I think it’s a spectrum — on one end there are things which are carried solely by the style and have almost no plot, but are nonetheless serious writing — and then on the other end things that are extremely plot-driven, not necessarily well written, but extremely *readable* (Martina Cole?!).

Personally I think the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. I think something like Lolita is an example of something balancing style/plot — really pacey, gripping, and undeniably well written.

On plot being too far out — I’m not sure this is possible, as long as the suspension of disbelief required of the reader is consistent and the plot itself is internally coherent.

- Zoe (auburnette on Fetch)