As you say, Carol, it's a whole package of things we look for
Bravo, exactly. It's characterization, it's dialogue, it's writing style it's interesting introspection, it's a thought out plot; the list could go on forever.
Despite my squatter-like appearance on these boards, I actually have a lot less time on my hands than it seems. So something really has to catch my attention for me to stick with it either here or reading it on the Archive. And when I vote, I'm not going to sit around thinking, well that story has good characterization, or that story had an interesting premise. I need to be able to say, "Hey. That story was a hell of a ride, and I loved every minute of it!"
JD
