Maggie Shayne, who has been published for over 20 years, is re-releasing her book originally titled "Out of this World Marriage" as "Dr. Duffy's Close Encounter". And, MONDAY ONLY, it's $1 off. If you're looking for something good to read, check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007NOLF8M/maggieshaye
Louisa May Alcott
An American writer
Showing posts with label Guest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guest. Show all posts
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Karen Harbaugh on American-set historicals
Karen Harbaugh is a Regency author who follows market trends and has been incredibly accurate in predicting where the next "turn" in the market will be, and why things are operating (or not) as they are. With a lovely re-issue of "The Marriage Scheme" available at Regency Reads, I thought it would be a good time to ask her about the State of the Market, and how that relates to my last blog post regarding the difficulty of selling American-set historical romances.
So here, without further ado, is Karen Harbaugh:
Well, IMHO, what's curtailing the move into American-set romances is the fear of traditional publishers to take risks. That's always been the case, and it's even more so now. Even though they're moving into the "risky" ebook market (at last), this does not mean they're going to take risks with subject matter. They're going to take baby steps, because they have assets to protect and right now, their assets are under a tremendous amount of threat.
Indie authors, on the other hand, have very little to lose. You have a few hundred bucks for a really nice cover and copyright registration, you do your own scanning and coding, and you're good. If you're really short on money, you can try creating the cover yourself and you're out maybe $50-$75.
When I look at what should sell if there weren't these constraints, I'd say American Revolution, Civil War, and WWII eras. Why is this?
1. We are at the same point in the approximately 80-year cycle that gave rise to the American Revolution, Civil War, and WWII. There is and has been rising interest in these eras.
2. We have already seen interest in these eras in the bestseller lists (McCullough's books comes to mind: 1776 and John Adams, the latter of which not only was on the best seller lists, but won the Pulitzer Prize AND was made into a mini-series. The media doesn't plunk that kind of recognition and money down on something like that without knowing it's worth the risk. Interest in the Civil War is suppressed at this time because of continuing racial tensions concerning slavery--it's very difficult to walk the line between historical accuracy and offending someone.
World War II gets special mention. In the 1980's the U.S. released 17 WWII-themed movies. In the 1990's, the same number. From 2000 to 2009, it released twice that many--34. That is a significant jump in not only audience interest, but business investment. In other words, it's considered a relative "sure thing."
3. Controversy sells. In addition, we live in one of the most divisive of times, and when we do, we ALWAYS hearken back to periods of history that might possibly give us the answers we need to get us through. Controversy + desire for answers = big sales.
Mainstream publishing hasn't jumped on these romance trends. I think this is typical--they tend to lag about 5 to 10 years. Case in point: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which developed a cult following from 1997 to 2003. The ratings were modest, but the significance here is in "cult following." That represents extremely loyal viewers who "evangelize" the show and get others to watch it, far beyond the lifetime of the series. This is the epitome of word-of-mouth. You get that kind of loyal readership for books, and you can guarantee bestsellerdom. But, as many of us know, in the mid to late 1990's, the publishers were saying that paranormal romances and vampires were dead (if you will excuse the expression) :-D
The consumer demand for paranormal romances was very heavy even back in 1995. I went to a Romantic Times convention around about that time, and it was significant to me that when the readers (and this was a reader--rather than writer--convention) that when readers were asked what kind of romances they wanted, there was a loud cry for paranormal romances, and a great deal of frustration that they couldn't find them. Keep in mind that these readers--like the Buffy fans--were readers so dedicated that they would not only go to a convention for romance novels, but they were the romance novel evangelists. The kind you want to spread word of mouth.
Yet, publishers at that time kept insisting that such romances were not popular. However, we all know how that subgenre has been doing since that time.
If I were to go on historical circumstances and similarity to our own era, I'd say that the order of relevance would be American Revolution, WWII, and then the Civil War.
However, our memories are short, and what we are currently told about the American Revolution is highly politicized. So the most accurate accounts we have of an era that is similar to ours is for WWII, because we still have some eyewitnesses.
If we were to write stories in older eras, we REALLY have to do our research. We can't go on the stereotypes of those eras. We have to look at those eras with fresh eyes and present a fresh, and very accurate perspective. So far, I don't think that's been done. The research may be good, but the fresh perspective may not be there.
