Good morning, RU Crew. In my opinion, it seems like getting a book published might be the equivalent to climbing Everest. Not that I know anything about climbing Everest, but from what I’ve seen on Discovery Channel, the task requires skill, stamina and a whole lot of patience.
I bet Amy Atwell has all those qualities. With that in mind, we thought we would check in with Amy to see how the career adjustments she implemented in August are progressing. Maybe we can all learn from her experiences (and dedication!).
Take it away, Amy!
Adjusting Courses Part 2
Thanks so much to the folks here at Romance University for inviting me back. Some of you may have caught my last RU blog on August 3, 2009. In it, I discussed how I was adjusting courses with my writing after going to market with two manuscript submissions. Neither sold, but both gave me similar feedback that made me take a hard look at my writing.
I decided to embark on a medieval romantic suspense. I had a rough draft of a story about two fictional warring families that I’d set in the late Wars of the Roses period. A friend suggested I increase the historical significance and bring in some real personalities from that period. Sounded great. So off I went to the bookstore and the library, intent on gathering research materials.
Twenty books later—and yes, I’m serious—I found myself in a real dilemma. My fictional characters were having a hard time holding my interest against the multiple dramas I found between the pages of the history books I’d purchased. I had always been familiar with the houses of York and Lancaster, but I’d never delved so deeply into the series of events that led to recurring outbreaks of war between the two branches of the royal family.
Treason. Revolt. Usurpation. Murder.
Seriously, why hadn’t anybody written about this stuff before??
And before you know it, my story changed course again. My fictional characters and their 1483 setting—gone. (Well, not gone, just filed for the time being.) Enter the historical players from 1469. Enter a family whose women members became a countess, duchess, princess, and queen consort. A series of events that pitted two sisters against each other in their father’s gambit to see one wear the crown.
In my last post, I had learned the downside of writing something that didn’t quite fit the market. Even with my medieval romantic suspense—well, there you have it. Is it medieval historical? Or is romantic suspense? If an editor wanted to buy it, how would the marketing department label it? But this new plot is clear cut: mainstream historical. It’s selling well, and while the Tudor period is getting a little crowded, I figured the Wars of the Roses was safe.
Of course, then Philippa Gregory published The White Queen in late August. Yes, her newest hardcover historicals are set right in the heart of the Wars of the Roses. Thank heaven she hasn’t focused on the family I plan to feature. Undaunted by having a top author writing what could be viewed as similar material, I forged ahead.
A giant handmade genealogy chart and thirty pages of typed timeline later…
And yes, I’m serious, and no, it’s not an outline of the story. It’s merely a timeline of dates and events and players that helps me keep tabs on who is where. I’ve got a 5-page synopsis, which sucks but then all of mine do at this stage in the process. I thought by the new year I would have finished a draft of the complete book. I mean, it’s all plotted. All the events, all the characters, all the drama.
But the process hasn’t been as easy as I would have thought. The idea is great. Very marketable, I’m told. The events are fascinating. The characters are famous. And that’s where the difficulty lies. Because the book is plotted out by the true historical events, I’m having to work doubly hard to understand what drove each of these characters to the decisions they made that led to the events occurring as they did.
It’s like writing backward. I don’t know about you, but I tend to begin with characters and let the events of the book unfold from their actions. Here, I’m trying to fold the actions back into something that fits within the character. It’s like trying to stuff Jack back into his Box without pinching your fingers, and the little devil keeps sticking out an arm or his head.
Oh, I can come up with motivation that works for each character within each scene. It’s establishing the character arcs through the story that’s driving me crazy. It’s a completely foreign way of building a story as far as I’m concerned. I should absolutely have my head examined. And I will, I promise—just as soon as I finish this book.
I’ve often heard that it’s good for a writer to step out of her/his comfort zone and write in a completely different genre. While I haven’t switched genres too drastically, the process of writing this book is a whole new experience. It’s glorious—when it’s not terrifying. Without meaning to, I adjusted course into uncharted waters with this book. I’m still not chasing the market, just the story. Wish me luck.
And I would love to hear from others: has your writing career changed course? Have you delved into writing a different sub-genre, a different length, a different tone? What led to the change? Have you learned more about yourself as a writer as a result of this new direction?
From category to single title, from historical to contemporary, from suspense to women’s fiction, from paranormal to young adult—which authors out there do you think have made a hit after they’ve adjusted courses?
