Do you read a lot?

Posted by Glen on July 3, 2012, 4:20 p.m.

I like to read science fiction novels and the like from time to time. I recently started reading a book called "Spirit Gate" by Kate Elliot. First book of a four book series. Within twenty pages of the book I had figured out the situation the main characters are in and had a fair understanding of their personalities and traits. Then the main character of the first three chapters dies and follows up with a -19 years later- time lapse. I hate when that happens. My favorite character died within forty pages of the book. I still have another 680 to go… /ragequit/

The book is interesting though. I haven't read a book in years and so far I've been hooked. I'll probably finish it. Stories like this give me motivation to work on games.

Summary:

Quote:
" World Fantasy and Nebula Award finalist Kate Elliott breaks new ground in a brilliantly original new fantasy set in a unique world of fabled cities, mysterious gods, and terrible dangers. From the first page readers will be swept up in the story of Mai and Captain Anji, as they become unwitting players in a conflict that began many years earlier, and which will shake the foundations of their land.

For hundreds of years the Guardians have ruled the world of the Hundred, but these powerful gods no longer exert their will on the world. Only the reeves, who patrol on enormous eagles, still represent the Guardians' power. And the reeves are losing their authority; for there is a dark shadow across the land that not even the reeves can stop.

A group of fanatics has risen to devour villages, towns, and cities in their drive to annihilate all who oppose them. No one knows who leads them; they seem inhumanly cruel and powerful. Mai and Anji, riding with a company of dedicated warriors and a single reeve who may hold a key to stopping the deadly advance of the devouring horde, must try, or the world will be lost to the carnage. But a young woman sworn to the Goddess may prove more important than them all . . . if they are not too late.

A haunting tale of people swept up by the chaos of war, this is superlative fantasy adventure, rich in texture, filled with color and excitement, masterfully crafted by a brilliantly gifted storyteller."

Any good reads lately? I'm picky with books. I tend to like fantasy adventurous stories, whether they're a bit mainstream or out of the norm.

Comments

pounce4evur 12 years, 5 months ago

Honestly, I used to love writing and not reading, but reading helps to give you ideas and structure for any kind of writing project you're doing. At least, from what I've seen.

Castypher 12 years, 5 months ago

I hadn't discovered until a few years ago how crucial it is to read in order to be a good writer. Even so, I still don't read as much as I should.

I like supernatural stories, sometimes known as modern/urban fantasy. I used to enjoy medieval fantasy but after seeing the same story told a thousand times, I've since come to abhor it all.

Don't get the wrong idea though. I hate vampires, and I hate werewolves. The things I like fall into demons and folklore. This is usually what I write, and I enjoy taking things that either have a good foothold or little at all, and putting my own spin on it.

Glen 12 years, 5 months ago

I'm starting to figure that out. In order to improve my writing skills and story creation, I've decided to read more.

Quietus 12 years, 5 months ago

i am addicted to graphic novels (ie manga) for the sole reason that you can tell a story much faster/more efficiently than with reading. that's just coming from my perspective of a creator as much as a reader. sort of like games, everyone gets the same picture, for better or worse. on the other hand reading leaves everything to your (and everyone's) imagination, which can also be good if you want that sort of thing.

Rez 12 years, 5 months ago

MAN-GA?

Read Uzumaki: Into the spiral then. That's my fav. :3

Glen 12 years, 5 months ago

That's a good way of putting it.

JuurianChi 12 years, 5 months ago

Are talking about Manga now?

If you can find a copy, everyone should be reading I am a Hero by Hanazawa Kengo

Quietus 12 years, 5 months ago

@Juurian, no we're not. i can't even afford any new ones until i finish my INUYASHA collection anyway so there. :>

we're talking about ways to tell stories, since we are writers but also game designers here. tbh it's way past time someone here put out a truly emotionally driven game. so i'm glad to see more people getting into writing lately, i think characters interactions can reflect the core of all feeling when you use them right, you can perfectly control the emotions your reader will experience.

in the right hands, a story is the most powerful weapon in all forms of art.

Castypher 12 years, 5 months ago

Quote:
tbh it's way past time someone here put out a truly emotionally driven game
I have not found a single GM game that does this well.

But I'll take that as a challenge, hel. I need to practice my storytelling anyway.

Rez 12 years, 5 months ago

I've been meaning to make one for so long. But those things demand high quality, or else the story-telling comes off tacky.