One of the worst things to see as a writer is someone putting down your book. I mean, who wants that? But while you can't control your reader's emotions or their expectations, you can learn about the common elements that make readers put down a book. This article will explore the key elements that often prompt readers to abandon a book. From lackluster beginnings to poorly developed characters, this article will delve into the nuances that can make or break a reader's commitment to your story. So, whether you're a seasoned author or just starting on your writing journey, continue reading to uncover the secrets to keep readers hooked from the very first page.
Unrealistic Backstories
A common reason why readers stop reading a book is due to unrealistic backstories. When your characters don't have developed backstories, it can create a disconnect that pulls readers out of your story. All readers want the characters in a story to have depth and authenticity, so when their backgrounds aren't developed or poorly thought out, it can be annoying. Imagine encountering a protagonist who suddenly possesses extraordinary skills or knowledge without any believable explanation. Or perhaps a character's motivations don't seem consistent with their past experiences. These inconsistencies could draw readers away from the scene, leaving them feeling unsatisfied and disengaged. Therefore, by taking the time and effort into developing believable backgrounds for your characters, you can create an immersive experience for your readers.
Slow Pace
A slow pace is another element that will make readers put down a book. When the story drags on without much happening, readers will quickly lose interest. They might feel like they're trudging through random knowledge just to get to the next plot point. Readers want to be engaged and entertained, not bored to tears. As a result, to keep readers hooked to your story it is essential to find the right balance between storytelling and action. This will allow the story to unfold at a pace that keeps them invested and eager to see what happens next. So, if you find your story moving at a super slow pace, you should consider how readers will feel and inject some energy into your story.
Corny Dialogue
No one enjoys corny dialogue, whether in real life or in stories. As a result, corny dialogue can immediately deflate a reader's enthusiasm for a story. So when writing a story, make sure to keep your dialogue realistic and engaging. Authentic dialogue is key to bringing characters to life and making readers feel like they're part of the story. When dialogue feels corny or overly dramatic, it can pull readers out of the narrative and make them lose interest. Therefore, if you want to keep readers interested, keep the corny lines to a minimum and focus on creating dialogue that feels genuine and resonates with your audience. Click on the button below for more tips on writing authentic dialogue.
Perfect Characters
Just like in real life, your characters shouldn't be perfect. A perfect character can seem unrealistic and unrelatable to readers. Plus, it can make them feel flat and two-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity that makes them compelling. Readers want characters they can root for, empathize with, and even sometimes relate to on a personal level. As you craft your characters ensure that they are not completely flawless. It's the imperfections and quirks that you give your characters that make them interesting and endearing to audiences. So, don't be afraid to give your characters flaws, quirks, and vulnerabilities.
Cringe-Worthy Scenes
A final element that can lead to readers dropping your story is a cringe-worthy scene. A scene that is written awkwardly or portrays cringe-worthy actions can be embarrassing and even lead readers to cringe. Ultimately, these feelings can be so uncomfortable for readers that they stop reading your book altogether. Therefore, it is important to write scenes that seem authentic and engaging. A good way to do this is by including lots of vivid imagery and portraying engaging actions. You can also test if your scene is cringe-worthy by asking others to read your writing or hiring beta readers.
No one wants to see their novel set aside, but if you know the most common reasons that readers put down a book then you can make sure that you don't implement them into your book. It is important to remember that (generally) readers will stop enjoying a book if they don't find the story engaging or see the scenes as slow, corny, or cringe-worthy.
*Happy 150th post!