Meanwhile, in Rivendell . . .

Character-driven vs. plot-driven.  It's an almost ubiquitous dichotomy in the debates and discussions that thread their way through the online story community.  When you read a book — or watch a movie, for that matter — is your opinion of it more likely to be influenced by the strength of its characterization or by the strength of its plotline?  In other words, are you a  character-driven or a plot-driven reader (or viewer)? For myself, I've never felt able to satisfactorily answer that question.  Because the real answer, in my own case, is neither.   When it comes to books and movies, I'm neither character-driven nor plot-driven.  (What I'm looking for differs slightly from one medium to another, but in general, and in somewhat oversimplified terms, my priorities are writing style, theme, and aesthetic.) However!  I have realized in recent months that, while I can't parse my story preferences quite so distinctly when it comes to literature a...

My friend Rachel has created the perfect tag for this autumnal season — one dedicated to the books that inspire gratitude in us.  She's also kindly tagged me to fill it out!  Thanks, Rachel! 💛 The Rules 1. Thank the person who tagged you.  2. Fill out the tag. 3. Share the tag graphic in your post. 4. Tag four friends. 5. Provide a clean copy of the tag for easy copying. The Questions G -- A book you're Grateful to a friend for recommending Greenwillow (by B.J. Chute)!  I can't recollect exactly which bloggers talked about it — I think perhaps Heidi and Natalie? — but however I first became aware of it, I am eternally grateful I did.  And that I had the extraordinary good fortune to find a copy at a thrift store one day.  It's one of my top favorite books ever, now.  I -- A book that fires your Imagination The Forgotten Beasts of Eld  (by Patricia A. McKillip).  This book was my introduction to McKillip, and it's still (so far) my favorite...