Please don't start second-guessing your skills as a fiction writer! I know it's so tempting, because we want to believe that our careers are under our own control rather than subject to external forces, but the truth is, you are a fantastic novelist (and you've had tons of external evidence for that fact - those starred reviews! the book box!) regardless of whether the projects you're interested in writing next happen to align with the current publishing landscape or not. Honestly, I've had books not get even *close* to selling in trad publishing when I first wrote and pitched them, only for them to sell well 10 years later when the landscape had shifted! Your skill isn't in question at this point.
I don't do escapism the way I think most people want escapism in romance, and it's made me question a lot of things lately too. But honestly, I love it when authors grapple with real issues in a genre devoted to hope and joy because real life feels so hopeless right now; pure fairy tales make me even more depressed. The ability to find love in a cruel world is the only thing that inspires me lately.
Writing to process! What a lovely way to say it. My favorite question at any author event is “what did the writing of this story teach you about yourself?” and invariably the person i ask does not understand i am seeking some insight into how the writing of that specific story allowed them to delve deeper inside themselves. I suspect you understand immediately what i mean! I am so grateful for your post and grateful for your words and admire you more than i can say.
So much of this resonates! SO MUCH! But maybe especially this:
“I even said this out loud to my wife, something along the lines of “I think this is a good book,” which is something so out of the ordinary for me to say about my work that it visibly shocked her lol”
I’m always fascinated by authors who rave about their own work - “I’m obsessed with these characters!” etc. - whereas I feel like a raccoon holding out a piece of garbage. Even when I know it’s not garbage!! I’m working on it…
It's not your fault that things have trended to the very tropey, very broad plots. They don't even always make sense! But I guess if you can do a trope roundup graphic, it's good enough for the publishers. And yet I find that I'm tired of them and wish I had more books that are quiet, more grappling. I can't be the only one; I suspect the pendulum will swing back eventually. Until then...rereads!
happy book birthday julie and elle!! i stand by believing that 'there's no one else i'd rather FAFSA with' is one of the most romantic lines i've ever read <3
Please don't start second-guessing your skills as a fiction writer! I know it's so tempting, because we want to believe that our careers are under our own control rather than subject to external forces, but the truth is, you are a fantastic novelist (and you've had tons of external evidence for that fact - those starred reviews! the book box!) regardless of whether the projects you're interested in writing next happen to align with the current publishing landscape or not. Honestly, I've had books not get even *close* to selling in trad publishing when I first wrote and pitched them, only for them to sell well 10 years later when the landscape had shifted! Your skill isn't in question at this point.
thanks so much always for your perspective and support stephanie; it really helps <3
I don't do escapism the way I think most people want escapism in romance, and it's made me question a lot of things lately too. But honestly, I love it when authors grapple with real issues in a genre devoted to hope and joy because real life feels so hopeless right now; pure fairy tales make me even more depressed. The ability to find love in a cruel world is the only thing that inspires me lately.
This was a very healing and hopeful read. Keep writing, big, quiet and all the in betweens!
Writing to process! What a lovely way to say it. My favorite question at any author event is “what did the writing of this story teach you about yourself?” and invariably the person i ask does not understand i am seeking some insight into how the writing of that specific story allowed them to delve deeper inside themselves. I suspect you understand immediately what i mean! I am so grateful for your post and grateful for your words and admire you more than i can say.
So much of this resonates! SO MUCH! But maybe especially this:
“I even said this out loud to my wife, something along the lines of “I think this is a good book,” which is something so out of the ordinary for me to say about my work that it visibly shocked her lol”
I’m always fascinated by authors who rave about their own work - “I’m obsessed with these characters!” etc. - whereas I feel like a raccoon holding out a piece of garbage. Even when I know it’s not garbage!! I’m working on it…
yes!! Anytime I meet a confident writer I think “couldn’t be me!!” lol but here’s to us both working on it 🤞
It's not your fault that things have trended to the very tropey, very broad plots. They don't even always make sense! But I guess if you can do a trope roundup graphic, it's good enough for the publishers. And yet I find that I'm tired of them and wish I had more books that are quiet, more grappling. I can't be the only one; I suspect the pendulum will swing back eventually. Until then...rereads!
happy book birthday julie and elle!! i stand by believing that 'there's no one else i'd rather FAFSA with' is one of the most romantic lines i've ever read <3
i forgot that i had even written that line, so thank you so much for the reminder!!
I can't wait for Donut Summer! You'll have to come to Lincoln and we'll have to celebrate with all the donuts!!
sounds wonderful!!