What Do Readers See?

"Oh, that's too scary for me." With those words posted on social media, a person who had read several of my books announced that they wouldn't be reading EMBALMED because of their reaction to the cover.

That got me thinking about the broader topic of what reader's see (or don't see) in my books/stories.

I had started reading Agatha Christie's Poirot series about the time that the movie Murder on the Orient Express, starring Albert Finney as Poirot, was released. Thereafter, I couldn't read a Poirot without picturing Finney in the character. Later, after seeing David Suchet create the character, he became a more enduring image in my mind.

I've had readers tell me that they wish my Brad Frame character was more fully described. I'd prefer for my readers to conjure their own picture of him (although I do provide a few descriptors). At least until Hollywood makes a movie of one of my stories. :-)

In my novel, BLOOD PORN, a reader I spoke with had a Bate's Motel view (Creepy vibe) of the juvenile institution as it unfolded in the story. I was surprised when he said that, since it was not my intention (or the way I saw it). But it demonstrated that a reader's imagination was as important as my words in how one of my stories is received.

What about you? How important are descriptions when you read a book? Do you prefer to let your imagination run wild? Feel free to comment below, because after all, Life's a Mystery.

For Love and Money

From time to time I like to include links to my short stories on this blog.

I'm busy trying to wrap up my latest suspense novel, and thought while you were waiting you would enjoy a fun short story.

Here's one I wrote a few years ago with themes of Wall Street greed.

Feel free to comment.

Here's the link: www.rayflynt.com/forloveandmoney.pdf

Don't forget, "Life's a Mystery"

Vote

Election day is November 8th. Vote. It is your duty as a citizen. In a representative democracy, we chose who will represent us whether in the local courthouse or in the Congress.

I try very hard on social media, including this blog, to avoid politics. This post isn't about politics. It's about governance. Who's going to call the shots until the next election. The choices we (collectively) make are important.

There are quite a few people who have already made their choice in this election. In most places, there are options for early voting - either by mail or at early voting locations. Thus far, nearly 14 million people have already voted in this election. When I lived in Maryland, early voting was available at the local library. I recall the last presidential election that we tried to do early voting, but there were no parking spaces available. Being a good citizen can be hard work. If we want to keep our democracy, we have to work at it.

During the course of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Ben Franklin was asked about what kind of government the delegates have created. His response: "A republic, if you can keep it."

So get out there and vote, so we can "keep" the republic.