Readers all have individual expectations when reading a vampire romance. In a short amount of time the reader must be able to invest in the characters. The suspension of belief varies depending on the story. Here are some general questions about anthologies for readers:
1. Does the short story format work for you, or do you prefer the full length novel?
2. Do you read a lot of anthologies? What draws you to that format?
3. Many of these authors were new to me- I had only read 6 of the 25 featured authors- and after reading MBVR2 I added many to my TBR pile. Part of why the anthology format appeals to me is because I am always hoping to discover new writers. Do you have a similar expectation when you pick up an anthology? What new authors did you find in MBVR2?
4. Did you finish the book or did you skim around for stories that appealed to you? I finished the book but it was harder that it seemed. It actually took longer than a novel because I kept having to switch mental gears and shift to a new group of characters. Earlier in the month we discussed how we read anthologies. I actually changed how I read for this book and did not read from front to back. I found myself skipping around to find the story that suited my mood. Do you find it a challenge to jump from story to story? Did anyone else change how they read this book?
9 comments:
Hi Anna :)
Thanks for the posts.
1. I love a great short story as well as a great novel. Some of the best stories are short stories.
2. I read a few anthologies. I got hooked on DAW's Years Best anthologies, then the Thieves' World, Wild Cards & Heroes in Hell anthology-type books. Plus Sword & Sorceress' :)
The authors draw me to that format and sometimes it is a short story that is linked to their novels. Plus the stories are usually great.
:)
3. Eeek! I haven't read MBVR2 yet!
4. I jump from story to story depending on length of the story sometimes. If I know I only have so much time to read, I'll read one of the shortest stories in an anthology. If I have more time, I'll read a longer one.
:)
RK- I haven't read many anthologies but what I did like was the adaptability. If I had time I could read forever but when I don't, then short stories fit well. My favorite aspect of the format is that I found many authors that I haven't read before. Some write in different genres and although vamps are my favorite I do like switching up.
I'll check out the ones you mentioned.
Hi Anna,
Here are my answers to the questiosn you posted.
1. I really like the short story format. Especially when I'm stuck on a book I'm currently reading or deciding which one to read next.
2. I've only read one other anthology before MBVR2. When I picked up that first antho I was hoping to learn about new authors and read some of the work of others I had been considering reading.
3. I definitely share your view on discovering new authors. Believe it or not I had only 1 of the 25 featured authors. Some of the new authors that I've added to my TBR are Jordan Summers, Caitlin Kittredge, Patti O'Shea, Carole Nelson Douglas, Jaye Wells, Stacia Kane, Larissa Ione, Ann Aguirre and Devon Monk. I even picked up the first Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance because I enjoyed learning about all these different authors.
4. I finished the book by reading it front to back. I guess one of the reasons anthologies work for me is because sometimes my mind starts to drift in the middle of a book. With short stories, the story is over before my mind has the chance to wander.
Hey there Jen! I added almost all the same authors to my TBR pile. Now I just need to get a second job to pay for all the books I want to buy:) And like you, I also want to read some of the other Mammoth books. After reading this one I've decided that the short story is underrated and I should try more.
I like to switch things up with short stories every once in a while. And like others have mentioned, it's a great way to discover new authors!
I usually only pick up an anthology if it's got a story by and author I love. Sometimes I'll read the other stories, sometimes not.
The MBOVR2 was indeed mammoth. I didn't get through the whole thing this month, but will definately work on it for the rest of the year. I did find a few authors I hadn't read before, that I will now add to my 'to buy' list.
I did start reading at the beginning, but about a third of the way through I started skipping around!
1. I do prefer the full length novel.
2. I don't really read anthologies I think the last I read was about 10 years ago.
3. Several writers are new to me and have been added to my tbr pile.
4. I finished the book I read it from start to finished 2 stories a day, any more than that I think I would have been driven insane. If I would have skipped around I would have missed one or more of the stories.
I am totally distracted by the cookies in the icon. Those look delicious!
Cyd-
I also prefer the full length novel. The longer book lets the characters and plot have more depth and backstory. For me, the anthology is more of a tool to find new authors to read.
Two stories a day? Wow. That takes a level of discipline that I do not possess. I read a few at one time, then set it down for a day. Picked it up again, then put it right back. Sort of back and forth.
Hunting for the yummies was fun. I'm not crafty enough to actually make any of them though. Baking requires a skill set that I do not possess and cannot learn. Fires in the kitchen are a no no. I can cook up a storm but alas, I cannot bake. I would love to try the vamp cupcakes with my kids. maybe I wouldn't mess that up to much and if I did I could say that my vamps are just messy eaters:)
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