If you want some historical parallells or have other questions, feel free to ask.
And since she's asked for questions. . . . ask away!!
So here, without further ado, is Karen Harbaugh:
Well, IMHO, what's curtailing the move into American-set romances is the fear of traditional publishers to take risks. That's always been the case, and it's even more so now. Even though they're moving into the "risky" ebook market (at last), this does not mean they're going to take risks with subject matter. They're going to take baby steps, because they have assets to protect and right now, their assets are under a tremendous amount of threat.
Indie authors, on the other hand, have very little to lose. You have a few hundred bucks for a really nice cover and copyright registration, you do your own scanning and coding, and you're good. If you're really short on money, you can try creating the cover yourself and you're out maybe $50-$75.
When I look at what should sell if there weren't these constraints, I'd say American Revolution, Civil War, and WWII eras. Why is this?
1. We are at the same point in the approximately 80-year cycle that gave rise to the American Revolution, Civil War, and WWII. There is and has been rising interest in these eras.
2. We have already seen interest in these eras in the bestseller lists (McCullough's books comes to mind: 1776 and John Adams, the latter of which not only was on the best seller lists, but won the Pulitzer Prize AND was made into a mini-series. The media doesn't plunk that kind of recognition and money down on something like that without knowing it's worth the risk. Interest in the Civil War is suppressed at this time because of continuing racial tensions concerning slavery--it's very difficult to walk the line between historical accuracy and offending someone.
World War II gets special mention. In the 1980's the U.S. released 17 WWII-themed movies. In the 1990's, the same number. From 2000 to 2009, it released twice that many--34. That is a significant jump in not only audience interest, but business investment. In other words, it's considered a relative "sure thing."
3. Controversy sells. In addition, we live in one of the most divisive of times, and when we do, we ALWAYS hearken back to periods of history that might possibly give us the answers we need to get us through. Controversy + desire for answers = big sales.
Mainstream publishing hasn't jumped on these romance trends. I think this is typical--they tend to lag about 5 to 10 years. Case in point: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which developed a cult following from 1997 to 2003. The ratings were modest, but the significance here is in "cult following." That represents extremely loyal viewers who "evangelize" the show and get others to watch it, far beyond the lifetime of the series. This is the epitome of word-of-mouth. You get that kind of loyal readership for books, and you can guarantee bestsellerdom. But, as many of us know, in the mid to late 1990's, the publishers were saying that paranormal romances and vampires were dead (if you will excuse the expression) :-D
The consumer demand for paranormal romances was very heavy even back in 1995. I went to a Romantic Times convention around about that time, and it was significant to me that when the readers (and this was a reader--rather than writer--convention) that when readers were asked what kind of romances they wanted, there was a loud cry for paranormal romances, and a great deal of frustration that they couldn't find them. Keep in mind that these readers--like the Buffy fans--were readers so dedicated that they would not only go to a convention for romance novels, but they were the romance novel evangelists. The kind you want to spread word of mouth.
Yet, publishers at that time kept insisting that such romances were not popular. However, we all know how that subgenre has been doing since that time.
If I were to go on historical circumstances and similarity to our own era, I'd say that the order of relevance would be American Revolution, WWII, and then the Civil War.
However, our memories are short, and what we are currently told about the American Revolution is highly politicized. So the most accurate accounts we have of an era that is similar to ours is for WWII, because we still have some eyewitnesses.
If we were to write stories in older eras, we REALLY have to do our research. We can't go on the stereotypes of those eras. We have to look at those eras with fresh eyes and present a fresh, and very accurate perspective. So far, I don't think that's been done. The research may be good, but the fresh perspective may not be there.
If you want some historical parallells or have other questions, feel free to ask.
And since she's asked for questions. . . . ask away!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Author Meg Mims!
I'd like to welcome author Meg Mims to the blog. Meg has published a historical romance titled "Double Cross" that is a twist on one of my favorite western movies of all time, "True Grit". She uses a technique that I really like, character interviews. So without further ado, let me introduce Lily and Ace!
A – The moment I
set eyes on that pretty filly, all golden-haired and sweet, with the most
kissable mouth, I was bushwhacked. Couldn’t remember my own name.
A – Riding shotgun on a train, and gettin’ paid? Easier than
winning a hand of poker. But don’t you
believe that I didn’t earn my fee. And then some.