Try it for yourself. Look deep within you—isn’t there one story that you would like to try even though it’s totally different from anything else you’ve written? Give it a shot and see what you learn. Whatever your course, mark your heading and happy writing!
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RU Crew, what do you think? Is it time for you to change your course?
Join us on Wednesday when Dustin Riechmann from EngagedMarriage.com shares his thoughts on how to keep the spark alive in a busy married life.
Amy’s Bio:
—2008 Golden Heart® finalist Amy Atwell has won awards in several contests including The Maggie, The Sheila, The Daphne, The Beacon and others. A member of Romance Writers of America® for ten years, she hosts WritingGIAM, where goal-oriented writers share support and track progress. In 2010, she’s offering her first online classes and live workshops. And yes, she plans to be submitting her 15th century mainstream historical. Learn more about Amy at http://www.amyatwell.com/.
Kelsey's serving up bite-sized morsels for your noggin on her new 
Hi Amy,
Thanks for joining us again at RU. I’m not so much about changing career courses these days, but about delving deeper in craft. I’m really trying to immerse myself in workshops and books. Some of it is sinking in, some it not so much.
The interesting thing about my writing is that I’ve had contest judges tell me I have the perfect historical voice and others who said I sound too contemporary.
I know it’s all subjective, but this kind of feedback concerns me a bit. What if I’m writing in a sub-genre that doesn’t suit my voice? I’m comfortable writing historicals, but I’ve never tried to write a contemporary. Oi.
Good luck on your current journey!
Tracey
Posted by TraceyDevlyn | January 18, 2010, 12:16 amTracey,
Thanks for inviting me. Good for you taking the writing craft courses. Every day that we write, we improve our craft, and that’s always a worthwhile goal.
Subjective feedback–it’s impossible to know who’s right and who’s wrong (although, the editor who offers you a 6-figure contract? SHE’S right!). So often, we’re told as unpublished writers that we should focus on one sub-genre and make that our platform. But what if we’ve accidentally picked the wrong subgenre? What we’re most comfortable with may not be what suits our voice best.
While you’re taking these craft classes, you might write some contemporary scenes as “homework.” You may or may not be happy with the scenes themselves, but I guarantee you’ll learn about yourself as a writer. All best! –Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 8:12 amAmy -
First, you have my admiration for a number of things, but this historical stuff…my head would explode!
I’m at the point where I’m trying to decide if I have what it takes to write both category and single title. I was looking to re-work my first ST book to cat-length, but after re-plotting, I’m not sure that’s going to happen after all.
I think you’re incredibly smart to embrace change to advance your career. This is when many lesser writers would throw in the towel. Instead, you’re waving yours around!
Kelsey
Posted by KelseyBrowning | January 18, 2010, 12:44 amKelsey,
Well, I won’t say my head hasn’t come *close* to exploding…
Like you’ve, I’ve explored the “Hey, what if I wrote category?” question from many angles. I also tried to revamp my contemporary RS manuscript, but by chapter 3 decided I couldn’t slash away the secondary characters. I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of trying to tell a story in 90K words, so the brevity and what looks like simplicity of a category story scare the heebie-jeebies out of me. It is *hard* to craft such a focused story, and most people who try to turn a ST book into category (or vice versa) are not successful.
But I encourage you to think of a new, fresh plot idea and test the category waters. I’ve got two ideas of my own in mind–just in case I find I’m adjusting courses again. At this rate, by the time I sell my first book, I’ll have a very thorough knowledge of what I can and cannot write.
You’re a very talented writer, I know. Remember that–not being published does not equal untalented. Keep searching for that jackpot.
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 8:22 amThanks for the encouragement, Amy. I have a feeling 2010 will be a year of hard and work and exploration for me. And I’m wishing you a 2010 with a publishing contract at the end of your rainbow!
K-
Posted by KelseyBrowning | January 18, 2010, 8:29 amHi, Amy. Thanks for hanging out with us again.
I too get hives when I think about trying to write a book that’s category length. My first drafts are usually well over 100K and I go back and cut to get them to 90-95K. I guess that’s why they call them first drafts!
I’m trying to venture into the world of women’s fiction this time around. The story was calling me and I was struggling to figure out what it was. I knew it wasn’t a romantic suspense. Actually, I knew it wasn’t a romance (by definition). When I asked a friend about it, she told me I had a women’s fiction on my hands. Voila! I’m writing a women’s fiction. LOL.
