No One Would Ever Believe That!
This was another panel I attended at Bouchercon and it was about how much can you write that people will actually accept in a book. Panelists were Cathy Pickens, Sophie Hannah, GM Malliet, Diana Orgain, Stephanie Pintoff
Most readers will accept just about anything as long as it is plausible.
Could what you've written happen even once?
It's the authors job to make the reader believe.
If the writers does a good job, the reader should be transported to the realm of the book.
There is a big difference between possibility and probability.
A lot more is possible than what we think.
Our experiences aren't necessarily the same as those of others.
The general consensus was that if the reader likes the book, will probably suspend their disbelief.
My thoughts on this subject are that you want the book to be exciting enough that the reader won't even worry about the possibility. Most of the books we really love reading stretch probability.
http://fictionforyou.com
Most readers will accept just about anything as long as it is plausible.
Could what you've written happen even once?
It's the authors job to make the reader believe.
If the writers does a good job, the reader should be transported to the realm of the book.
There is a big difference between possibility and probability.
A lot more is possible than what we think.
Our experiences aren't necessarily the same as those of others.
The general consensus was that if the reader likes the book, will probably suspend their disbelief.
My thoughts on this subject are that you want the book to be exciting enough that the reader won't even worry about the possibility. Most of the books we really love reading stretch probability.
http://fictionforyou.com
Comments
That, I think, is where readers can more often get hung up.
When I write, I like to consider those factors, too. If my characters are engaged in technological stuff (in the sixties), it doesn't make sense.
I try to remember that people didn't have cell phones or the Internet, and there were still pay phones on lots of corners.
Little details....
Monti
MaryMontagueSikes
It's a narrow ledge at times, but I believe anything goes.(Hugs)Indigo