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Sunday, April 20, 2008

From The Other Side Of The Looking Glass



I never travel without a book. Usually a book or two. As a reader I love to delve into history, romance, mystery, real life, made up life, I love it all. Although I do love romance best. As a writer, I write romance but within that genre my curiosity takes me in many directions.

But reader/writer that's two sides of a glass. And it's hard to know from the writer side what readers want. The industry gives statistics every year of what's popular and what's not according to what they think the readers want. But what do readers really want? Are readers all as eclectic as I am? Am I naive to think that if I love a story, and I love every story I write, that my readers will love it too? Do readers expect that if an author they enjoyed wrote one historical that another will follow? Or, like me, will they be willing to follow an author from a historical to paranormal to suspense and back again?

Every story I've read has taken me on a journey, as a reader that's all I've ever expected of an author. What about you? What do you like to read?


And, to a post with many questions - a virtual toast!





Ryshia

11 comments:

scrapper.jan said...

If I enjoy a writer's style, I'm willing to follow them within that genre to other types such as suspense, historical etc. unless that author shows me that they can't handle that particular "sub genre" well.

Teresa said...

What I read depends on my mood. Mystery, romance, even a curriculum guide can be interesting, if you're in the mood for it! I think that as long as you truly love what you write, others will come to appreciate the heart and soul you put into it. And if they don't...they are not entering your world with an open mind. An author does not need to be pigeon-holed, unless they choose to be that way. Will you have your areas of strength? Of course. We all can't be perfect in all we do, but that doesn't mean we can't follow our heart and explore other areas of interest.
So here's to the freedom to write!!

Ryshia Kennie said...

Do you think it's that one chance shot. If you read a book from an author that you don't like, do you read others or do you take a break or quit?

Ryshia Kennie said...

The freedom to write - a virtual toast without the "toast"!!

scrapper.jan said...

One chance shot...hummmm...not really with me but I will say that I'm keeping it in back of my mind when I look at other offerings by that author. I think I'd stay with the author based on the subject matter of the next book and whether it gets my attention. Let's face it. We have favorite authors that sometimes turn out not so great works in our opinions (not their best) but then the next one is a real winner. So for me it is all in the subject matter and blurb but a previous miss step does give me pause. Two miss steps and I'm out the door.

Ryshia Kennie said...

As a writer - two shots and you're out seems rather harsh but when I flip over to reader, I have to agree.
A writer has to really hook me for me to return after a couple of books that didn't interest me. However, I do give my fave authors a little more leeway.

Tara Roberts aka Elizabeth Robertson said...

If the writer is good I'll follow them through any genre. It's the writer's voice that keeps me coming back.

Tara Roberts aka Elizabeth Robertson said...

I will follow a good author, with a strong voice through any genre. I love all types of stories, but romantic intrigue is still my first passion.

Ryshia Kennie said...

I agree Elizabeth it does really come down to voice. You can recognize your favourite author anywhere. Maybe it's more about the writer's ability to pull us into a world of fantasy, and convince us that it is all so very real that keeps us coming back no matter what they write.

Teresa said...

You should listen to Rachel's writing voice someday...it'll make you laugh!

Ryshia Kennie said...

You have me intrigued. I'll have to be questioning Miss Rachel on her next visit. If her writing voice is anything like mine was, circa her age, I imagine I'll be well entertained.