I read not only for escapism, but to be disturbed. I am not generally a fan of sugary fluff; I am of a more carnivorous variety. I prefer my books to invite me to delve my teeth into them, and to be rich with bloody intrigue. Rather than feeling like I savored a pleasant treat, I want to feel fully satiated.
While I keep an eye on at least one best-seller that I find to capture the current trends, I am in favor of niche or cult authors. I value those that not only take a risk, but have the wherewithal to follow through with it and to do so masterfully.
An absence of conflict or suffering is a sure-fire method to ensure my boredom. For instance, I do not find it enduring to see a romantic heroine bounce from one dreamy plot device to the other. A work that is entirely comprised of wish fulfillment lacks the struggle I seek. Schadenfreude? Perhaps.
It shames me to say this, but I seldom write. I tend to pen short-lived snippets - I hope to remedy this habit.