Stoker Awards?

I've seen The Missing at the bookstore quite a few times. Actually picked it up and looked at it because of the Straub blurb. I'll have to check it out. I'm always looking for unique, intelligent horror novels. Unfortunately there aren't many of them published nowadays.

I read Sarah Langan's first novel, The Keeper, and thought it was solid. The writing was very good, in my opinion, but the story kind dragged to me. Still, I'm interested in getting around to reading The Missing.

I once edited a short story by a shiny new Stoker winner.

I wasn't impressed.

Maybe the writer had an amazing editor at the publishing house, but the raw writing was pretty predictable (bordering on ridiculous) to me. It wasn't scary, the character wandered aimlessly on a dull plot point quest, and I'd like to say the ending was satisfying, but I don't remember it, it was so badly done. I guess he got out of his haunted house. Or whatever.

Oh, yeah, the writer ignored all my editing suggestions, including leaving in an easily fixed plot hole you could fly the Enterprise through. D'OH!

Lately I was given a book by a "hot" new writer who got a glowing cover quote from my personal hero, Jim Butcher. You can bet this one will be up on the awards list if only for that quote. The main premise had potential.

The cover copy turned out to be better written than the book itself--which was just awful. It didn't miss a cliche, explored nothing new, had bland, predictable characters, nothing remotely scary, viewpoint shifts, and I couldn't wait to finish the danged thing and get on to something better. (Like a cereal box ingredients list!) It was soooo boring!

And yet both Jim and a writer pal whose good judgment I respect love the book!

Jcomp said:

I read Sarah Langan's first novel, The Keeper, and thought it was solid. The writing was very good, in my opinion, but the story kind dragged to me. Still, I'm interested in getting around to reading The Missing.

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I also thought The Keeper dragged. A lot.

I wouldn't pick up another of her books for that reason.

Gillhoughly said:

I once edited a short story by a shiny new Stoker winner.

I wasn't impressed.

Click to expand...

Wow. Some of the things you pointed out are currently being pointed out to me by two of my betas, and I'm listening to them both because they are both really good writers. I always listen---it's sooo important.