I was on a forum today and someone made a great observation: What really bothers me is that you've got agents saying that certain paranormal creatures are getting tired, but then they keep selling and when you offer them something different, they "don't know where to place it" BECAUSE it's different (Thanks to Roly on AWWC)
Right now the market seems to be saturated with vampires and werewolves, yet despite agents saying they've had their fill they still keep coming. I'm not big on reading paranormal YA novels (I know, I know how can I write what I don't read? But mainly it's so I don't get influenced by someone elses concept), but I haven't noticed a lot of angel stories lining the shelves, but all I hear about is how they're the next hot thing. Too bad for those people just figuring that out when, even as they make their debut on the market, they're out. It's too late to write the next great angel story because in two years time after you've written, edited, queried, revised and found a publisher the market will be full for those stories.
Everything has a life cycle and the publishing world is no different. So, I find myself wondering now if I should be moving two steps back. What was popular 4 or 6 years ago in teen fiction? There I might find the next big thing. Too bad the characters in my head aren't interested in being the next big thing. I guess I'll just have to write what the voices in my head want me to and pray that its what's about to be hot.
On my iPod:
She is Beautiful by Andrew WK
For me, it would make sense to write what you're passionate about and not what's hot now or about to be hot. I have two YA stories that I haven't done anything with for lack of time. However, I do wonder whether coming of age stories for normal kids will even cut a little bit of a dash since everything is now about paranormal creatures. Btu writing to formula isn't my style so I hope I get lucky when I'm ready to send my two novels into the the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that if we're not resolute about sticking with our own style and story, the publishing world will turn us into mindless puppets, writing formulaic drivel.
Yeah, I'm thinking that if I just write what I'm passionate about now then maybe one day it'll be the next trend and I'll be ahead of the game. Trying to chase a trend just seems so pointless to worry about or even try to attempt.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, your blog is beautiful. Also, your post makes a good point. That's why I write for what interests me. I know that if I have sixty different novels sittting around somewhere, it will be current at sometime.
ReplyDeleteann
I have to say--sexy pic! Like the others said, you have to write what you're passionate about even if it sits on the shelf for a few years. I've heard that Stephen King put off his Gunslinger series because he didn't want just another epic hero's journey. He released it later and it's doing fabulously well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I have a feeling I'm going to end up with about sixty as well!
ReplyDeleteI love the pic, too! I'm not a big Stephen King fan but I love that he's willing to share his experiences in finding an agent and getting published. Obviously he's doing something right!
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