Looking for some help!

[VelvetClover]

Hi guys,
I do a lot of writing (I've been working on a novel for nearly six years now) and I write primarily, young adult fiction. As I think many forum users here fall into that age bracket (even if you don't, please tell me what you think anyway) I was wondering if any of you could give me a hand with a bit of "reader research".

What do you think makes a great book? What key elements in a story drag you in and make you want to read more? What type of characters can you relate with and what really makes a great villian? How long approximately, are the books you normally read and what genres do you prefer? What is your opinion on young adult fantasy fiction and what are your general likes/dislikes about stories and novels?

Any answers to these questions would be incredibly helpful to me, as would anything else you might want to add. +rep to all answers and thanks

Also, if anyones interested, I've started my first writing blog where I generally ramble on about my writing process, the different aspects of writing and my opinions and experiences with the publishing industry etc. -

http://misslavendergrace.blogspot.com/

thanks again, guys

[Deathix]

The main thing I look for in a ideal book is a lot of twist and turns, things that you wouldn't expect. You're best off trying to keep to the same genre also if you get me? I mean having one book about romance and then your next one about horror isn't going to go down well with your fans? haha. I really do hope you become a large success.. Good Luck!

[VelvetClover]

The main thing I look for in a ideal book is a lot of twist and turns, things that you wouldn't expect. You're best off trying to keep to the same genre also if you get me? I mean having one book about romance and then your next one about horror isn't going to go down well with your fans? haha. I really do hope you become a large success.. Good Luck!

So you like to be kept guessing about the plot...lots of mystery and suspense?
Great reply, thanks +rep

[Deathix]

Exactly. I like the unexpected to happen, it keeps you from being bored I guess :3

[Oleh]

Very well detailed action scenes.

[beth]

i think the main reason i get gripped with a book is if i can relate with either the lead character or one of the characters close to the main plotline. even if it's a really simple trait or characteristic, and i think that's the case with alot of young adults. cause adolescence is an age of learning to understand yrself and if there's a character that kinda ties into that ha.

[Teabags]

A really nice twist in the story - like in movies e.g. shawshank redemption or The Others
So the story can even be slightly mundane to a point.

Also, I do prefer villians to sometimes win or if you are rooting for them all the way through. Like the Italian job- that always makes a nice change. I like to know the reasoning behind the villian - so that you can have an empathetic side to them and prove that they are human too.

Also a compelling story can be easy to read so not taxing.

[VelvetClover]

All helpful replies guys, thanks and +rep

[Hollie.]

I have to agree I like an unexpected twist at the end good luck

[J0SH]

A book I couldn't put down was Abomination. There has to be something there to keep you reading. You know, slowly builds upto the point, cliff hangers etc etc so you wanna just finish the book quickly to find out what happens, those are my type of books.