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How do you define a quiet novel? I’ve always thought of a quiet novel as a story with more emotional conflict than physical confrontation and action. One where the main character strives to solve a problem that is important for that character and his or her immediate family or associations, but may not be world or life threatening. Death probably isn’t a factor. A quiet story is probably a more subtle story. It may be intense but perhaps constrained. I’ve read that a quiet novel is a mellow tale most likely with calm, restrained prose. With a quiet novel, a reader’s heart rate may not race. Blood pressure may not peak. However, the reader might be touched by the beauty, the passion, the intensity, the seriousness of the plot, and the writing of a quiet novel.
What do you think defines a quiet novel?
Writer Shannon Hitchcock blogged about a workshop she attended on the quiet novel (it’s a great post): http://shannonhitchcockwriter.blogspot.com/2011/01/erin-murphy-and-audrey-vernick-talk.html
I’d LOVE to know your thoughts on quiet novels. Care to share?
I LOVE quiet books; I'm all about relationships. I like Shannon's list of hooks, something I need to pay more attention to for the quiet middle-grade I write.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I tend to go back and forth between quiet and "big" novels, but sometimes, there's nothing better than a novel that lures you in slowly with beautiful writing and true-to-life characters and events. The perfect relaxing summer read.
ReplyDeleteAgh, a quiet novel. Yea, I don't write those. Not really. But I do read them. And they are about relationships. Great thing to think about this am!
ReplyDeleteI'm a plot chick by nature but I have read some "quiet" novels that have been compelling. I think what draws me in is the voice of the character and the dynamics of the relationships.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while I like to read a quiet novel. I think a quiet novel that takes you along on a smooth ride, with some easy bumps, but not a ride that is so easy that you fall asleep.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, everyone.
ReplyDeleteM.G., I loved Shannon's post. I'm glad you liked it, too.
I'm with you, Eve--I tend to go back and forth between big concept novels and quiet novels. I'm moody as a reader. : )
Hi Christine. You're so right--quieter books tend to be about the relationships.
That's a great point about voice, Karen. A quiet novel really needs a strong voice, doesn't it?
Yeah, falling asleep while reading is never a good thing, is it, Maeve. Too easy is probably not good.
I've always thought of quiet novels as the ones that deal more with inner issues vs. outer ones. And I also think beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteBut I do think it can be a pretty subjective thing. :)
I like quiet novels. I agree, they seem to have more inner vs outer conflict. But tons of conflict, nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteI like a quiet novel once in a while and yes, I agree that the conflict that drives the story is not usually heart-pounding material or earth-shatteringly important. It's a good change of pace for me, because when I look at the books I've blogged about, many of them are murder and mayhem type reading.
ReplyDeleteI love a quiet novel. I just finished one called The Gawgon and The Boy by Alexander Lloyd. There was humor too, but the plot was all about relationships. Not one dramatic, cliff hanging thing happened in that book and yet I was lured on from page to page.
ReplyDeletePerhaps one that's more character driven than plot driven? IDK. It's a very good question, and I liked your description.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Janet. And it does seem to be true that beautifully written novels are often considered quiet.
ReplyDeleteIt's also true that inner conflict does seem to dominate in a more quiet novel, Lydia. I have, at times, been really impressed by how much inner conflict is developed in a more quiet novel.
The action novels do tend to grab a lot attention, I think, J.L. I immediately think of THE HUNGER GAMES as an example (or the series as examples) of a novel that is anything but quiet.
Humor is key for me, too, Bish. As long as I am pulled from page to page, I am a happy reader. : )
Absolutely, Lisa! It does seem like a character driven novel is often more quiet. And I'm glad you liked my description. It was a bit tricky, I must admit. : )
Hey Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteI've given you a BLOG AWARD and you can drop by anytime you're free to get it. Hopefully it helps to brighten up your day. :)
warm regards,
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I've never hear this term before, but now that you bring it up I think perhaps the more literary books tend to be quieter. The one I'm thinking of right now is The Last Unicorn.
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you, Nutschell! I'll be right over! : )
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you're right, Michelle--literary books tend to be more quiet. It's been a while since I read The Last Unicorn, but I remember it as quiet.
What an interesting discussion, Cynthia. Yes, I agree w/ what you and others have said. When I pick up a 'quiet novel', I expect to THINK..you know? Ponder, feel, think about things in new and interesting ways.
ReplyDeletehope summer is treating you well :D
That's also how I describe quiet books. I finished one last night, which was contemporary YA, and I'm still thinking about it. The characters were so real and the prose was beautiful...and yeah, no violence or explosions or anything like that. There was plot and action, but relationships were in the forefront.
ReplyDeleteHi Tess--Great point about expecting to think. That's very true. I do anticipate pondering and considering more when I'm in a quiet novel. Maybe because the pace is sometimes slower?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to what novel you just finished reading, Medeia--it sounds great. : ) Plot and action with relationships in the forefront? Bring it on!
Thanks for the wonderful comments!
It was Kirsten Hubbard's Like Mandarin.
ReplyDeleteAhh, THANK YOU!!! : )
ReplyDelete