Over the weekend I put down my first 'did not finish' read of the year; it might even have been my first 'did not finish' in a few years.
I'd found the book in a charity shop and took a chance on it because the blurb described how it was written in a style that I quite like - in diary entries and fragments.
I usually try to push through, giving all books I pick up the benefit of the doubt until I've reached the end (the 'good girl'/hard worker/people pleaser in me).
However, I just could not get into the book and it struck me again - and this is something that might be useful for the writers amongst us - that I am actually reading books primarily for the character, the setting, the theme, the places it takes me.
While writing style plays a part; it's not the most important thing for me.
As I edit and wrangle with my less than perfect grammar and long sentences, I remind myself that my writing style is only part of my voice - and it might not be the most important thing to make a story a compelling read.
Besides, I hire a professional editor and proof-reader to help me iron out the parts that do need it in order that reading my writing is also easy, page-turning.
I'm not berating myself for 'not finishing' that book and at about 25 pages in, I closed it and put it back in the donations pile. I like that someone else will chance upon it - it might, afterall, be their perfect read.
Yet again, a reminder that we pick what we love to read - and we write more of that - it won't be for everyone, but it might just be for readers like you.
P.S. If you do want to read/chat more about the books I love to read, then you can subscribe to my author newsletter at https://subscribepage.io/vikkijonesauthor
P.P.S. I don't post reviews of books I don't finish - or of books I didn't enjoy - I don't really see the purpose or positivity in that.
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