I know on several occasions we’ve talked about ‘books of the heart’ vs market expectations. I’m not sure I have a specific book of my heart (I have a couple.), but I am very well aware of what is happening in the marketplace. I track it like a bloodhound, watching what’s selling, what’s been released, and following rumors from publishers. This does not determine exactly what I write, but my awareness does give me pause.
I think that’s why I feel so utterly torn. I know that the onslaught of paranormal romances has created a glut in the market. Things are about to shift again. Rumors are starting to surface about historicals and time-travels coming back into fashion. Does this change the fact that 70% of my story ideas are paranormal? No, but it does make me think long and hard about whether or not I should be working on these particular stories, even though I love them. Hence, the sensation of feeling torn.
I seem to have a bit of an aptitude for writing contemporary romances. (Or so my agent, dh, and mom think.;) The problem is the type of contemporary romances ‘I’ like to read (ie Michele Albert, Susan Andersen, Cherry Adair, Christina Skye, Sandra Hill, and Fiona Brand) aren’t the kind I seem to be able to write. To be honest it’s frustrating the hell out of me and I have no idea how to ‘fix’ it. I do know the only way I’ll be happy writing them is if I can figure out how to do so. Otherwise, every contemporary ST I attempt to write will be the equivalent of receiving root canal without anesthesia.
March 13th, 2005
RED. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
I’ll haunt you if you don’t finish that story.
by Sylvia Day March 13th, 2005 at 4:17 pmDid we have a Vulcan mind-meld or what? I just posted about my own frustrations before I visited your blog. Even though we’re at different stages of our writing careers, it is quite fascinating to see that the issues and doubts can be the same. This is a hard thing to struggle with, but I’m confident that you shall come through it.
by Evangeline March 13th, 2005 at 4:44 pmLOL Sylvia! I will finish that story, even if it’s just for me.
by Jordan March 13th, 2005 at 6:07 pmEvangeline, It doesn’t matter where you are in your career, all things are cyclical. Either that or there are a lot of Vulcan mind-melds taking place. (wg)
by Jordan March 13th, 2005 at 6:08 pmWell why not write a contemporary paranormal. A combination of something you like to read with something you naturally write. The thing is, if you keep aiming for a type of subgenre or style of writing that’s not you, it’s going to be a complete drag. You’ll be unhappy while writing, and not satisfied with the results. Lord knows there’s enough crap in this business to stress us, why borrow more? gg
by jaq March 13th, 2005 at 6:12 pmJaq, Most of my paranormals are contemporary. I just haven’t been able to slay my agent with them as of yet. :-/
by Jordan March 13th, 2005 at 6:35 pmJordan, write what makes you happy. It’s the only way!!!!
by Suzanne March 14th, 2005 at 7:36 amI have to agree, Jordan. Write what makes you happy. You know what I do? Take a nap. I let my brain just flow, and when I get to that place between waking and dreaming, ideas will come to me in the genre I want to write.
As far as what you’ve already written, maybe set those aside for now and write something fresh and new. We all learn so much along the way that it’s easier writing a novel now than the novels we wrote while we were learning. Good luck and take a nap.
by Cheyenne McCray March 14th, 2005 at 7:49 amI hear you on writing equalling a root canal without drugs, but that’s only if you’re not doing what comes to your heart. Write from there and it’s not quite as painful.
by Jill March 14th, 2005 at 8:02 amSuzanne, Thanks! I know you’re right.
Chey, I wish I were tired because a nap sounds good. I think I’m going to have to workout instead.
Jill, I knew you’d understand. I am going to have to find a compromise somehow.
by Jordan March 14th, 2005 at 12:38 pmI’m late to the conversation, as usual, but I also say go with what YOU like to to write. When we, as authors, are writing something that we THINK will sell, but it isn’t what we enjoy…I believe it’s noticable inthe story. And remember, a good story will sell anytime.
by Sasha March 14th, 2005 at 8:04 pmTotally agree with Jill. Writing is so painful (well, to some of us!) so write what you want, or the pain will be SO much worse!
by Larissa March 15th, 2005 at 6:56 amSasha & Larissa, The thing is I don’t mind writing contemporaries. What I find frustrating is not being able to write (yet) the kind of contemporaries that I like to read.
I’ve started back into a couple of partials that I think are good stories. I’m just trying to figure out how to approach writing them. They were originally meant to be novella length, but I’ve plotted them out further and plan to turn them into single titles.
by Jordan March 15th, 2005 at 9:59 amI’m so glad word is that historicals may be coming back! I write historicals & this has been a constant set back for me. But I have to write from the heart & my heart is in historicals.
Take care,
by Nancy Henderson March 21st, 2005 at 10:52 amNancy
http://www.nancyhenderson.htmlplanet.com
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