So we all know what we like and don't like when it comes to reading, and we've talked a lot about our likes and dislikes on the forum. My question is, are there any exceptions to that? Have you ever tried a story that isn't something you'd normally enjoy reading and discovered that you loved it? Or have you ever started a story that sounded right up your alley, only to find you didn't like it? Why? What is it that makes or breaks the deal in those cases?
Like I answered in the challenge thread which might have sparked this question, I know I have a very specific idea of what I like to read in this fandom. It's taken me a long time to figure it out and when I first started reading well over 10 years ago I wasn't nearly as picky as I am now. For instance I most likely would have never read Mind Games if it came out now. The only way I got through it back at the time I read it was by switching Nick and Brian's character in my head. That's how I knew that Nick centered fics were going to be the ones to hold my attention above all the others.
The only time there are exceptions to that is if I'm asked to read something whether it be for judging purposes or something like the reading challenge. Otherwise I never even click on stories I know I won't find interesting. It's not only genre but it's also about the boy. I mean I've gotten so picky that if it's a suspense but only features Brian and AJ, I won't read it no matter how popular it is. I say that because I know there is a really popular suspense that featured those two and it didn't hold my attention for more than a chapter or two at the most.
That being said, I have read stories out of my comfort zone where I've been pleasantly surprised and ended up really enjoying them. Forever, Curtain Call, and Unsuspecting Sunday Afternoon. Those are a few examples of things I would have never read unless I was asked to for some reason but ended up enjoying them all. Was it enough to make me want to try some without being forced? No. Would I ever read a sequel to any of those? No.
There have also been stories on the flip side that I thought I would love because they seemed to be tailor made for me but when I clicked on them, they didn't live up to my expectations. There was one last summer maybe, it was supposed to be a brotherly bonding type bromance between the boys, (Not the story Brothers by Jess because that is an AWESOME fic!) but the writing just wasn't there and the characters were flat, so by the second or third chapter I completely lost interest. Other suspense stories where you would think I would have loved them because they were Nick centered and filled with action, I have hated to the point a few are on my top ten least favorite stories I have ever read list. One just finally got bumped from first place. LOL
So I guess in those make or break it situations it has to do with the writing, the characterizati
ons and the plot. No matter if it seems like it was written just for me, if it's not written well, then I won't be able to get through it.
Well, that was a long answer! You can always tell when I'm bored because I get very wordy in my answering of questions. LOL