If I could just present an alternative viewpoint on one statement that kinda made me uncomfortable from this crit I think it would be worth a little debate.

To say that readers dont want to be reminded they are reading a story is a little bit of a strong statement, in actual fact i love that kind of story, if its done well it has you thinking about the whole nature of storytelling and why this is such an important part of human communication. For examples of doing it beautifully, look at Neil Gaiman’s work, particularly in sections of the Sandman. Gorgeous.

Also the kind of audience who would probably enjoy a story like this would most likely be into the mythology or history of ancient cultures, and the balance between those two, how they mix together to become indistinguishable in some cases (like the Illiad). It makes for an interesting theme to explore, thats all I want to say.

I dont think you’re wrong, just that we could miss out on some really good ‘nature-of-stories-and-storytelling’ books if everyone followed that piece of advice too far!

Holly, please tell me what you mean by frame?

Many thanks from one of your devoted legions of students.

Deb