Amazon
What do you get when you pair up a wealthy, well-bred heiress – sheltered
and educated with an impulsive streak – and a gambling, mercenary Texan cowboy?
Double
Crossing is a twist on “True Grit” that takes place on the 1869 Iron Horse –
months after the Union and Central Pacific railroad lines joined at Promontory
Point. Nineteen-year-old Lily Granville is stunned with her father is murdered
and vows to track the killer – her father’s lawyer, who also stole a valuable
deed to a gold mine – across the country to California. After
convincing a good friend to escort her, Lily arrives in Omaha and discovers
that someone is now tracking her. Could it be the killer? And why? Lily decides
to enlist “Ace” Diamond, who agrees to protect her – for a price.
Q
for Lily – how did you first meet Ace?
A – He literally
crashed his way into my life. I was stunned. He’d been brawling in the street and
I felt my Christian duty was to help him when he landed at my feet. But then I
caught sight of his Confederate belt buckle with the Texas Lone Star. Guilt
overwhelmed me. My father would never have approved of such a man, and I was
suspicious of the story he told me about my aunt’s husband. However, I soon
realized I had no choice but to hire someone like Ace Diamond, who had far more
experience with his fists and weapons than the friend who’d escorted me to
Omaha. Ace seemed the most unlikely “angel of mercy” as an answer to prayer! But
I suppose beggars can’t be choosers.
Q
for Ace – what was your first impression of Lily?
Q
for Lily – were you surprised that Ace bargained with you over his fee?
A – The nerve of
that man! He claimed he wanted to go to California, and then he wouldn’t accept
the fair wage I offered. He even demanded an expensive Pullman ticket! And then
I found out he’d been bragging about the bonus I promised once we arrived safe in
California. Really, Mr. Diamond was presumptuous and forward, given his
tendency to—well, I will only say that he’s no gentleman. I shouldn’t have been
surprised at all. He was a mercenary, plain and simple, and I was too naïve to
see it.
Q
for Ace – why did you accept Lily’s offer?
Q for Lily – before the railroad trip, what
was your dream for a happy future?
A – I wanted… well, I hadn’t decided. Charles wanted to marry
me and serve as missionaries in China. We both heard the same lecture in
Chicago. My father wanted me to marry a decent man, a good provider and give
him grandchildren. He did not approve of the idea of me living half a world
away. And while I did want adventure and independence, I wanted to be somewhere
safe and to enjoy long talks with Father, sketch my pet lizard in the lovely
garden or watch the leaves change in fall and the snow fall in winter. Father’s
death changed everything. I blamed Emil Todaro for his greed and betrayal. He
ruined my life and I wanted to see him hang.
Q for Ace – what about you, same question?
A – A good woman in a nice, cozy bed. Now I’m aiming for that
woman to be Lily.
If you haven’t read Double Crossing yet,
here’s where you can find it!
Amazon
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful accomplishments
I want to wish everyone a hearty Happy Thanksgiving! My kids are home and I'll be heading to California with the youngest to get her car down to L.A.
In the meantime, I'll have a guest blogger here on Monday. Meg Mims, author of "Double Crossing", has penned a twist on the classic "True Grit" movie, one of my favorites (the original, with John Wayne).
So tell me, what are you thankful you've accomplished during the past year? Have you finished a book? Entered a contest? It doesn't have to be a big thing, but I think sometimes we forget to pause and pat ourselves on the back for what we've done. I know it's human nature to focus on the stuff we DIDN'T get done, but put that aside for a few days and give yourself credit.
Me? I've finally resurrected the bullfighting book and it's getting closer to being sent in again. And I've been studying writing books and learning the craft ever better.
In the meantime, I'll have a guest blogger here on Monday. Meg Mims, author of "Double Crossing", has penned a twist on the classic "True Grit" movie, one of my favorites (the original, with John Wayne).
So tell me, what are you thankful you've accomplished during the past year? Have you finished a book? Entered a contest? It doesn't have to be a big thing, but I think sometimes we forget to pause and pat ourselves on the back for what we've done. I know it's human nature to focus on the stuff we DIDN'T get done, but put that aside for a few days and give yourself credit.
Me? I've finally resurrected the bullfighting book and it's getting closer to being sent in again. And I've been studying writing books and learning the craft ever better.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Guest Blogger Brinda Berry!
