Too much angst, or not enough angst, that is the question.
Hi everyone, can you believe it’s already May?? This month I want to talk about angst in our stories. Are you a fan? I’m talking, Edward and Bella in twilight angst riddled plotlines. Or do you prefer no such nonsense in the books you read? Then there is the reader like myself… the amount of angst I can handle completely depends upon the storyline. If you are reading a YA novel, give it up folks, there is going to be angst, it’s unavoidable. But if I’m reading a book with what should be adult characters and it’s riddled with teenage angst, I’m so done. You really have to find the balance that fits for your story I suppose.
Author Wade Kelly’s middle name is angst. So much so at times that she probably should name a character angst. But I absolutely love it! There is something about the way she writes the stories and the characters that it fits and works well for her. Of course, many of her characters are between the ages of 18-25 so it’s also expected. Her Jock series tells the stories of a group of young adults that are navigating the rough waters of college, sports and romance, many times the characters struggle with their sexuality. The level of angst in all these books is high, but warranted, and it’s written in such a way that it advances the story and develops the characters.
Garret Leigh is another Author who writes dark storylines for damaged characters and I’ve read, and loved, many of her books. It’s when the stories are also angst riddled that I have trouble finishing or relating to the characters. Which begs the question… Could it be that it’s not the angst per say, but the angst in addition to the darkness and intense emotions in the story. Perhaps. I recently read a book with what was described as “middle aged” men on their journey for that ever elusive HEA (happy ever after) and it started out strong, but started loosing me about two thirds of the way through. Miss-communication, thinking about saying something but not actually saying it, anxiety, dread, and then the inevitable fall out because they either couldn’t or wouldn’t face the issue(s) at hand. I was quite aggravated. It was almost as if the Author wrote the angst in as a part of the plot and what wound up happening was I didn’t finish the story because the angst drove me away and gave me a migraine. I was literally yelling at my kindle at one point. Has this ever happened to you?
I think another issue for me personally is when I’m reading a book with older, mature characters and suddenly out of the blue, angst makes an appearance. Say what now? Where did you come from? I didn’t see your name in the blurb. And speaking of older, mature characters and stories with zero angst (shameless plug time!) be sure to check out my latest release, Choices and Changes, book 7 in the All Cocks stories. Choices and Changes is Dean (late 40’s) and Adam’s (50) story and there is some darkness in there, trying times for my guys, but there isn’t the usual angst that comes with writing younger characters. I’m dying to know what everyone else thinks about this topic though, so leave a comment. What level of angst in a story determines whether or not you’ll either read or finish a book? Also, if there is a book you’ve read on both sides of the spectrum, angst from cover to cover or none at all, leave the title in your comment. I am always looking for a new read. And if there’s a specific topic you’d like to know my thoughts on, leave that in your comment as well. That’s all for now, see you guys next month!
Choices and Changes buy links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pRejMa
Amazon AU: https://goo.gl/uYUJCq
Amazon DE: https://goo.gl/OjbHY8
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/0vBcUS
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/4XovyJ
Payhip: https://payhip.com/b/7sWa
Jock series by Wade Kelly: http://amzn.to/2oF2OTA
TM Smith… A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.
Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!
Website: www.authortmsmith.com
Blog: www.ttcbooksandmore.com
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Angst – Don’t get me started…
Like you, part of my level of Angst-Tolerance is based on plot and character age group, while another is dependant on my mood.
But for those reasons (and others), I do not read teen or YA as a rule. I have teens in the house and am *lucky enough* (said with ALL the sarcasm in the world) to have front row seats to their daily drama and tirades. Reading is my escape.
I love “wounded warrior” tropes or the perfectly flawed characters. Sometimes, a character is so badly damaged that their internal struggles towards love and acceptance make my heart bleed from aching. If it feels authentic, I can handle the external angst that emanates in waves from that character – providing that they are making an effort to become stronger, better person.
Speak your mind; say your piece. Don’t play games. Remember – the other person is NOT a mindreader (unless you’re reading from the Supernatural, Preternatural and/or Paranormal category(-ies)! ). Life’s just too damn short.
P.S.
Loved Choices and Changes!!!
Great points there Tina!
If there’s a really good reason for the angst & I’m in the mood for it? Bring it on. But no to angst because of characters who. Won’t. Talk. To. Each. Other! Or unwarranted guilt over something. Ugh. No thanks.
Oh lord, nothing drives me crazier than misscommunication between characters. It can be a quick not realizing or taking something the wrong way that works itself out. But when characters spend half the book pissed or ignoring each other because of this, I’m so done.