In my view, and Im not speaking for everyone, but some might find it useful to think its not the genre, its the writer. Its best to write so that you are identified with the work, instead of the work identifying you. I always wanted someone to want the next Joe R. Lansdale novel, not the next mystery or horror or western or science fiction novel. They might find you through the process of reading in their favorite genre, but I always wanted to develop my career in such a way that if I moved to another genre, or mixed genres, or went completely off genre, readers would want to find me, Joe Lansdale. For some readers its simpler to identify a reader with a type of genre, but if they read you and like you, and follow you, they might even be surprised at what they like, and you might have an opportunity to do what you like. Variety has also kept my career lively and interesting to me. That is the most important thing, for it not to turn into a trudge. Its not that you wont have trudging days, but a trudging career sucks. Be you. Thats my advice as a writer to other would be writers or beginning writers. Of course, Im always of the view that you can take it or leave it. If you want to be identified with one type of story, thats fine, but make it your own, no matter what it is, not just another slot to fill. The greatest joy in writing is to write something that is fun or means a lot to you. Fun doesnt always mean yodeling and tap dancing. Fun can be hard, but it doesnt have to be miserable. Why they call it fun. Now, as my daughter used to say when she was little and wanted something, Just go write something.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:43:58 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015