The thing that is most interesting to me is I’m finding myself wondering if I’m doing it “right.” I know how to plot a romance. I know when things are “supposed” to happen. With this book it’s different. Sort of like exploring the unknown. A ton of fun!
Posted by Adrienne Giordano | January 18, 2010, 8:36 amAdrienne,
Isn’t it amazing how quickly we get caught up in labeling our work–even before we write it? I believe every story is organic, and regardless of labeling, the story will turn out to be whatever it naturally is. Obviously, if we want to market the manuscript, it’s helpful to know that it fits squarely into a genre or subgenre, but I agree that it’s frustrating to play the label game when you’re just trying to tell the story.
Because women’s fiction is steeped in reality (and we know fact is stranger than fiction), it opens up a world of plotting possibilities. Go with your gut and see what comes from it. I just saw a recent interview with George Lucas of Star Wars fame. He had no idea when he crafted that script that he was redefining science fiction and adding a cast of characters that a whole generation (and then some) would venerate.
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:14 amAmy, your determination is awe-inspiring. I would love to write a historical fiction one of these days, but the complexities of the task daunt me right now. I have to say, your post confirms my fears! But it also sounds wonderful to work on a project that is so challenging and engaging.
In addition to my historicals, I write short contemporary manuscripts with my husband. I enjoy the change – it’s very freeing to the muse, I think – but I find it hard to get back in the proper headspace when I switch back to the Regencies. It always takes me a little time to switch gears.
Jayne Ann Krentz is the queen of successful genre switching. She talks about how it almost tanked her a career a few times, but she always seems to pull it off.
Posted by Vanessa Kelly | January 18, 2010, 8:55 amVanessa,
So good to see you! I agree that it’s freeing to write something completely different. I’m thinking of toying with another black comedy RS in my “spare time” (those who know me are shaking their heads and thinking, “poor, deluded Amy *has* no spare time!) because writing that sort of thing is such a relief after agonizing over every word choice in the historical. And you’re right, switching back and forth with the voice is very challenging.
I love Jayne Ann Krentz, and she has certainly proven how successful a writer can be in multiple sub-genres!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:33 amMorning Amy and all!
My husband is from Yorkshire, I’ll be sure to buy your book when you get it published! =)
I am currently planning a category, but my first goal was ST rom com. Everyone said that isn’t selling now, so I switched. Well, ok, there’s still comedy in my category as well, some things never change. But I’m also thinking YA….an agent friend of mine thinks I have the voice for that…..so once I get the category finished, I’ll be trying my hand that way….of course I think it’s easier when you’re just starting out to “play the field” than if I was an established author…
and I agree about taking classes….I try to take at least two a month and the stack of books I have in the living room is hazardous to our health…if they tumble…….look out!
carrie
Posted by carrie | January 18, 2010, 9:20 amCarrie,
You already know what I mean then–and yes, when you’re unpublished there’ a lot more leeway to this exploration. I wouldn’t say RomCom is dead (have you queried Sourcebooks? Rumor has it they’re looking…), but many contemporary genres have slowed down some. The pendulum always swings back, though. And trying your hand at YA is a great idea. I go into bookstores and they’ve added YA sections (we’re talking B&N and Target and others). I think so many kids are growing up reading on the computer that they’re more inclined to read in general–especially if we can give them a great story with memorable characters.
Best wishes on all of it–including the classes!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:39 amAmy, you are so energized about everything you do, and it doesn’t; surprise me in the least that you have twenty research books for this story. I have never been a history buff or even a historical reader (except for Woodiwiss), so I am completely ignorant about the War of Roses. I do remember watching The other Boleyn Girl about two sisters duking it out over some rich guy. Was this the W O Roses? (I said I was ignorant!!)
As for trying something out of your comfort zone, that is my new advice to anyone who asks. I’ve said many times that a lot of great writers will never be published because editors can’t fit the stories in their lines. Plus I’m a firm believer that if you can get your foot in the door anyway you can, sooner or later, all your rejected titles will suddenly be in demand. At least I hope so.
Again – thanks for the great blog.
Posted by Lz Lipperman | January 18, 2010, 9:20 amLiz,
Great to see you here. And you’re so quiet about your own success at switching genres (Liz wrote RS, then switched to cozy mystery and SOLD to Berkley!).
