In my current work-in-progress, I dip into uncharted waters (please forgive the cliché, and I suppose the pun as well).
You see, I am so used to writing about aquatic shapeshifters, werewolves, ESP-wielding dominatrix, witches, ghosts, and Celtic Mythology, that I decided to branch out into other horizons and out of my comfort zone. I guess I’ll find out how successful the story is once I find a publisher for it. :)
I’ve always believed that writing, like life, is an open highway. You have the freedom as a writer to explore a vast array of subjects and plots, to create any character you can conceive and bring them to life.
Of course, if you expect to get published, there has to be some commercial viability to the project or it’ll never see electronic or print, no matter how well written the book happens to be.
Plus, once you’ve begun to establish a “voice” and a genre of choice, riding that open highway gets more difficult. Everyone loves to pidgeonhole you. And I suppose I am as guilty as the rest. No wonder we talk about “branding” an author. Talk to any former or current emerging “overnight sensation” in the industry and you’ll find they still bear a few scars from the fire of their creation.
The nice thing about being an ebook author is you have the freedom to try new things, to write in several genre, to play and experiment. On one hand, I am thrilled to have the freedom to go wherever the wind blow…but freedom comes at a price and I am there and I find it steep.
Most of the voices of authority tell you to write the book you want to write and not to follow trends. Good advice, since trends come and go rather fast and can leave an author stuck like a dinosaur in a tar pit.
I know I am rambling, but this is something that does weigh on my mind. For others out there, writing toward publication or already published and trying to keep up with the imposed schedule of deadlines, how far from the shore do you draw your personal line in the sand?
I’m not suited to a life of quiet desperation, and I know some of my fellow authors are struggling at the same stage of their writing career as I am. I like the diversity of choice, yet I long for the same overly-trite thrill of seeing my name on the spine of a book on a shelf.
I don’t want to find myself stretching what is an essentially single title or sequel into a ever-thinning series, lacking true substance. Yet, I cannot see myself writing nothing but single titles, re-inventing the proverbial wheel each time.
And although I dearly love the short story as an art form, I know in my heart that to progress in my chosen career, I need to stretch and grow or stagnate.
You know, maybe I am over-thinking this journey of mine. Hmm. Maybe I should just get on the damn motorcycle and ride.
I share soooo many of your concerns, it’s scary. It’s almost like you took the thoughts from my head. But honestly, the business is one that likes to build brands, and the quickest way to do that is to pigeonhole, which makes OUR job harder, especially if we want to stretch our writing wings. In the end though, I think writing what’s in the heart IS the most effective tool because if you love it, someone else is guaranteed to love it too.
Good for you for trying something new, C.C. You never know what you’re capable of until you stretch your wings.
I understand, CC, but spread those wings and fly! You have the drive, determination, and tenacity, plus the extraorinary talent!
Cia
Cass, girl, I swear you’re psychic. I read your post and it hit me square in the chops. At this point in my career, I’m right there with you.
As for your writing, you know how I feel. I believe in your talent 100%. Write what moves you and don’t think about it too hard. What’s currently popular in romance probably won’t be 10 years from now. The same goes for the people who write those books.
Everything changes. You can’t allow yourself to be pigeonholed in a market that continually transforms itself into “the next big thing.” JUST DO IT – write your heart. Keep the marketability in mind, but don’t let it rule you. There is plenty of time to worry about the publishing side of it later.
*hugs*
Okay, we’re forming a pack mentality here.:wink: I’ve loved the ability to play with different genres. But have always held back my best, dug in my heels, aiming for the big brass ring of a standard print house. Sure, I have a fantasy novel in print with Samhain and a western romance something up this year, but…well…I know we are all capable of MORE. So, let’s make this the year of MORE for all of us!