TBR pile so I switch between those genres to keep things fresh. I can’t say that any of my favorite authors have turned me off completely. I just go on to another of their works. The last time I was disappointed in a favorite author it was because the plot was very predictable.
I agree with you about sloppy editing. My pet peeve is anachronistic situations. Expressions or politically correct content that doesn’t fit the era. Thanks for a great post.
What a great post. You have instinctively assessed many of the reasons that I do often give authors a break, usually after two or three books fall flat; typically from boredom (which relates to a few of your points), or from poor story construction (which you have alluded to, as well). Quite honestly, it makes me sad. But it’s a reader driven market and there are so many great books out there, that I don’t want to waste my time or my money on ones that I don’t enjoy.
Interesting post, Jody. And something I think about a lot from the author’s side, wanting to keep my readers happy and my writing fresh. The more books we put out, the more challenging it is to stay fresh.
The kiss of death for me with a favorite author is the genre switch. I had a favorite author where not only I had I read every book she’d written, I’d kept them and re-read them. That’s a rarity for me. But then she moved from historical romance to contemporary romantic suspense. I read her first suspense, just out of loyalty, but because it wasn’t a genre I prefer, I never picked up another book from her. I mourned my loss (as if she had died) then moved on to discover other authors in my preferred genre.
I still have those original books on my keeper shelf, though, and if I ever have free time again, I just might give them another re-read.
Those are all good reasons, but changing the writing style would be a big one for me. I have a number of favorite authors and have followed them from series to stand alones and even genre changes. As long as the story is entertaining and the writing is of high quality, I will stick with an author. One of my favorites has been very prolific, and I always turn to her when I need a comfort read. I’ve only given up on one author who had a wonderful series going until her publisher told her to end it and write stand alones. I still enjoyed those books. Then she changed publishers and began a new series, but the heroine was too quirky and over the top for me – also the writing style became too explicit.
Just bought your latest book. The orphan train era is a topic I became familiar with when teaching 5th grade. One selection in our reading anthology was a true life story of an orphan train rider and his two younger brothers. Joan Lowery Nixon writes a wonderful YA series based around the orphan train saga that begins with A Family Apart. I used to read this book to my class.
Hi Jody,
My favorite authors have never disappointed me. In fact, thru them, I find other favorite authors. I end up sharing authors i love and their books with friends and family.
I choose christian fiction and usually historical fiction so i stay pretty much in that group.
Jody, your books have never disappointed me, in fact, they draw me into them so the characters become my friends and i never want the book to end. Right now i am reading With You Always and it is so good. And i learn so much history, too. Like the heart wrenching parts of New York in the 1850’s.
And your books always touch some of my broken parts and turn me to Jesus to trust Him to work them out in His time.
I will tell you that my favorite book of yours is Forever Safe.
I have a whole bookshelf just of your books and there are books on top of books.
Thank you for letting Jesus use you to touch my heart.
Good question. I’m one who has picked up more ebooks than I could probably read, esp since I keep picking more up on sale as I’m able. For me a definite negative mark would be an author trying to break into the secular piece of market by putting in explicit scenes (sex, language, overly desc violence/murder). I like different genres so I can switch things up if I start getting bored of one, though I spend most of my time in the romance (historic or contemp), romance suspense category.
This is a very insightful post. I have thought of these issues myself. I have noticed when authors have made changes in their style and sometimes I don’t appreciate it. I have wondered if it was the editing or if the author wanted more flare. I have also had the feeling that some have become complacent and seem to be following a formula. It can be disappointing. I have since allowed myself to stop reading if I don’t like a book. I was taught to finish what I started but life is too short for bad reading experiences.
I haven’t been one to give an author a second chance yet. Perhaps I should but once again, there are so many good books to read that I haven’t felt the need.
Some authors write in different genres and I don’t always read other genres.
If I don’t like the very first book I try with an author, I am reluctant to try another, though I have sometimes. But with authors that I’ve already read, I agree that every now and then one book might not resonate with me, yet I don’t drop them because of it (unless every new book of theirs does the same). I don’t mind if authors change up styles or genres – I understand the need to grow and try new things. There are some styles I just don’t personally care for (Amish and westerns), so if a favorite author writes one of those, I probably won’t read it, though I’ll read their other things. I am not much of a trend follower, so I kind of hate to see authors jump on those bandwagons, but I understand the need to capitalize on trends and maybe catch some new readers along the way.
