Now that Wicked Love has been released, I have a bit of time between writing and emailing bloggers to talk about the literary trends in genres. In 2015, the trend of new releases in the traditional realm of publishing will be paranormal and dystopian novels. Namely, themes of vampires and zombie apocalyptic novels, but there will be more dramatic books regarding the death of loved ones. So, what should the indie writer go along with? What should they plan to write this year?
Well, my view has always been to write what you feel like writing. Some writers tend to spot the trend and to write accordingly, but I prefer to be different and just write a great book that could stand out. If the supermarket is only selling Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream, be Rocky Road. I guarantee that when taste buds get tired of bland flavors, buyers will be in the mood for some Rocky Road.
Trends are great predictions of cultural trends in movies and television programming which books tend to mirror, but they can be limiting as far as the creative process. Have you ever tried to write a book your heart wasn't into because it is a popular genre? It is torture!
I know that, as a writer, especially in the indie world, it is important to establish a voice and a brand. People want to trust that if you wrote their favorite horror novel, your next book will be their next favorite horror novel. My problem with that is that it pigeon-holes a writer into only writing one genre. Most authors work around that by having several pen names, one for each genre. I choose just to write. My preferred genres has always been paranormal and suspense, but if I just stuck to those, I would have never written Weeping Willow which is a Fantasy series.
So, what is my point? My point is write what you feel. Write a story that you would want to read, regardless of the limitations of genre. Fantasy is out of my comfort zone. I never thought I was creative enough to dream up other worlds or the creatures which dwelt in them, but the books of the Weeping Willow Series has been some of my best received works. So, keep writing, writers! But, first and foremost, be original and write what you love, not what the trend dictates.
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Monday, November 17, 2014
What is Wicked Love?
So, I should start off by saying that... when I finish the second half of the chapter I am currently working on, I will have five more chapters left to write in this installment of the Weeping Willow Series. A number of themes are prominent in this novel and jump out at you in various times during the journey; love, time, salvation, sin, redemption, loss, sacrifice, etc.
Ultimately, it is redemption through repentance which is key in this story, not time as the blurb would suggest. There is a call to change that Nalin has been woken up to. He doesn't remember key moments in his life that made him seek to change, but he is driven by a series of events to recall those instances where he reflected on his own salvation. There is a touch of acknowledgement that true love is a sacrifice of self and he is willing to sacrifice his life for the one he loves. I hope that translates when you read this novel.
I am working hard to finish this novel and haven't been writing blog posts as often as I hoped. My focus is finishing up what is remaining to get started on the next. I hope to finish this novel by the end of the month so that I can edit and publish it in December. We'll see.
Why is the book called Wicked Love?
Well, Nalin is basically watching his lost love commit wicked acts which he is unable to stop. Nalin, although he is called to help Willow by an unseen force within him, doesn't know exactly how to help her and is forced to put his own life in jeopardy to save her.
Who is more wicked, Willow or Nalin?
Both Nalin and Willow have done bad things in their lives that need to be rectified. No one's hands are clean. Both have been condemned by others. Nalin in his battle for immortality and his quest to create life outside of the natural order. Willow's sin was not in being born, because that was beyond her control. But her birth made her a curious creature, and her own actions will be foretold in the book.
Is Nalin the only one in need of change?
No. Everyone in the story will become unhinged in some ways. Characters that were once voices of reason... like Rosalyn, will seem unable to control their conflicting emotions. Characters that were dark, like Daphne, may come to see the errors in their ways to a certain degree. Even Nalin, who is consumed by blood lust, will have to exert some control in order to seek help. But, for Nalin, the first step to real change is knowing that there is a problem and asking for help.
I hope you all love this book as I do. There are a lot of recollections that will take you back to the first stories. For some, this will evoke the need to read them over again. I want to thank all of those who have posted reviews on Barnes and Noble for the short stories. Yes, I know they are short; hence, short stories, but your love of the characters made me realize that there was more to tell about Nalin and Willow's world. And a special thank you to those who have read the stories multiple times! Wow! I am always surprised when people read my work and find it interesting, but to read it multiple times, that is just the best compliment. Thank you!
Ultimately, it is redemption through repentance which is key in this story, not time as the blurb would suggest. There is a call to change that Nalin has been woken up to. He doesn't remember key moments in his life that made him seek to change, but he is driven by a series of events to recall those instances where he reflected on his own salvation. There is a touch of acknowledgement that true love is a sacrifice of self and he is willing to sacrifice his life for the one he loves. I hope that translates when you read this novel.
I am working hard to finish this novel and haven't been writing blog posts as often as I hoped. My focus is finishing up what is remaining to get started on the next. I hope to finish this novel by the end of the month so that I can edit and publish it in December. We'll see.
Why is the book called Wicked Love?
Well, Nalin is basically watching his lost love commit wicked acts which he is unable to stop. Nalin, although he is called to help Willow by an unseen force within him, doesn't know exactly how to help her and is forced to put his own life in jeopardy to save her.
Who is more wicked, Willow or Nalin?
Both Nalin and Willow have done bad things in their lives that need to be rectified. No one's hands are clean. Both have been condemned by others. Nalin in his battle for immortality and his quest to create life outside of the natural order. Willow's sin was not in being born, because that was beyond her control. But her birth made her a curious creature, and her own actions will be foretold in the book.
Is Nalin the only one in need of change?
No. Everyone in the story will become unhinged in some ways. Characters that were once voices of reason... like Rosalyn, will seem unable to control their conflicting emotions. Characters that were dark, like Daphne, may come to see the errors in their ways to a certain degree. Even Nalin, who is consumed by blood lust, will have to exert some control in order to seek help. But, for Nalin, the first step to real change is knowing that there is a problem and asking for help.
I hope you all love this book as I do. There are a lot of recollections that will take you back to the first stories. For some, this will evoke the need to read them over again. I want to thank all of those who have posted reviews on Barnes and Noble for the short stories. Yes, I know they are short; hence, short stories, but your love of the characters made me realize that there was more to tell about Nalin and Willow's world. And a special thank you to those who have read the stories multiple times! Wow! I am always surprised when people read my work and find it interesting, but to read it multiple times, that is just the best compliment. Thank you!
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