Books, Genres and The Writers Market
One thing I came to realize is how our favorite books or genres we tend to stick with says a lot about us and could also shed a light on the type of book we want to write, if we ever had the chance to write a book or could write one. But I also feel that a lot of books tend to cross over into different realms or genres or exists solely in its own category. The one thing about writing is the fact that it always can change or be molded into something else. It is never a set thing or a set formula. The publishing industry may have its standards or wants what it wants to publish, and seems more like a pick and choose type of industry - but they too are always changing.
If you had the chance to write a book what would you write and what genre would you want to write for?
I know my genre could considered to be on the level of some young adult but the topics tend to fall into what I consider New Adult and def hits the coming of age - literary fiction kind of style that I love to read, not that I purposely picked the genre to write for. It just sort of happens and tends to craft itself. I've been writing long enough to see the majority of my writing falling into these categories. Although I have always wanted to branch off into fantasy possibly with my novel 'Metamorphosis', In the Absence of the Sun and Tangled fall into The Literary Fiction category.
Another thing I noticed about my writing is how all of my stories are vastly different from one another and that is something that I am also grateful for. I never liked when well known authors use the same basis for every story but just basically changed the names and called it a new book. If you run out of ideas, take a break. Donât try to use old work and try to pass it off as new. Good readers will catch up with that. I donât know about you, but I would get extremely bored with reading the same thing. The publishing can seem more like a fashion industry working only with trends and what is in instead of taking the chance with books that are really good but they aren't willing to represent.
Writing takes time and the worst thing you can do is rush your work.
If you are looking for a commercial publisher it can become more than confusing, but don't give up. Just keep on reading, keep on writing, keep on revising and encouraging yourself to do better, try harder and be persistent. The more you stick with a projects the better the chance it will have to succeed. It is up to you to move forward in life whether it is with writing or life in general.
One thing I know I need to work on which many aspiring writers tend to put aside: is the synopsis, query, the basic outline of your book and the book pitch. I always seem to put these aside, because I feel I am not ready to write them. But I know that one day I really have to sit down and craft this important part of being a writer. And when I do I will center all of my time on forming them.
Trying to describe your book to fit one or two pages is not an easy task, but the truth is the best time to write for these is when you are truly finished with your work and have your own keen idea on the plot, the meaning of the story and the genre that fits it.
Remember, there is always room for improvement and there is nothing wrong about seeking advice from well established writers, publishers or agents. That's what they are there for. The Writers Market book is also a great guideline for this and they are always updating it, so make sure to get a copy at your local bookstore.
So what can you say about your book that hasn't already been said? What makes your story so unique or original? Why is this book different than other ones out there in the market? Unlike well known authors with book contracts that can get away with overused plots, in order for your story to stand a chance - it has to be original enough to be your work but also fit in what people are looking to read. Don't be put off by this.
Writing isn't easy, but it is necessary for communication and the ability to reach out to people in need.
The truth is I don't like to put limitations around what I can write and who I am writing for. I think that also comes with the gist of being an Aquarius. I've been spending a lot of time with writing and editing for Tangled, but my persistence is just pushing the book to being finished sooner.
I feel this year has become the year of getting things done and I am truly grateful for how far I've already come with life, writing and being positive.
Remember, the publishing industry may be a door that will remain shut for long periods of time, but hear this: "A writer can't publish work that he or she gave up on."