One surefire factor that causes me to drop an author is the inclusion of explicit sexual scenes. I’m not talking about sexual sin – the Bible tells of many people involved in that, but doesn’t give us the details. “Less is more” fits very well here. I don’t want to get “turned on” by something I read. When an author crosses that line, I don’t trust them any more.
Other than that, the main reason I might drop an author is boredom, but I don’t always know how to put my finger on what makes a book boring. Probable factors are predictability, lack of depth in the characters or plot, lack of realistic characters or plot, feeling like the author is just “phoning it in” rather than really engaging with her characters.
2-3 books & then I’m out. I had a fave author & I read ALL of her stuff. But she had one character (she obviously loved) that I couldn’t relate too & she wrote several spin-offs then she wrote a few books with her son & the violence/gore factor grew & that lost my interest. I think too that writing can become formulaic for some authors and reading the same basic story with essentially the same characters gets dull.
The big thing that turns me off on a favorite author is when they suddenly start using foul language – especially when they use God’s name in a cuss word. A favorite author of over twenty-five years started using a lot of bad language & after three or four books I quit reading her books & I had all of her books. I donated everyone of them to an assisted living home. Another reason is that an author starts doing page after page of explicit sex. 12-18 pages is over the top and when it’s done multiple times what’s the point in reading the book – the author has lost me. The third reason I quit reading an author is when every book is a series of books that seem to go on forever. Three or four books in a series I can handle. I’m one of those readers that likes to wait until the series is complete & then read all of them at one time. All three of these reasons are why I’ve left authors – which included clearing my shelves of their books. I have some authors that I have all of their books & cherish each one.
I also like to receive a free book from the author (e-books are fine too) to try them out. I’ve found several authors that became instant favorites from offering a free book. Once they become favorites I have my local used book store order them (new of course) for me when they are released. The Bookshelf will do that for their regular customers. I’ve been their customer since 1987 when I moved here. Then I try other authors by book reviews I read on different blogs, or another reader recommends their books. That’s how I found your books. Another reader in a bookstore recommended your books & then I read several different books that gave you fantastic reviews.
God bless.
I usually stay with an author until #1 and/or #4 occurs. And I think those two are related. This usually happens with an author that writes a series about the same character or characters.
One author, who had written several books I loved, started putting way too much detail and background description into her stories. It was like she had researched the topic very deeply and wanted to make sure every bit of the research was in the book. The actual story got lost in the details. I read a couple of her newer books, but I’m giving myself a break for now. There are a couple of authors that I used to read, but they started using so much foul language and steam in their books that I won’t read them now. That’s a big reason that I started reading almost entirely Christian fiction.
I loved With You Always, Jody! It’s such a fascinating book. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
My main reason for leaving behind a favorite author is the quality of the writing goes down hill. It seems the longer they write the quicker some authors turn out a new book. When this happens the quality suffers. I have left a couple of big name authors because of this. (some people will be aghast at this I’m sure if I gave names)I’m not sure if it’s a money issue, pressure from publishers or what, but I find it a bit sad. I will try 2 books and if thing don’t improve I will not spend my hard earned money on any more.
Great post! I think #4 resonates with me most. There’s a particular author whose books I once loved, but whom I recently find is churning out more and more of the same with little variation. I’ll probably give her one or two more shots before I say, “enough.”
I don’t usually stray from an author I love however sometimes I have gotten a surprise when I read a book from an author that I thought I knew and find swearing and / or sex in the stories. I do not buy Christian Fiction so that I can find that sort of thing peppered into the story. In fact I read Christian Fiction to get away from that sort of thing. Usually when this happens I stop reading the book immediately and do not finish it and I never read anything else by this author because I can’t trust them that I won’t find anymore of their books that has this kind of content in them. Nothing is more disappointing than having to stop reading a book when in the middle of it.
Such good points and I don’t know if I can add much more. I agree on many of your reasons. Sometimes as much as I like an author though, I might stop reading their books because I find someone I enjoy even more! I only have so much time a week to read, although on some days I will carry a book around with me and never get a chance to read anything! Those days are sad, but as a mother they are bound to happen (but I digress). Anyway, time can be a large factor or just the fact that I personally move on to a different genre myself that I like. For instance, I read a lot of historical fiction and contemporary fiction now, but years and years ago I was reading mysteries.