The Other Boleyn Girl took place during what’s known as The Tudor period–named for Henry Tudor, who defeated Richard III to end The Wars of the Roses and replace the House of Plantagenet with the House of Tudor. The Boleyn sisters were fighting over HenryVIII–and it may be just as well for the sister who lost, because she got to keep her head.
I agree with you on the idea that all the manuscripts we writer prior to our first contract become more sellable once we’ve established a name for ourselves. They might still need refining, but how great to have additional manuscripts when that editor asks, “What else have you got?”
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:46 amAmy, I’m constantly changing gears. I love WF, but it’s a tough market. My wip is a paranormal with what I hope is a hot premise. I’m writing it my way, which is not like other paranormals I’ve read. I don’t see how I can do it any other way.
Phillipa Gregory’s book will be a great selling point for yours. Your agent can use it in the blurb she sends out to editors. Love your comparison of writing backwards. I know you’ll do a great job!
Posted by Edie | January 18, 2010, 10:00 amEdie,
How glad I am that you also find that a book demands that you write it in a certain way. Whether we like it or not, to an extent we become slaves to the story. Here’s hoping your premise is hot enough to grab the attention of the right editor!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 10:32 amOh, no, Amy! You wrote this post for me, didn’t you. Just for me
I’ve often thought about switching gears because I’m stuck in first. I love Romantic Suspense, and often I think write a historical (my CPs are historical writers, write a straight mystery, write an amateur sleuth. I’ve finally decided to give the amateur sleuth a try, and see what kind of voice and result that creates. Wonderful post, and writing a book is equal to Everest in my opinion.
Posted by Donnell | January 18, 2010, 10:36 amLOL Donnell–well, I wrote it for a lot of writers. But the move from RS to amateur sleuth is not huge. Just like the move from historical romance to mainstream historical wasn’t huge for me. And who knows what you’ll discover when you have the freedom to plot differently?
Writing a book IS like scaling Everest. It’s a huge undertaking, and everyone who has completed a manuscript–no matter how rough!–deserves applause.
–Amy (my cats want to know why I’m sitting in front of the computer clapping)
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 10:46 amI usually write single title romantic suspense. It’s what I love to write and read.
I’ve changed gears for one simple reason…the rejection I received from a major publisher who read my last book, met, discussed, re-read, met again and in the end didn’t feel the “book stood out on their list.”
After a lot of soul searching and discussion with my agent, I decided to tackle a paranormal suspense series. I wasn’t thrilled about changing genres but now I’m comfy and happy working on something completely different. Will this change help me or hurt me? I have no idea. lol Time will tell.
Posted by Kim Cresswell | January 18, 2010, 10:49 amKim,
I feel your pain over the book not quite standing out. So many authors get SO close to publication, and it’s painful to get that kind of rejection. Bravo for changing courses. I think paranormal suspense sounds like a winner. Best wishes on it!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:39 pmI haven’t changed paths, just dabbled in writing short–which is a big challenge for me. I tend to write 100K stories. I’ve finally got the 60-70K length down, but short stories still prove to be a real challenge. I’ve written probably a half dozen and have no idea how to do it again. lol
Your book (or should I call it a project?) sounds fascinating. Not something I would want to tackle, but fascinating none-the-less. Would love to read the finished product.
Posted by Melanie Atkins | January 18, 2010, 10:50 amThanks, Melanie. I applaud you for even getting down to 60-70K. I can never seem to get less than 95K–which is a problem as so many publishers are going shorter in length.
I think short stories require a totally different mindset. Oddly enough, I’ve written a couple under 5K short stories, but I cannot imagine writing novella length. Hey, congrats on your latest cover. Just saw it on your blog!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:43 pmAmy, I think we all have multiple genres within us, but sometimes our voice just fits with a particular one at a particular moment. I started out writing Victorian romantic suspense and couldn’t sell them. I took a look at category romantic suspense, read several, and figured the shorter format fit my writing style. After a few tries, I sold to Harlequin Intrigue. I also have a couple of single title romantic comedies under the bed and I’ve written short erotic romance – all with elements of comedy and romantic suspense. Funny you should mention Gregory since I just started readng The Other Boleyn Girl. You amaze me with your dedication (and I know you’re doing a heckuva lot of other stuff too!). I’m confident 2010 is going to be your year!
Posted by Carol Ericson | January 18, 2010, 11:08 amCarol,
Thanks for the good 2010 vibes. And you’re a prime example of someone writing in two very different genres. I’ve read your Intrigues, and I’ve read your Red Sage erotic novellas (under Mia Varano pseudonym), and I would never know they’re written by the same author.
