Lynnbrown
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Registered: 04-2012
Posts: 33
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The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
I wasn't sure where to put this, so I felt a separate topic might be the answer...for I am interested in your (or as southerners say y'all's) thoughts.
I have recently been reading a series of brain-cell-killing popular books that a friend of mine insisted I read. She is a woman-fan of Rob Pattinson. Hopefully you can take it from there. I actually had to pause in this 2nd book and read a Lee Child's book (a Jack Reacher novel) just to make certain my brain synapses were still intact. They are...LOVE Jack Reacher...anyway
I've toyed with the idea of writing a novel for some time now. I actually have whole parts, NOT chapters, written. But, I have not only at times waited for inspiration but seriously considered if people would like what I've written. bla bla bla
After inflicting my mind with this MESS...this ridiculously successful mess that I'm reading, complete with movieS, I'm re-evaluating if I even need to be concerned with a good novel or one that adults would like or understand.
To be monetarily successful, as far as writing goes, I'm thinking all you have to do is write for 11 to 14 year old girls. I know that by the time I was 15 or 16 I wouldn't have even been interested in this mind-numbing reading.
What do y'all think?
For in the end, even though I would eventually immensely enjoy writing a truly good and meaningful book, at this point, I would like to Make Money!
Last edited by Lynnbrown, 3/5/2013, 4:24 am
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3/5/2013, 2:28 am
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cbets57
Heron
Registered: 03-2006
Location: La Crosse WI
Posts: 1027
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
You know, I've found over the years among very good (and some very bad) writers on these boards, it's generally the concensus anymore that as long as the story is a terrific, edge-of-your-seat thing, you're halfway there.
Do you think you have that? If so, and even if you don't, just start writing. One thing for sure - you will NEVER know if you don't at least attempt a finished product. It will ALWAYS lay there in the "I wonder" section of your office. Or closet. Or kitchen. Whereever you do your thing. Trust your instincts. If you're toying with the idea and you keep having a two-way conversation with yourself, it's probably the universe saying, "Get going!"
Just my two cents. Good luck!
--- Cindy
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3/5/2013, 1:15 pm
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Frank Baron
Old Crow
Registered: 11-2011
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
I'm with Cindy, Lynn. You'll never know unless you "pull a Nike" and just do it.
We have enough pros and semi-pros here to support and offer advice about various aspects of the process - from getting the words down, to crafting a query, to researching agents and publishers etc.
If you want feedback on an excerpt or two, a couple of folks here are fine critiquers.
But I gotta tell you from the get-go, don't write it expecting to make a lot of money. Just about any job in the world will provide a better, and more secure income than that of the average writer.
But you'll never know unless you do it, right?
--- You can observe a lot just by watching - Yogi Berra
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3/5/2013, 2:18 pm
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ChunkyC
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Registered: 11-2011
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
As Frank says. Your average science fiction writer, for example, probably earns less than ten grand a year.
Like any profession, the earnings in the writing biz can be thought of as a pyramid. The vast majority are at the bottom earning a few dollars here and there, and a very few are at the top earning enough for it to be their day job. The Stephen Kings and J.K. Rowlings of the world are few and far between.
That's not to say nobody can win the lottery, so to speak, they obviously did. Write a story people want to read and who knows what could happen?
Last edited by ChunkyC, 3/5/2013, 3:16 pm
--- "The first five days after the weekend are the toughest." - A. Nonny Mousse
http://floodsweattears.blogspot.ca/
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3/5/2013, 3:14 pm
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Soob
Mockingbird
Registered: 11-2011
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
I wonder if this interesting thread is better suited for the writing forum....
I agree with what everyone said. For two years now, I've been involved in writing discussions online (with these guys) and writing courses. I'm a complete amateur, but I do know most writers who aim to make money will more than likely be disappointed.
I love Lee Child novels too, but I could never write one. You should write what you're good at writing, rather than try and write for a market you see as profitable (unless that's what you're good at).
It's such hard work to keep going and keep going, when it might be all for nothing and no-one will read it anyway. It really helps if you are writing something that comes more naturally to you than trying to force something that doesn't.
Just my two penn'orth too. Good luck!
--- Sue
*
An apple a day will keep anyone away if thrown hard enough.
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3/5/2013, 7:51 pm
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Frank Baron
Old Crow
Registered: 11-2011
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
quote: Soob wrote:
I wonder if this interesting thread is better suited for the writing forum....
Yup.
--- You can observe a lot just by watching - Yogi Berra
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3/5/2013, 8:49 pm
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Lynnbrown
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Registered: 04-2012
Posts: 33
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
Thanks so much everyone!
And, thanks for putting this in the writing forum. duh...Talking about being a writer and not even putting it in the appropriate forum.
As I just said in another thread...yes, indeedy, I can be embarrassed.
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3/5/2013, 10:10 pm
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Smiling Curmudgeon
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Registered: 12-2011
Posts: 241
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
Lynn,
I second the posts above.
Like you, I'm a Jack Reacher fan. One or two of the tales in the series didn't appeal to me as much as all the rest.
I'm not familiar with the author you're reading at "gun point." Glacial epochs ago, when I started a book I felt that I needed to finish it. Abandoned that silly notion. If I start book and don't like it after a reasonable number of pages, I put it down and move on.
As to writing, is it in your bloodstream? If so, go for it.
I disagree with your comment that one can be published if she/he dumbs down their writing. Those aren't your words, just my poor attempt to recall what your words were. The thing to always keep in mind is this---a novel you hate may be one others love, and vice versa. There's a successful writer of right wing thrillers. I can't stand them. Tried to read one. Put it down. The author's views intrude constantly. But, hey. He's published and is reasonably successful.
Most of us are not born with the ability to write publishable material. It takes work. Lots of work. Then some more work.
You mentioned you have written some portions of your tale. Post some samples here if you'd like to receive critique. If you have a first chapter, that'd be the best section to post. Just the first couple pages, though. If you don't have a first chapter, post a sample or two of what you do have. But keep them to a couple of pages. Why? 'Cuz critique takes time and thought. Short portions are easier to concentrate on. Hope that makes sense.
Before doing so, keep in mind that useful critique is honest. It can hurt. Critique, though, is aimed at the material, not you as a person.
If you do decide you'd like to receive critique, climb into your titanium undies. Then put on your full body armor. I'm not suggesting anyone here will yell at you. But honest critique can make one feel as if she's in a free-fire zone.
There's not an ounce of dishonor if writing isn't your principal passion. There are lots of other ways to be creative.
If you'd like, post some of your material.
Cur
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3/5/2013, 11:46 pm
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The Tinman
Sparrow
Registered: 05-2012
Posts: 172
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Re: The On-Going Reading Trend(s)
Writing a novel is a long, time-consuming undertaking. If you're not committed to writing the best novel you can, I wonder if you can even complete it. I think the passion has to be there, the need to create (at least, with your first, lol). If you're only doing it for the money, I'm not sure you'll finish it. Just a thought. Good Luck regardless!!!
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3/8/2013, 10:43 pm
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