What do readers want?

I read a tweet the other day by the ever-wise, Emily Rodmell about what readers want.

This really got me thinking. I mean, I'm a reader...and yes, I do want that too! But, then I felt discouraged (as a writer) thinking, "But what if I don't want the first two characters to be the hero and heroine?" I guess that was the rebellious side of me speaking out.

From a reader-perspective, I'd say that I totally agree. I want to know soon into the book who is who because I start to form opinions about the characters right off the bat. If it appears to be the hero and heroine, I immediately start to wonder, "How will they end up together?" or "How will X-issue be solved?"

I remember reading one book where, when I was introduced to the hero, I had a mental image of him with grey hair and wrinkles (not that these are bad) so I was thinking, this guy is older. But then, a few chapters later, I realized that he was the hero/main character and was supposed to be young, manly, and athletic (of course). I remember having the hardest time getting the wrong image of him out of my mind. He was forever and older man when I pictured him in my mind. Now, I'm not saying that was purely the writers fault. It is entirely possible I misread a description or added characteristics that were never there. Either way, it really colored the story for me (in a not-so-good way).

From a writer-perspective though, I want to push the envelope. Obviously, Emily Rodmell knows exactly what she's talking about - this post isn't to debate her tweet at all because I agree.

But I want to know if it's possible to stretch the limits of readers?

>>How do YOU, reader, feel when you read a book?
>>If you weren't introduced to the hero until later in the novel, would you be angry, or just intrigued?

In any case, these things would have to be done well. I understand you have to satisfy your reader with a legitimate plot and an understandable (practical?) explanation as to why things work out the way they do.

I want to hear what you (readers and authors alike) have to say on this subject. I'm so interested to hear thoughts and opinions on this. I don't think there's a solid right answer, but it could be fun to discuss!

Please feel free to comment below :)

Mary Annslee Urban {Writer Wednesday}

I had the distinct blessing of being the event photographer for the SCV Pregnancy Center (our local pregnancy center) fundraising banquet last night!  It was so wonderful to hear the keynote speaker Melissa Ohden and to be moved, encouraged, and inspired by her story.  Talk about amazing!  Check out a brief post I did on my photography blog [here] and be on the look out for more photos from the event soon! 

I'm also so excited to be back in the swing of things for {Writer Wednesday}! We have a wonderful interview with Mary Annslee Urban today and I can't wait for you to get to know her better :)

Here's a little bit about Mary ...

Tapestry of Trust

Mary Annslee Urban is an author of Inspirational Romance. Her goal is to write stories that stir the heart about love, honor and God's grace! Her debut book, Tapestry of Trust, White Rose Publishing, was released June 2012. Her second book with White Rose Publishing, She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, will be released Fall of 2012.

A registered nurse by profession, Mary works part-time in the behavioral health field. She also has been a freelance writer for newspapers in her area and has had articles published in magazines as well as online publications. She has served as co-president of Carolina's Christian Writers and is a member of ACFW. A North Carolina resident, Mary and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren. When she isn't writing, she enjoys Bible Studies, cooking, traveling, long walks and anything chocolate!

How to connect with Mary...
Blog: maryurban.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.a.urban.9

Amazon: Author Page

Google+: https://plus.google.com/112306007651825730409/posts

Author Interview | Mary Annslee Urban

You & Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? 
...I grew up watching old-time romance movies, which I believe started my passion for sweet romance, true love and happy endings. A daydreamer at heart, I began my writing journey when the youngest of my five children started school. For several years I worked as a freelance writer for local newspapers and contributed articles to magazines and online publications.
...Raised in the foothills of Arizona, I survived temperature shock when I moved to Western Pennsylvania, before setting in North Carolina with my husband and children. Aside from writing, I work part-time as a Registered Nurse in the Behavioral Health field. I’m a member of ACFW, and currently serve as vice-president of Carolina Christian Writers. I have three published novels.  They are Tapestry of Trust, released June 2012, and She Came to See the Snow~A Colorado Christmas Romance, November 2012 and In Love’s Defense, due out this September 2013.
…When I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking, traveling to faraway places, playing with grandbabies and eating all things chocolate.

What has kept you writing?
…I had such a passion to write I couldn’t stop myself. I just loved learning and improving the craft.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written?
…Whichever book I’m working on is my favorite at the time. I get so involved in watching the characters come to life and can’t wait to see how the story evolves.

What was the hardest thing about publishing?
...Waiting! For replies from agents, publishers, editors. The easiest? Getting the call or email that the book has sold!

Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book or what you’re working on currently? Why are you/did you write it?
...I write Inspirational Romance. Right now I am working on an historical and just finished a romantic suspense.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...The struggles my characters over come to get to the romance. With Christ at the helm.

Writing
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?  Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both? 
…My stories are from my imagination, although threads of my life experiences are tangled within the characters and story.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
…Definitely to encourage people and hopefully bring them closer to God.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Don’t give up. Follow your passion and the path the Lord has set before you.

You
Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
…I recently attended the ACFW conference in Dallas. I gleaned so much from the various workshops. There’s always so much to learn.

What’s your favorite green food?  (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
…Spinach. Fresh, or cooked. I love it!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Northern Italy. We were there once, in the mountains around Verona. It was so beautiful and serene. And my grandfather’s family was from that area, which made it even more special.

____________________________________

Thank you for that wonderful interview Mary!  I would have to agree with your choice for a month-long getaway to Italy.  I've been there once for a week and cannot wait until I get the chance to go back! I also loved how you said the hardest thing about publishing was the waiting.  I think that goes for most good things in life - eh?  Well, I really appreciate you sharing with us!

By far my favorite question for this month is the last one regarding traveling.  You'll have the chance to hear three more authors thoughts on this, but until the next {Writer Wednesday} what is your answer to that question? I'd love to hear your answers below!

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month where would you go? 

I think I need to retire...

Retirement is sounding really good right now. 

Ok, ok...I don't mean to say that I don't like my job - because I definitely do!  But, I have been thinking lately how difficult it is to find time to write and edit and read and do photography and work all within the same week.  I know that, being a writer, reading is important to honing my craft.  Editing is also important which means that I should add reading books about editing to my already long reading list.  In addition to that, I'm trying to refine a few full-length manuscripts for contests and publication which takes a long time.  If weeks continue like this one has, I will be busy every night this week leaving me... well, just about no time to work on anything.

Hum...am I sounding whiny?  Because that is never good.

I do have to wonder though, am I the only person that feels this way?  I'd wager a guess and say no.  How often do we find ourselves in positions where we have a desire to do one thing but find other things getting in the way?  I think that could translate to our spiritual walk, our relationships with friends and family, or (like me) our passions. 

I long for a day when I can wake up and make my way to my little desk and write!!! All day, every day.  Ok, with some photography scattered in there.  Oh yeah, and a cup of coffee or two (or three...).  Then I remember that the Lord leads us where He wants us.  If I were asked, I'd say that I know I'm supposed to be right where I am for now.  He may lead me in a different direction in the future but I know that He will lead me there when it's His time.

For now, I am confident in Him and His plans for me.  I am so absolutely blessed in my current job working for my church and moving into a new office space with an incredible window (pictured to the right).  I desire to live each day thankful and seeking out what I have to be thankful for!

How about you, my dear readers?  Do you face these desires?  Maybe not to be retired so you can do nothing, but to move into a state of freedom to pursue passions?  How are you coping with your current situation?  How do you stay content? 

If you have the time, I'd love to hear from you in the comments below :)