What Makes A Good Book...a guest post by Felicia Rogers

 

What makes a good book

First of all, thanks Ali for having me.  I enjoy meeting new people and hearing from readers.

Ali asked me here today to answer a question, “What makes a good book?”  My first reaction when she asked me this question was, “Oh no!  I have no idea.”  Admittedly probably not the best answer from an author!  But we all have those initial gut reactions.  But as the caffeine from my multiple cups of coffee began to flow and the cogs in my foggy mind began to turn, answers formed.

So, what does make a good book?  I think the best way to approach this question is from two different directions—first as a reader, then as a writer.

As a reader, I enjoy a book with strong likable characters who overcome in the end.  I have to have my HEA, or happily ever after, or I’m totally left unsatisfied.  I also enjoy a bit of humor.  It’s just like watching a movie if the film becomes overly serious the mind begins to add comic relief of its own.  Honestly I believe a good book needs a hook.  I know it rhymes but it’s true.  What I mean is a book needs a way to move the story because without movement why would you continue reading?  This is why I prefer suspense or mystery in most of what I read.

Now as an author, all of my full length novels contain some type of suspense.  I enjoy weaving a mystery where each page you turn reveals something new.  As you read you’re never quite sure whether you’ve figured it out until the very end.

For me these are the books I like to read and the ones I like to write.  Something that keeps you wanting and coming back for more.  A book that makes you wonder if you read that correctly until you go back and read it again.

This only poses a problem for me when someone says, “Tell me about your book.”  I immediately began to gnaw at my lip and try to skirt the issue until I finally say, “It’s a mystery…”

 Blurb for The Key

 A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?

Felicia Rogers

"The Holiday Truce"
"The Key" (YA paranormal/mystery).99 AT AMAZON/SMASHWORDS FOR A LIMITED TIME
"The Perfect Rose"
"Mara's Secret" sequel to "The Key"
"There Your Heart Will Be Also" (historical suspense)
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