I
would love to be able to answer this with a noble, high-brow, reply. However,
first and foremost, I wanted to write books like those I enjoyed reading. Now, how self-serving is that? Nothing noble or high-brow there. I wrote purely for
my own pleasure and satisfaction.
That
only lasted until I got the itch for publication, and then everything changed.
I had to let my babies out of my sight while they were perused by critique
partners and beta readers. Handing over my first ever novel to an editor was
gut-wrenching but I was lucky enough to receive great feedback which empowered
me and so I kept writing.
My
books are mostly historical romantic fiction. I say mostly as I have penned two
Regency romances (my favourite historical era), an Edwardian trilogy, a more recent romance set in 1935 and
one contemporary western romance. I may attempt more contemporary western
romances. If my books have a purpose, it is to entertain my reader. Hopefully, they will enjoy the romance, find some intriguing historical fact that they
might not have known before, and be satisfied when they get to the last line.
Reviews
on all my titles are, for the main part, favourable. I have met people in
libraries who have rushed off to see if any of my books are on the shelf and
have later received messages on how much they have enjoyed whichever book they
have read. I have talked to people at book-signings and recommended whichever
of my titles fit with their reading tastes or what they might like to give as a gift. Sales remain steady and I like to think that I
now have a happy and contented readership, which is all I ever really wanted from my books.
I’m
going to be interested in what these authors have to say.
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
A.J. Maguire http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1BC
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com
Victoria, I also started writing the type of stories I enjoyed reading, and I'm also a huge historical romance reader with the Regency being a favorite era. Enjoyed your post and think you purpose very valid. Nothing turns out when an author writes only to pander to a certain audience.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last sentiment. Writing strictly for the market may mean dollars in your pocket but I know for myself that I would then not feel true to myself.
ReplyDeleteWriting what we love isn't selfish - it's smart. If we are excited about the story, our readers will be, too. If we slog through it, that will show just as much.
ReplyDeleteVery true. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteIf you don't like your own writing, no one else will, either. So, it's an excellent start. :)
ReplyDeleteAs one writer friend once said, if you can bleed on the page your readers will love you! I am so glad she was speaking metaphorically.
DeleteVictoria, having a happy, contented readership sounds like you've met their needs perfectly.
ReplyDeleteBeverley
That's definitely the best part, for me. The royalties do come in handy though!
DeleteI started writing because I love stories as well. It's the best kind of drug for me.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't write.
Delete