If you feel strongly about something and can express it in
story, you have a great start.
If you can feel your characters vicariously, you can’t lose.
If you can feel your characters vicariously, you can’t lose.
If you feel you are saying something that will uplift,
inform, scare, inspire and your heart is in it you’re on your way to the great
American novel.
I know many of us see writing as a business and/or are
driven by what the publisher’s vision of what the readers’ preferences are.
Fine. Do that. Feeding one’s family is important. But ask yourself will your
novel stand the test of time. If that isn’t practical and you need to make a
living consider engaging your heart, baring your soul, opening a vein and pour
out that one story that you feel will contribute to the human race. and be known forever. Make it
your To Kill a Mockingbird.
If you must hide this manuscript from your agent or
publisher, do so. We want to know the real you. We want to feel something outrageously
special when we read your masterpiece.
IMO, most midlist authors are listening to what their
publishers know rather than that which burns within. If nothing burns within,
that’s okay, you are a professional. I have read many an enjoyable novel full of all the right tropes,
fatal flaws, plot twists etc. and have thanked the novelist/friend for it.
If you love to write about cowboys, or rom coms with cute
meets, or vampires with toothaches and a fear of dentists, then that’s very
okay. Because it is you and that’s all I ask for. Because you feel.
You might ask how can I write what I don't know. Aside from pointing out that that's what the publishers ask of you the real answer is we learn. We can learn almost anything.
Next week as a follow up I'll suggest you stay tuned into popular culture if you want to write about romance, because the times, they are a changin'.
Sometimes it's as simple as blocking out a little time for what you love. Raining on Sunday, 2003 sung by Keith Urban:
You might ask how can I write what I don't know. Aside from pointing out that that's what the publishers ask of you the real answer is we learn. We can learn almost anything.
Next week as a follow up I'll suggest you stay tuned into popular culture if you want to write about romance, because the times, they are a changin'.
Sometimes it's as simple as blocking out a little time for what you love. Raining on Sunday, 2003 sung by Keith Urban:
Bob: Great post. When I first started to write, I wanted to do mainstream novels with ideas I was passionate about. But in those days it was too difficult, so I decided to put off my Great American Novel for awhile, and published what and where I could start - romance. Now I'm writing mysteries, which I love, and the "big" novel will have to wait a little longer. But I will do it. Thanks for urging me.
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