"It is easy — terribly easy — to shake a man's faith in himself. To take advantage of that, to break a man's spirit, is devil's work." ~GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
I’ve been struggling with whether to continue this blog, and if I do, what direction it should take. I once read that bloggers should never ask readers what they want to read about. Why? Because if a blogger has to ask, she has nothing to say. I concur.
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| Source: Inkygirl.com |
Don’t believe the rumors. It really is okay to cater to the preferences of readers if you are writing what makes you happy. What is NOT okay is buying into the myth that we all enjoy reading the same thing. We don’t.
There are those readers who hunger for the same type of book over and over. That’s why series are pandemic. There is comfort in familiar characters, in knowing all will be well, in every mystery solved, every romance a happily every after, and every foe — human or supernatural — vanquished (or at least on ice until the next installment). I rarely watch television, but when I do, old I Love Lucy episodes still make me smile. Sure, I’ve seen ‘em a million times. It doesn't matter.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in seeking this well-worn familiarity in books, just as there is nothing wrong in writing for this large and appreciative audience. But don’t be lured into believing it is your only option.
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| Source: Inkygirl.com |
Every writer should have the choice of writing what he or she loves, whether it be a feel good series, an angst riddled thriller, or something in-between. There are all kinds of readers; don't be swayed by amorphous publishing trends that suggest otherwise. Trends, by definition, are vague and in perpetual flux.
One last point. Confirm that your crit partners understand your goals. If you write edgy, dystopian fiction, and your crit partners write romance or mystery or YA or epic fantasy, that's fine, but make sure they're at ease with your work and comfortable with your genre and what you are trying to accomplish.
Critical feedback should address your writing, not your story. Never let anyone, no matter how trusted, tell you how to write your story. Your work belongs to you alone. Hold it close, cherish and protect it. Create something that makes you proud.
Over and out.
24 Brilliant Insights:
Firstly, of course you have to continue this blog! Blogdom would NOT be the same without you.
And yes, totally agree with all you said about writing. I'm one of those people who like to change it up, and who doesn't like everything tied off into a perfect knot. And yes, take feedback with a grain of salt. people can make SUGGESTIONS, but they are not all the be all and end all.
You go girl! I hate formula, which is why I chose to step away from New York and all that entails. I'm NOT one of those and don't ever want to be pigeon holed.
Please don't let go of the blog. I love coming here.
I know it sounds odd, but I think writers in general (well, let me just speak for myself)...we can tend to over think things. It's best sometimes to just go with your gut. If you feel like writing...write. If you feel like blogging...blog:)
It's incredible how many 'you must' and 'you must not' rules there are out there for writers - and how many of them contradict each other. I think you're so right - we each need to listen to ourselves and write our stuff.
Hope you stick around!
I'd miss your blog if you stopped but understand the urge since I've got it, too.
As for rules, meh, just write already! ;-)
I love your blog. Don't end it. We'd never see your smiling face :)
The key, I think, is not to follow trends but to write the first book that starts a new trend.
So get to work :)
I was scared to read the rest of this post...don't leave us, V.R.!!!
Now that I've expressed my abandonment issues, I'm so glad that you're staying. Whatever you have to say - I'll be interested enough to read it. Because what you have to say is always pertinent, thought-provoking, and worth saying.
Jess - One of the reasons I'm still here is STRING BRIDGE. Your writing touches me, and I'm *so* looking forward to being around for the release.
Anne - I agree. Many readers and writers are tired of the formulaic. That's why indie publishing is having such an impact.
Mark - How did you find out "over think" is my middle name? Can't keep anything a secret around here. :)
Jemi - Absolutely! There are far too many rules. That's why it's important writers read widely. We need to see how often and how effectively those rules are broken.
Kathryn - Yes! Writing "rules"! ;-)
Carol - The irony is, if I quit blogging (and by quit I mean deleting the blog, not simply taking a break), I would have brilliant ideas for new posts every five minutes! I'm working, I'm working. :)
Stephanie - Okay, now you've made me blush.
You have voice. That's why I drop in here, so I hope you keep the light on.
Tricia - That's the loveliest thing anyone's ever said to me.
VR, you have intelligence, a real feeling for your readers (blog and novel), and wit.
An awesome combination. Please don't leave. I would miss you something fierce.
Writing about the same cursed mortal has let me write an unusual series. Background characters take center stage over the course of the decades. A man of faith has it shaken until he loses it entirely ... then a young boy comes into his life, bringing back laughter and a chance to glimpse the eternal.
In a one-shot, most characters are only briefly sketched in. In my linked world of novels, they take on different aspects of their personality that were always there.
But in a one setting, one genre series, it can get repetitive unless the author is good.
The Sookie novels have lost their heart. Anita Blake novels seem to have veered down paths I would rather not trod.
Yet publishers like series because readers will come back to a selling franchise over and over.
As always a thought-provoking post.
Roland - Okay, now I'm blushing again. I'd miss y'all, too. And even if I stop blogging, you can bet I'll still be around.
You're right. I think there's a lot of pressure on series authors not to shake things up for fear of losing readers. But what publishers don't seem to understand is that a series also risks losing readers when it turns stale and repetitive. I may have a shorter series attention span than most, but I don't need to read the latest Jack Reacher or Stephanie Plum, because I've already read them. Why can't a series be allowed grow along with its audience?
I know how you feel, sometimes you can't see what it is that makes your blog interesting to anyone else and it feels pointless continuing. But you're awesome, and reading your posts is a enjoyable part of my day (for one). I'd sure miss it :)
Wen - Thank you for your [too] kind words and encouragement. The writing/blogging community is so nurturing and supportive. I'm very grateful.
Good stuff here! Love it. There are different writers, and there are different readers. Rah for that difference!!
Carol - Absolutely! If we all enjoyed reading the same thing, there would only need to be one writer in the world. Then what would the rest of us do? :-)
I think it can take some time to figure out what your niche is, what really fires you up. Which may be why early manuscripts so often end up in a drawer.
Gail - Wow, excellent point. Doubt I'm the only writer to have started on a designated path only to end up somewhere I never intended. It can be difficult, particularly for genre writers, to find their unique niche. There is so much pressure to fit into the pre-existing mold(s).
That's how you do it!
You write how you want, no one can tell you how to express yourself, how would they know?
Xoxo
xoxo - True, but unless we write in a vacuum, e.g. no feedback at all, it's easy to veer off the path. This is especially of genre writing where there are so many freakin' rules.
Yes, you must continue with this fabulous blog. :)
I agree with addressing the writing and not the story.
Have a great weekend.
Medeia - Aww, thank you. :) You have a great weekend as well!
"I don't want formula. I yearn for complex characters who grow and change. I crave surprise and story lines that challenge and move and shock."
YES! Me too.
Great post! :)
Karen - Thanks Karen! :)
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