That may seem like a weird question, but think about it.
Have you read any books that seem dated either by the pacing, narrative techniques, language, or other elements?
Do you constantly bemoan the lack of quality in today's books?
We all live in today's world. We must write for the time in which we live. It doesn't matter if your writing is as exquisite as Bronte or Austen or any of the brilliant writers of yesteryear if the times in which you live don't support that style of writing.
If you want to be a professional writer, write for your peers. That doesn't mean to dumb it down, but it does mean to not be intellectually snobbish and disdain the common reader.
If you want to be a professional writer, write for your peers. That doesn't mean to dumb it down, but it does mean to not be intellectually snobbish and disdain the common reader.
Most of those we revere today as renowned authors were considered genre—in other words, commercial—authors in their day.
Today's readers want well-plotted books. They want books that move. Never be guilty of being all flash and no substance, i.e., sparkling sentences that have no relation to the forward motion a novel should possess.
Takeaway Truth
Discover your identity as an author. You do that by writing. A lot.
This is good advice for people like me who write nonfiction, too. I have to remember that just because a fact sounds cool, I can't stick it in somewhere if it does not support the article I am writing.
ReplyDeleteWell said! It's tempting though, isn't it? Especially when you find esoteric facts that are mind-bloggling.
DeleteI'm struggling with this on my current WIP. I've ventured into a new genre and hope I'm not shooting myself in the foot.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm intrigued and excited. You must email me and tell me where your adventure is taking you. I too am venturing into the unknown.
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