What makes for an unforgettable reading experience?

When we open a book or start reading a short story what makes us keep reading beyond the first line? This is an important question to ask of ourselves as writers and of others as readers.

Asking people what they are looking for in a story is sound market research. The more research we do the clearer the picture becomes as to what compels people to read and how we can meet their needs with what we write.

While I don’t suggest we write to their dictates, it does make sound sense to write with our readers in mind. We might not change what we want to say but understanding our readers should guide us in the way we say it.

If, as a reader, I were to make up a list of the qualities I look for in a piece of writing this is what it would look like.

It would have to be: 

1. Original.
2. Clear.
3. Pacey.
4. Concise.
5. Accessible. Cleverness is fine so long as it is not showing off.
6. Involving. It has to say something to me that evokes a response.

I do not expect that all writers will connect with all readers. No, that is not possible.

However, a writer must connect with a number of readers, enough to have a large number say, ‘that piece of writing just spoke to me,' or some other expression. I leave the reader to fill the space.

Otherwise why would a writer bother to spend hours tapping away on a keyboard? I know there are those who say they write for the pleasure of putting words on a page. Eventually this will not be enough.

When we reach that point wereally have to ask ourselves why we write. Our answer will guide us and show us how to connect with those readers who understand what we are trying to say. Those readers will respond from the same place our message issues from. Our heart.

When that happens we discover the vein of truth deep within into which we will tap in order to write with sincerity and believability.

However, the sincerest piece of writing in the world will be worth nothing if it is boring. Sincerity is great. Passionate sincerity with action is what we are after.

Reading is an experience that takes us into someone else’s world. It is engrossing and absorbing.

In my title I ask what makes the reading experience unforgettable. I used the word unforgettable because not all writing is exciting, light hearted and not all subject matter is enjoyable. The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman falls into that category. The story of the Massada siege in 70 BCE makes grim reading but I could not put it down. So why did I keep reading? Because the characters were so well drawn, I lived their lives and explored their world.

Whenever I start reading, I wait for that magical moment when I’ve realised I’ve been reading for several hours and been totally unaware of time passing.

I have never thought to list how that occurs. But I think it is a useful thing to do. Why do some books hold our attention and others not?

Here are my ten reasons:

1. I have fallen in love with a character and I really want to see that everything works out
2. I am gripped by the situation and want to know how that resolves itself
3. The writing bounces along the page carrying my eyes with it
4. The scenario is sad, but in its telling we learn about human courage
5. I gain new insight
6. The action is so vivid I want to find out what happens next
7. Just as things slow, something happens that makes me want to keep reading. There is a turn in the action, an unexpected and gripping change of scene, circumstance or situation
8. Tension goes up a notch
9. I am emotionally immersed in the lives of others
10. I admire the crafting of the story.

What are your ten reasons?