Escapist Uncensored: Let’s look at the ‘what no pictures’ joke

LKHamilton-Kiss of Shadows

Escapists UncensoredSomeone picks up your book, flips through the pages and comments “How can you read this? There are no pictures!” I’ve heard this a bunch of times, as I’m sure so have many of you. My favorite part about this ‘joke’ is that it’s more insulting to them, not you, and they just don’t realize it. I always giggle and say something like “It’s a gift” and move on. In the past, inside I’m thinking, well dumb-ass, some of us can read without illustrations telling us what is going on.

But you know, if you think about it, it would be kinda wicked if some books did have drawings/picture of the current scene.

Do you remember the scene in the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien where we meet Smaug for the first time? Can you imagine, turning the page, and there, right before your eyes is a dragon with jewels embedded into its underbelly? I know I would have been all a flutter with excitement if this was included in my novel.

What about the scene in Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton, where Red Woman’s Husband shows up? Remember him? He was a vampire, who thought he was a god, with the eye lids of his victims all over his arms, that blinked mind you, and a necklace of tongues that writhed. He also had a pet, a Quetzalcoatl, a six legged serpant type creature with iridescent scales that changed color, and wings. I mean really? Having a picture/drawing of either of these two would have been awesome to refer back to while you read.

Speaking of LKH what about a photo of each of Merry’s men from her Merry Gentry series? Hello! Talk about eye candy! Think about how kinky those sex scenes would be, mwuahaha.

I’m one of those readers who love all the visual clues, because I want to ‘see’ what’s happening. If I can’t see what’s going on, I usually can’t get into the story, no matter what it is about. I love that my imagination can picture what I’m reading, but there are times where I wish I had a small peak. I’d like to make sure I didn’t get the wrong image, you know?

Maybe they are on to something.  What do you think?

About Nikki R 120 Articles
SAHM of 2, happily married bookworm, blogger and aspiring author. If I could read/write all day, every day, I would. Luckily I have a very understanding, and patient, husband who lets me get away with it as much as possible. Now if only the kids would understand my obsession, and the house would clean itself, then I'd be all set.