What’s in my DNF pile
I read a lot. But, sometimes the book goes in my DNF pile.
(DNF= do not finish)
Why? Beyond the hook, I want:
- conflict
- deep characters
- easy to follow POV (point of view)
- logical settings
- authenticity
For example, I read a book set in my hometown of Gulf Breeze, FL, which is on the Gulf Coast of Northwest FL. The coast. Sea level. And the author put a basement in the setting!!
That threw me and I almost didn’t finish it. The story premise was enough to keep me going, but you can bet I won’t forget that!
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Do you feel guilty for not finishing a book?
It took me YEARS before I could put a book down. Finally I realized there were so many, many books I wanted to read, that I wouldn’t spend time on one that just wasn’t grabbing me.
Which brings me to my first issue – the hook. According to Dwight Swain on Writes with Tools, “A hook is a device for catching, holding, sustaining, or pulling anything–in this case, a reader.”
If that hook doesn’t grab you, you probably won’t keep reading. And now, even if there’s a great hook, those other components have to be included – great characters, interesting setting, etc.
Setting and the DNF pile
There are certain settings that always grab me:
- Scotland
- the beach – especially Gulf Coast
- Virginia
- Tennessee
Besides Scotland, I’ve lived in these other places and they appeal to me. Scotland is my new thing. I’m determined to go live there for a month (or more). Just have to get the hubby on board. 😉 Can’t you just imagine living in a castle on the coast of Scotland….
Head-hopping
Have you ever read a book and can’t tell who is speaking? Or it shows Julie’s point of view, followed by Sean’s, and then Trudy’s–all in one scene!
That is head-hopping. And it’s confusing and breaks the scene up. I don’t like it, and you probably don’t either. (Check out my blog point on Point of View for more info.)
Head-hopping can make me put a book down, for sure.
What goes in your DNF pile?
What makes you put a book down without finishing it? How far do you get into it before you decide it’s one for the DNF pile? I’d love to know! Hit reply and tell me your likes and dislikes in books!
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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.
Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)