Please join me in welcoming the delightful as well as informative author Brinda Berry to the blog. The first five people to leave a comment here will win a romance trading card! There's also a chance to win a copy of the e-book or a chance at an Amazon gift certificate. Take it away, Brinda!
Using Podcasts for Research
In writing my debut novel, The Waiting Booth, I used what some may consider an unorthodox method of research. Instead of using the many online resources or visiting an actual library, I relied on information that I could obtain at my convenience while commuting to my full-time job two hours daily. I listened to podcasts.
If you aren't familiar with the world of podcasts, you are really missing out on a very enjoyable form of information that suits our social natures. The podcast is a digital audio or video file that a user can access by using a web feed or checking it manually for updates to download. I used the iTunes software to manage my podcasts and subscribe to some of my favorites. Episodes are available for me on my laptop, iPad, and iPhone. I have an auxiliary cable that I plug into my car radio to connect the device (iPhone), and I can listen on the go. There are a variety of mobile devices which support the storing of podcasts.
I listened to The Scientific American Podcast, Stuff You Should Know, The Coolest Stuff on the Planet, NPR: Science Friday Podcast and others for inspiration and research while writing The Waiting Booth. I don't have a degree in science and won't pretend to be versed in some of the more scientific topics. The great thing about podcasts is the social format of the information. There are interviews with questions that I might ask. These are experts in the field as well as ordinary people with limited expertise. Conversations occur that break down the issues to the most basic elements. Also, these brief talk shows that usually lasts between thirty minutes to one hour are highly entertaining and frequently humorous.
Even if you aren't researching a topic, you have other great resources in the world of podcasting. There are enlightening author interviews on BTR: Authors on Air, Blog Talk Radio. Other podcasts focus on topics like technology, language instruction, news, humor, and sports. I'm afraid to look at the selection because I keep finding more podcasts to add to my listening queue.
Have I sold you on listening to a podcast yet? It may not be for everyone. I have a long commute daily, so this format fits nicely in my schedule. Instead of a commute, you may exercise with a daily walk while listening to your iPod. Or you could play it from your computer while you are cooking a meal. The possibilities are endless. Writers all lament about the lack of time for writing related tasks. Podcasts are terrific resources for the time-challenged author. I hope you'll try a podcast if you haven't, but I must warn you. They are addictive!
If you aren't familiar with the world of podcasts, you are really missing out on a very enjoyable form of information that suits our social natures. The podcast is a digital audio or video file that a user can access by using a web feed or checking it manually for updates to download. I used the iTunes software to manage my podcasts and subscribe to some of my favorites. Episodes are available for me on my laptop, iPad, and iPhone. I have an auxiliary cable that I plug into my car radio to connect the device (iPhone), and I can listen on the go. There are a variety of mobile devices which support the storing of podcasts.
I listened to The Scientific American Podcast, Stuff You Should Know, The Coolest Stuff on the Planet, NPR: Science Friday Podcast and others for inspiration and research while writing The Waiting Booth. I don't have a degree in science and won't pretend to be versed in some of the more scientific topics. The great thing about podcasts is the social format of the information. There are interviews with questions that I might ask. These are experts in the field as well as ordinary people with limited expertise. Conversations occur that break down the issues to the most basic elements. Also, these brief talk shows that usually lasts between thirty minutes to one hour are highly entertaining and frequently humorous.
Even if you aren't researching a topic, you have other great resources in the world of podcasting. There are enlightening author interviews on BTR: Authors on Air, Blog Talk Radio. Other podcasts focus on topics like technology, language instruction, news, humor, and sports. I'm afraid to look at the selection because I keep finding more podcasts to add to my listening queue.
Have I sold you on listening to a podcast yet? It may not be for everyone. I have a long commute daily, so this format fits nicely in my schedule. Instead of a commute, you may exercise with a daily walk while listening to your iPod. Or you could play it from your computer while you are cooking a meal. The possibilities are endless. Writers all lament about the lack of time for writing related tasks. Podcasts are terrific resources for the time-challenged author. I hope you'll try a podcast if you haven't, but I must warn you. They are addictive!
Brinda has her own blog at http://www.brindaberry.com/blog.html .
Her new book is THE WAITING BOOTH:
A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal...
Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High—find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...
Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High—find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...
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