Take A Chance Tuesday - 5th Editon

NOTE: Today's the last day to send in your feedback from last week's "Take A Chance Tuesday, before Midnight, June 6th, 2012, after which comments will be locked.

Last week, I asked you to share the hardest aspects of the writer's craft that you need to work through, and I appreciate all who commented so far. Sharing your struggles is something hard for some people, while easier for others.

Hard for people who don't like to talk about themselves, either to avoid being whiny.

Easier, for people who had to learn what they know the hard way, and who've been burnt out by less than helpful folks in their own writer's journey, and can relate all too well how someone can struggle with something other writers around you seem to find a no-brainer. Those of you with intense writer's groups (Like I once had) will know what I'm talking about. 

Or they might have this unique kind of self-confidence that doesn't make them arrogant and blind to help, but know when they need it, and when their own judgement is enough.
But this blog is more for writers like me who are in the middle of these different, yet true points of view on the subject.

This week's challenge comes in two parts, but to avoid "I don't have time" comments, this challenge will be broken up into parts throughout the month of June. Think of it like a mini-writer's workshop of sorts.

Part 1: In the comments below, list five books you've read and enjoyed, who wrote them, and why.

But here's the twist, in one or two sentences, explain why you love each book you picked, for the STORY only (i.e Characters who moved you/challenged you/compelled you to read on), not how it was written (i.e. prose and structure)


Admittedly, this is hard for me, because when you've spent the last decade of your life writing trying to improve your craft, it's hard to distinguish and single out "Story" from everything else. 


Technical aspects aside, a story can be fun without refined and/or stylized prose, but I think we can forget that sometimes when it feels like the pragmatic and technical problems get in the way of the "Story" even if that's the main point for most readers.


I advise you check out author Janice Hardy's blog post on the subject, it's where I got the idea for this challenge. She explains it more simply than I can.


Part 1 takes place June 5th to June 12th, 2012
(Deadline: June 12th, 2012, at Noon EST, or Midnight PST)


Part 2 begins June 12th to June 26th, 2012
(Deadline: June 26th, 2012, at Noon EST, or Midnight PST)

Good Luck!