Five Things I Like in Books (But Probably Will Never Write)

I like to think of myself as an avid reader, and someone with eclectic tastes in terms of the kinds of books I read. Sure, the majority of my reading falls under the fantasy genre, with some sci-fi thrown in, but I love everything from epic fantasy to urban fantasy to space operas. As a result of both my love for all forms of speculative fiction, and my ongoing journey of figuring out my own writing style, I've come to realize that there are some things, be they plot points or tropes, that I enjoy reading in books, but doubt I'll ever include in my own writing.

1) Battle Scenes

I'm not talking about fight scenes, between a handful of characters, here. I mean epic, sweeping battles where thousands or tens of thousands of people are engaged in combat. In epic fantasy or sword and sorcery, I love a good, bloody battle with a long build-up and some tangible stakes on the line. Knowing my own writing, however, I don't see myself writing any battles any time soon. This is partially because the project I'm working on now isn't the right story for a battle, and partially because it seems like a daunting task that I may not have the skill for.

2) Split Timelines

I'm a sucker for dual timelines, for one character in the "present" trying to unravel secrets of characters living in the "past" to solve the problem they are currently facing. Books with these kinds of set-ups allow the author, and thus the reader, to explore themes about truth of the past, as compared to how events are recorded, or force characters to consider harsh realities about their own ancestors. In some instances, it adds a mystery element, as the question of "how did things go so wrong" gets explored. I love the usage of dual timelines, but they don't fit into any of the books I currently have planned.

3) Epistolary Stories

If I had to make a list of books that changed my life, This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone would be pretty high on that list. The novel is told entirely through letters between two rival agents of opposing organizations. I love the concept of an epistolary novel, I love the way the ones I've read unfold and allow for a unique telling of the story. It doesn't fit my current writing style, however, so I'll throw in the odd journal entry or letter, but nothing beyond that.

4) Mixed POV

To clarify, I'm not talking about dual POV or even something like A Song of Ice and Fire, with dozens of characters, all told through third-person limited perspective. I'm referring to books where Character A's POV is third-person limited, whereas Character B's is first-person POV or some other variation. N. K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth trilogy does this with three different POVs, one of which is written in second-person, and it works fantastically. I love this style because 1) it can be used to play with the reader's expectations for the plot and 2) it allows for even contrast in how characters are written.

5) Paragon Heroes

This is one of those elements that works really well when it's done right but can be frustrating if it doesn't land. Depending on the story being told, and the themes being explored, having a character who does good for the sake of it, and always tries to make the right choice, can fit. Or a character who keeps forging ahead, no matter what, not because they want to, but because they know it's what's needed. I like paragons, but I also like writing characters who are more messy as people, who have flaws that keep getting in their way.

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