Is a gripping story enough to carry a book to the shelves, irrespective of writing style? Or is a literary tale with exceptional prose but a dull plot more likely to appeal to agents?
Is a gripping story enough to carry a book to the shelves, irrespective of writing style? Or is a literary tale with exceptional prose but a dull plot more likely to appeal to agents?
Hi Eleanor.
A character-driven, loosely plotted novel would appeal to Agents. Though a strong plot is preferable. Strong character driven novels are the key to writing success. Think of the books you have read. What comes to mind? The name of the protagonist and perhaps a well-rounded character, or the storyline and plot?
We live and breathe the characters in a novel and are drawn into their world with all its happenings. Strong characters that leap off the page into our lives. We share their happiness, sorrow, and sympathise with them as they struggle against almost insurmountable odds to achieve their aims.
Do you think of the plot after you have finished reading the last page of a novel, or what the future holds for its surviving characters?
If you chose to re-read a novel would it be because of its storyline and plot, or for your love of its main character?
I hope that helps.
Good luck.