I do apologize for not being around as much as usual. I have so many things going through my head right now that I can’t seem to focus on the blog or much of anything else for that matter. It hasn’t been bad thoughts (for the most part). I’ve mainly been pensive. Website designs, goals, writing, and career have been ongoing themes. I’m trying to decide how best to proceed, while inching my way through edits and more craft books.
I’ll admit it’s difficult. I feel like I’m straddling two worlds. This was particularly driven home at the RWA meeting the other day. It was great seeing friends and visiting, but I felt more out of place than ever. I know part of this is due to my lack of attendance. But an even larger portion is due to the change in my writing. It’s getting darker and far more violently graphic. A lot of my new work has elements of horror. I’m finding it more and more difficult to write ‘light’ romances. Hell, I’m finding it difficult to write romances at all.
Strangely, I have no idea why I’m slowly veering away from the genre that I love. It’s not like there isn’t romance in my new books. There is. It’s just not the focus of the story anymore. I’m in unfamiliar territory, which is something that always makes me uncomfortable. For those of you who’ve traversed this land, how did you get through it?
March 3rd, 2007
Is there a writer out there that doesn’t occassionally go thru writing changes? Some of them are phases. Some aren’t.
But you gotta go with the story, whatever it may be. Forcing yourself to write something that isn’t appealing to you isn’t fair to you…and forced books often suck. ;o) Step back from it, take a break and see what happens.
Those lighter romances may not be your cuppa right now, but that’s not to say one of them won’t pop into your mind from time to time. :p
my two cents!
by Shiloh Walker March 3rd, 2007 at 2:55 pmJordan, I knew I was in trouble from the beginning! Writing a scene with a Viking invasion, swords swinging, blood everywhere, and I stopped went, “oh, my God. You can’t PUT that in a romance!” And yet I kept writing things like this…Fortunately, I’ve been able to straddle the paranormal/action/adventure and erotic romance fence at EC, and I’m fortunate to have found an RWA group that has a lot of members writing outside of romance. But it can be very discouraging when you realize just how far outside the box you are. It helped me a lot to put aside the romance label and not worry about how I fit. Just write the books.
by Charli March 3rd, 2007 at 3:02 pmShiloh, No, I don’t think there is. You’re absolutely right. One never knows what the future may hold.
by Jordan March 3rd, 2007 at 3:41 pmCharli, It does take talent to straddle that fence. I can’t seem to do it. I can write either or, but not both. You’re lucky that your group has a good mixture. Mine is super nice, but there aren’t many people writing outside the box. Great advice. Thanks!
by Jordan March 3rd, 2007 at 3:43 pmHugs Jordan. No advice, because I started outside the box. But sometimes, you do what you gotta do. In this case, you write what you have to write.
What you’re writing matters less than you giving your best to it.
by May March 4th, 2007 at 5:08 amI think it’s great that you are going with what you natural veer towards with your writing. I also think ALL stories are better with romantic elements in them, simply because romance/relationships arepart of life.
However, not all stories that contain romance, Are romances. Hope that makes sense. Basically. I think you need not give another thought to where your writing is taking you. It’s progress, and it doesn’t mean that after writing several darker stoires, you won’t have the urge to write a straight romance again.
And it certainly doesn’t mean you need feel out of place. We love you, no matter what you write.
by Sasha March 4th, 2007 at 2:39 pmYou’re a published writer, so I don’t presume to know better; but if you can’t read your writing over and over and over, you’re in trouble. Hence, if some dimension of writing becomes tedious, a change is not just warranted, it becomes necessary to the point of an intervention.
by BernardL March 4th, 2007 at 4:04 pmI’m with Charli, Jordan–just write the books.
I feel certain that readers will love what you have to offer, regardless of the genre.
Off this topic–I’m far behind on visiting my favorite blogs but finally had a chance to spend some time reading all your Japan posts and looking at the photos & videos. Extraordinary, Jordan! I thoroughly enjoyed these interesting insights, especially because my daughter will be traveling to Japan later this month–totally on her own.
She’s always wanted to visit Japan and made it her personal goal for this year.
