[Katsunami]

Personally, I started to dislike it when an author suddenly stops the progression of the story to explain some history. Terry Brooks is doing that in "The Elfstones of Shannara" (my current re-read).

Something is going on, a character stops somewhere in mid-stride while he remembers something, and a 4-page explanation of some gone-by time follows; mostly about something you don't need to know at that point in time.

I like it much more when an author weaves that sort of explanation into the story itself, put it inside a dialog between two characters, for example (which Brooks also does in this book), or telling it as part of an / the action. I actually read a huge post about this on some guy's blog some time ago, but I forgot his name. He mostly writes books about dragons... and I remember some book about a woman that is half demon and half angel, and doesn't fit in neither world. If I remember that guy's name, I'll find the site and post those writing tips.

Oh, and one thing I don't like is when characters start speaking in a way no one would ever speak, be they nobles or common folk or what not.

"My lady, are you trembling because of the spirits and ghosts that dwell in this forest, as is told by legends, or is it the chill wind that has taken a hold of you? Please allow me to act as your protector against these foul creatures, and also to collect some more wood for the fire, so you may become warm and comfortable as swift as can be."

Yes... right. So the lady is afraid of the forest, and she's probably cold. So, you make a bigger fire, and sit close to her. Very close. Or something.

I can't fathom anyone ever speaking in such a flowery way, except if there is some sort of very formal or traditional occasion that requires it.