Which confirms for me that every story is organic in how it needs to be told. It’s finding a style that matches your voice, and a hook that grabs editors. Those of us unpubbed need to keep up the search for what gives us the best advantage on an editor’s TBR pile!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:46 pmHi amy. I’ve written one with a historical character, so can appreciate your thoughts. Your idea does sound very interesting, and I’d love to read it, history geek that I am. I too hope 2010 is your year!!!!!!
Posted by rr smythe | January 18, 2010, 11:21 amRonna,
Exactly–you’ve written a book with real life characters involved (in Ronna’s case, Blackbeard). But now you’re working on YA stories, right? What made you make the switch? Do you feel like YA has helped you “find” your voice?
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:51 pmhey, amy. Well, like many writers i READ a variety of different genres. When I started writing, I think it was a matter of finding a genre I felt I could do over and over, more than my voice, really? I’ve written in several, Historical Thriller w/ romantic elements, One ya fantasy, One urban fantasy and one sci fi with romantic elements.
So, I took someone’s advice and looked at my bookshelf, and movie case, and asked myself which ones struck a chord? Which could I re-read over and over? The answer was YA. So, thats my new world.
I look forward to reading your book. I love Phillipa Gregory, and of course the entire tudor period. I cant wait to see what you’ve unearthed.
Posted by rr smythe | January 18, 2010, 1:23 pmWise advice, Ronna. My first love was reading historicals. I’ve got a background in Shakespeare, too. So it amazed me that I spent a few years writing contemporaries. The other lesson to learn from reviewing what you love to read, or movies you love to watch, is the scale of the story. One reason I don’t lean toward category is that I *love* the secondary characters, the multiple plot twists, trying to follow the threads and see them all wrapped up neatly at the end. Most category length stories require one main story line and fewer secondary characters.
Best wishes to you on your YA endeavors!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 1:34 pmHas my writing switched? I started writing nonfiction and am now working on inspirational historicals. I think that’s a bit of a change.
Posted by Walt M | January 18, 2010, 11:50 amLOL, Walt–yes, that *would* qualify as a change. So here’s the big question–if you were writing non-fiction, what drove you to write fiction? Was it a particular story you felt you had to tell?
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:52 pmHi Amy,
I admire your dedication. I don’t think I could ever get my head around that much history.
While my agent was submitting my romantic suspense, I wrote a contemp category romance. After the darkness of the RS, I had a blast with the light contemp. Although it didn’t sell, that story caught the interest of an editor who is now looking at another category pitched as the first in a series.
RS is still my first love, but if the path to publication takes a detour through category, I’m okay with that.
Hope it all comes together for you in 2010!
Posted by Diane Garner | January 18, 2010, 11:54 amGood to see you, Diane.
There is something refreshing about breaking out of a dark story and writing something lighter, I agree. I hope that editor makes you an offer! Balancing a career with both category and ST can be hard, but I hear many authors say it’s the most financially rewarding and helps build a big readership.
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 12:55 pmEnjoyed your post, Amy. The research seems exhausting in itself but I’m not surprised that you find the energy–always admire how you give so much of yourself! I can feel the passion you have for this book and look foward to seeing it published.
Posted by Bev Pettersen | January 18, 2010, 1:13 pmThanks for stopping by, Bev. I’m not sure non-writers understand that writing requires not only tenacity, but stamina. LOL The whole research phase is demanding. I know you know this because your RS stories revolve around the horseracing world–and that requires research. At least you get to do “live” research. I have to search books and pictures of castle ruins for most of my background. But anyone who claims they write contemporary because they don’t have to research–I say they’re not telling the whole truth.
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 1:30 pmHi all. Just thought I’d jump in here and say this is a fantastic discussion. You all inspire me!
Posted by Adrienne Giordano | January 18, 2010, 2:16 pmWhat a great post, Amy. Your dedication, your methods, and the amount of research you’re doing is really inspiring.
Someone mentioned Jayne Ann Krentz. Recently, I had the privilege of attending her booksigning/Q&A session. She advised us to identify the core elements of the stories we write and stay true to that, at least as long as it excites us. Don’t be afraid if your writing seems to revolve around similar themes. Those are the stories that speak to us, that mean something to us as writers.