She’ll land in Tokyo and then go from there. I understand it’s one of the safest travel destinations for women, so that makes me feel better. I’ve sent her the link to your blog so she can see all youve written about your trip. I’m so glad you had such a fabulous time. Seems like it was a great vacation for you and your husband.
by Daisy Dexter Dobbs March 4th, 2007 at 5:09 pmMay, I always try my best when it comes to writing.
by Jordan March 4th, 2007 at 9:37 pmSasha, (((Hugs))) Thank you. I actually know exactly what you mean and you’re right. Not everything with a romance in it is a ‘romance’ novel. That’s been a hard one for me to separate.
by Jordan March 4th, 2007 at 9:38 pmBernard, *ggg* I actually don’t know many authors who can read their writing over and over again without it growing tremendously tedious. *wg* Particularly when it’s been put into print. The fact that we can no longer edit can be downright painful. LOL!
by Jordan March 4th, 2007 at 9:40 pmDaisy, Thanks, I hope you’re right. I do worry that I’ll be disappointing the people expecting something like Phantom Warrior or the Atlantean’s series. Glad you liked the pictures of Japan. Yes, your daughter will be perfectly safe. Tokyo is absolutely one of the safest cities for women. There aren’t a lot of violent crimes. She’ll have a terrific time.
by Jordan March 4th, 2007 at 9:43 pmWould it make you feel any better to know you are a bad influence? LOL Raine and I sat on Saturday and plotted out a new book and I kept thinking, “Oh yeah, and there’s some romance.” hehehe
by Amie March 5th, 2007 at 10:43 amI think it’s scary no matter where you are at. I have no idea if I can even pull this book off but right now it’s the loudest so I’m going to go with it.
Jordan, I feel like you do and I think it’s why I can’t finish my manuscript. I watched Ghost Rider yesterday and found my self thinking about the creepy cemetary scenes. I love horror and to be scared. I’m sooo leaning toward this genre. Thanks for the blog because I don’t feel alone.
by Isabella March 5th, 2007 at 11:04 amYou were meant to write in the urban fantasy genre, and RED is amazing. I still love that opening! Gives me chills just thinking about it.
by Julia Templeton March 5th, 2007 at 11:07 amThe market is constantly changing…and look at all the romance authors who are straddling genres, and are successful in doing so.
Eeek, I’ve been feeling the same way for a while, I think. Or I’m feeling something related, anyway. Romance is my all-time favorite genre…and yet for a while now, it’s been so hard for me to find a really good romance novel to read. I go to the bookstore and browse for a long time and just can’t seem to connect with anything. I almost feel like a fraud, continuing writing in a genre I feel so disgruntled or even disillusioned with.
So, I don’t have any answers or advice for ya, since I’m going through something similar! I’m writing a YA now, and that’s been really fun. There’s a romance in it, but it’s totally not central to the story; it’s more like…something that adds texture to my heroine’s growth process. Another mirror for her to look into, kind of. A step toward independence. Etc.
Anyway, you’ve always been great at pushing boundaries in your writing and breaking into new subgenres, or blending subgenres. I think if you follow your instincts you’ll do better than fine; you’ll do great. Maybe even blaze some trails for the rest of us.
Just don’t limit yourself. I guess that’s my only advice for you.
by Catherine Morris March 5th, 2007 at 11:37 amAmie, Strangely, that DOES make me feel better. LOL! My work here is done. Brushes hands together.
I have a book that’s haunting me a bit. Unfortunately, it’s not the one I need to write or the one I’m currently editing. I definitely don’t know if I can pull this new story off. It’ll probably be the hardest plot wise yet, but I’m going to try. Glad you are too. 
by Jordan March 5th, 2007 at 11:41 amIsabella, You’re welcome.
And good luck. I’ve always been a big monster movie fan, but never horror per se. That’s why it surprises me the direction some of my writing is heading in.
by Jordan March 5th, 2007 at 11:43 am(((Julie))) Thank you. I’m definitely grateful to all those who are currently paving the way for me.
by Jordan March 5th, 2007 at 11:45 amThanks Catherine!
Fortunately or unfortunately, I don’t have much of a choice when it comes to genre blending. It just happens every time I open a blank word document. *g* I have only written three stories that are straight romance and they’re all contemporary. I think you’re a natural at the YA voice and you’re not a fraud. Most of the books I’ve been enjoying as of late aren’t classified as romance.
by Jordan March 5th, 2007 at 11:49 amLol, I thought I was writing Epic Historical Fiction, period.
And now I have a selkie in one story, and magic stones in another - ok, those stones are the only way to save that mess of a plot, but 2 out of 6 NiPs are no longer plain Historical Fiction.
Charli,
by Gabriele March 5th, 2007 at 2:10 pmbut Vikings, swords and bloodshed are so much fun. *g*
Gabriele, Surprise! *ggg*
by Jordan March 5th, 2007 at 6:26 pmAs I’ve said before and I will keep saying, your readers will follow you on whatever journey you’re taking. We’re a loyal bunch and have faith that not only will your writing continue to grow in depth and ability but that your stories will continue to intrigue us. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re going to find your way, no matter where the stories take you. Writing I think is about growth, both as an individual and an author. Your characters will tell you where they’re going it’s just up to you to keep up with them! Good luck!! I have all the faith in the world in you.
by Shannon March 6th, 2007 at 8:46 amThank you, Shannon. (((Hugs)))
by Jordan March 6th, 2007 at 7:23 pm