Years
ago I contracted with NBC for a screenplay and got the bug. Many years later I decided, as a
male romance writer, to differentiate myself by writing stories that were hopefully unique and of
interest to me. There’s a price. I have sent full
manuscripts on request to publishers and agents and they typically say, love your
voice, but the story won’t suit our readers.
A More Perfect Union has some politics
in it. A NO NO.
Double Happiness has two heroes and two
heroines. Nope.
Autumn Breeze (a romance) leads off in
the mind of a thirteen-year-old girl with the opening scene in New York City on 9/11. Sorry, maybe the thirteen-year-old POV, but no real disasters please.
In
Seven I write about a gal who has one
boyfriend for every day of the week. Perhaps I have six too many boyfriends,
even if I do kill them off. We’ll see on this one if I land an agent or
publisher.
I
won’t write any other way. I’m a guy, maybe stubborn. I'll read well written stories with tropes
but enjoy the less traveled path more. Perhaps this preference is similar to
literary versus genre argument.
"Am I Wrong", music and music video by Nico & Vinz, 2013 needs no explanation
EXTRA CREDIT: There’s
a great article in this month’s RWR (Romance Writers Report) called When She is a He by Janet Tronstad.
Janet wrote about the struggles and history (or in the beginning the lack) of
writing in the male point of view. I highly recommend it. I know no more about
the subject than you do! We’re all human beings and students of the human
heart. Hey, throw in a dog here and there. Regarding male POV, sometimes I write
about anomalies and sometimes it’s straight.
Bob: Maybe you are wrong. Your tale reminds me of an old "shaggy dog" story.so I picture an agent or editor saying, "Yes, different, but not THAT different." Perhaps you should write fantasy. Then you can get away with anything. Personally, I can't write fantasy or paranormal, but there's a market for it if you can.
ReplyDeleteHi Phyllis,
DeleteOddly, my first book, Neanderthals and the Garden of Eden, you know the one we are supposed to file away, used magical realism and has out sold everything else by far.
Bob
My Mantra: Know and follow the rules until you develop the skills; then, make a conscious choice when and how to break the rules. Ultimately, you have to be true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann...so true, but I'm afraid I'm a bit rebellious...Bob
DeleteWhen it comes to writing there is no right and wrong but genres, esp. Romance have very specific rules. It could be you need to call yourself something other than a Romance writer. I've know writers to market their books just as contemporary or contemporary with romantic elements and that got them published by the Traditionals. That said, sometimes we have to bend a little and get your toe in the door before we can abandon the beaten path. The good news is that we do have alternatives with e-publishing today. I caution here though if a reader thinks they are getting a straight romance with one of our book, they may become turned off if they discover otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right, Sharla,
DeleteAutumn Breeze was marketed as Rom elements, but A More Perfect Union is a romance, they just hated that I included [politics. Susan E. Phillips and her book First Lady inspired me, but I love the story.
I don't know what to do with Double Happiness because it is a double romance, whatever that is. Maybe that one should be listed in comedy. Unfortunately Kindle doesn't have the proper categories either, but at least their key words will id the book,
Bob