Thursday, May 30, 2013

Questions are weak sentences

If you don't believe that questions are weak sentences, replace the heading of this blog "Questions are weak sentences" with "Are questions weak sentences?" and decide which sounds more powerful.

Questions are often used on back cover copy and promo materials for books. In my opinion, the promo materials would be more powerful if they weren't.  Take a look at these examples which I made up:

She buried him a decade ago and now he's at her door. vs She buried him a decade ago so who's the man at the door?

If Jordon doesn't hold his emotions together, Laura will die. vs Can Jordon hold his emotions together to keep Laura alive?

Amy is beautiful and Beth is rich. One of them will become Mark's wife. vs Amy's beautiful and Beth's rich. Which woman will Mark choose to be his wife?"
 
The aliens have landed. The world depends on Bob for its salvation. vs The aliens have landed. Is it too late for Bob to save the world?

Jane uncovers a chilling plot. Humanity is being sacrificed for a chance at immortality. vs Jane uncovers a chilling plot. Is humanity being sacrificed for a chance at immortality?

Every wish you could live two lives?  SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT


 SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT

“...like a good episode of The Twilight Zone."

"Breathtaking ending..." 

"Chilling -- a fast and fascinating read!" 

"A psychological mystery of the first order..."

"A speeding bullet of a story..." 

“...a mind-bending roller coaster ride." 

SCHRÖDINGER'S CAT is available at these fine online stores. If it's not on the shelves of your local bookstore/library, you can ask to have it ordered in for you.




Eileen Schuh, Author
FATAL ERROR

Schrödinger's Cat
THE TRAZ