Netardapope
Sage
Now, I know it's common knowledge that regardless of whatever you write, there will always be people that detest it. But this form of novel-rejection is something that is near and dear to me. Let me explain.
When I was a kid (and today, to some extent) I preferred books with certain types of looks, aesthetics, or "graphics" per-say. For example, I detested books in which animals played the roles of main characters. I wanted to have humans playing that role. But think this one is more common than another one. However, there are more extreme examples.
While I wouldn't reject a fantasy book based on what kind of weapon a characters is wielding, I have an unhealthy obsession with sword-wielding protagonists (cliche, I know.). I just really enjoy characters that use swords, and find swords to be cooler than any other weapon. Why? Hell if I know, I just do! I dislike main characters that are either A) not inherently powerful or B) not having a character arc of acquiring power over the course of a book. And on many occasions, this can boil down to some really trivial stuff.
I love characters with unnatural hair colors, others hate that. While they're not my favorite style of setting, I love worlds similar to DnD. And I know for a fact that there are people whom loathe that. I dislike knights whom act like brigands and play the role of main character. There are other people that love this kind of character! I've started to find that settings with corrupted organized religions (usually monotheistic)tend to be very repetitive and cheesy--rarely providing any meaningful social commentary. There are people whom think those kinds of settings are extremely deep and philosophical.
Now the problem is not these tropes or archetypes. Because I would never hate a book just due to this. In fact, I violate my own standards on multiple occasions, but that's because like all tropes, these can be used well. But I think these biases are just a healthy way for us to track down the kind of books we're most likely to enjoy.
So I was wondering, do any of you have these secret preferences? If so, I'd love to here more about it.
When I was a kid (and today, to some extent) I preferred books with certain types of looks, aesthetics, or "graphics" per-say. For example, I detested books in which animals played the roles of main characters. I wanted to have humans playing that role. But think this one is more common than another one. However, there are more extreme examples.
While I wouldn't reject a fantasy book based on what kind of weapon a characters is wielding, I have an unhealthy obsession with sword-wielding protagonists (cliche, I know.). I just really enjoy characters that use swords, and find swords to be cooler than any other weapon. Why? Hell if I know, I just do! I dislike main characters that are either A) not inherently powerful or B) not having a character arc of acquiring power over the course of a book. And on many occasions, this can boil down to some really trivial stuff.
I love characters with unnatural hair colors, others hate that. While they're not my favorite style of setting, I love worlds similar to DnD. And I know for a fact that there are people whom loathe that. I dislike knights whom act like brigands and play the role of main character. There are other people that love this kind of character! I've started to find that settings with corrupted organized religions (usually monotheistic)tend to be very repetitive and cheesy--rarely providing any meaningful social commentary. There are people whom think those kinds of settings are extremely deep and philosophical.
Now the problem is not these tropes or archetypes. Because I would never hate a book just due to this. In fact, I violate my own standards on multiple occasions, but that's because like all tropes, these can be used well. But I think these biases are just a healthy way for us to track down the kind of books we're most likely to enjoy.
So I was wondering, do any of you have these secret preferences? If so, I'd love to here more about it.