A note to authors

[andrewducker]

If you start your book by introducing five characters at once, who refer to each other by a mix of first names, surnames and nicknames (and occasionally by some identifying feature) then I will finish the opening chapter with no idea who anyone is, or what they are doing.

I have enough problems with names in real life - I need to be introduced to characters one or two at a time, with each one labelled and identified so that I have some kind of internal handle on them, before the next ones are introduced.  More than that and I will bounce right off of your book.

Comments

[channelpenguin.livejournal.com]

Cyteen? Wow. I would never have thought that would be a problem one. I will have to in back and read the start and see what you mean. If you ever do crack it, do yourself a favour and never ever read the sequel - its pretty dreadful.

[channelpenguin.livejournal.com]

just re looked at Cyteen. It's kinda obvious to me who are proper main characters and who aren't. I Think I am judging that the ones from whom we get internal dialogue are/will be main characters.