Early in her career, when the print runs on her futuristics diminished, she knew she had to do something major. When she stripped away the settings and special characters of her futuristics, she discovered that she wrote mainly about marriage of convenience. In what other sub-genres are marriage of convenience stories popular? Historicals. She’d never written one and didn’t read them at the time, but she took on the switch with as much seriousness and determination as you. And look what happened to her! Her career took off after that realization.
As for me, I write paranormal romance, but I read a ton of YA paranormal too. If I hadn’t sold in paranormal first, I’d have played around in YA a little more. I hope I get a chance to write it someday.
Best of luck on your story. It sounds fascinating for me the reader, but the writer in me is daunted by the amount of research.
Posted by Laurie London | January 18, 2010, 3:05 pmLaurie,
Thanks for the thoughtful post. I’ve heard Jayne Ann Krentz speak, and she’s truly inspirational. And you’re so right, staying true to our core elements is important as writers. I remember when I realized all the similarities between my first historical and my contemporaries. There’s always a troublesome parent figure (not exactly a wicked stepmother–well, not always, anyway!), there’s always a buried family secret that must be revealed, and there’s always sibling strife. Hmmm, now what do you suppose that says about me?
Good luck on your paranormal debut, and I hope you do get to explore YA someday!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 4:43 pmBless you, Amy — your unquenchable enthusiasm always makes me want to hug you. I’m intrigued about your War of the Roses — my husband is from Lancashire, I’ve always loved Yorkshire (as a place I don’t think there’s much question that the east is more attractive than the west, particularly after what the Industrial Revolution did to Manchester, Liverpool, etc. etc.), but I am reminded by the man who used to be my Lancashire lad — frequently — that my proper loyalty should be Lancastrian. We have even grown the red roses than were growing back at the time of the Wars! At one point I was also attracted to writing about that period, but not having as much stick-to-it-iveness as you have, I decided in order to do the research properly I’d have to stay there for six months or so, and, dear as our English friends are, I didn’t want to be away from my family that long. Now, had I had your gumption, I could have found myself 20 books and settled down . . .
You are a constant inspiration to me. Thanks for another glimpse inside your ambitions and plans. As usual, you’ve got me thinking again.
Posted by Beppie Harrison | January 18, 2010, 5:45 pmBeppie,
Well, if I could find someone to live with in Lancashire or Yorkshire for six months…
Thanks as always for your support. Don’t give up the notion of writing in a specific time period because the research is daunting. Dig into the story you want to tell. I know I’ll one day return to my fictional characters (frozen as they are in 1483), but I must explore this story and try to put these women’s lives into words.
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:23 pmHi, Amy!
So, write what you know didn’t work for me. I tried writing in many genres, sticking with romance because of my local RWA chapter and support group.
I LOVE reading historicals, but I couldn’t write one if I tried–oh, yeah, I DID try.
Well, last year, I switched it up. I quit my RWA chapter, and I quit writing romance, which was fine with me since I think along the lines romance as the sub-plot. I started writing early readers and young middle grade.
As you know, I relish my new direction! Sometimes switching it up will help a writer discover her ‘voice’. When I wrote romance I had to stifle my natural writing tone, but now I can be as juvenile as this old woman wants.
Posted by Margaret A. Golla | January 18, 2010, 6:27 pmMargaret,
It’s great to hear you’re having so much fun with your new genre. Glad you’re enjoying the freedom to be who you are. Romance is not the only path out there (dare I say that on Romance University?)–so follow your heart and be forever young!
–Amy
Posted by Amy Atwell | January 18, 2010, 9:25 pmAbsolutely, you can say that, Amy! I think it’s exciting to see writers discover their niches. The great thing about starting out in the romance genre is the level of support among writers.
Thanks for being here. This was a fantastic topic and great comments!
K-
Posted by Kelsey Browning | January 19, 2010, 2:12 amAmy, like everyone else, I’m amazed by you. It’s a good thing we don’t all like the same thing so we have so much variety. I love to read historicals, but ask me to do research to write one? NO WAY. Writing is a combination of work and fun for me, but what you do sounds like all WORK to me.
There has to be something you enjoy in it or else you wouldn’t continue to work at it with so much dedication. And that’s great, because I’m looking forward to reading the book when it’s done! All the more enjoyable for me because I didn’t risk my head exploding! LOL
Posted by Stacey Joy Netzel | January 19, 2010, 1:41 pm