Tag Archive - Ideas

Fresh Formulas

February 2, 2012 in Agency, Branding, Craft, Creativity, Publishing, Romance, Tamela, Trends, Writing with 10 Comments

by Tamela Hancock Murray

Some have a hard time appreciating the talent involved in writing genre fiction. By genre fiction, I mean novels that fall into a defined category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, or cozy mystery. Many of these novels are published by mass market publishers (like Harlequin) and fit in lines they have formed for the sole purpose of selling the genre.

These are distinguished from Trade fiction where there isn’t necessarily a specific line that has been formed to sell a genre, although there are exceptions to that “rule” like the “Love Finds You” series from Summerside Press. In publisher’s lingo “trade” means a 5 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ trim size and is probably between 80,000 and 100,000 words in length. “Genre” or “category” fiction can mean the 4″ by 6″ trim size (also known as mass market) and between 50,000 words and 70,000 words.

Critics think genre writers churn out story after story with little variation…following a proscribed formula. And while opportunities to be published in genre fiction are more plentiful than trade simply because genre lines publish a greater number of titles (see the statistics incorporated into this blog post), editors are nevertheless highly selective. They must be, because readers are right to be demanding, and genre authors must be dedicated to the craft.

Success

To be successful with a line, stay fresh and new while following the genre’s rules. When thinking of genre fiction, I like to visualize a box that needs to be filled with a story. The rules of the box include a strict word count. If you’re writing for a genre line, be sure to stay with the word count.

Guidelines for plot are concrete. For instance, with romance, the story of the hero and heroine must take precedence over anything else. The romance cannot be overshadowed, for example, by a murder mystery, a setting becoming a character in its own right, or a subplot involving secondary characters. Because of these guidelines, readers can rely on certain types of books to provide them with the stories they expect. In an uncertain world — and the world is always an uncertain place except for God’s enduring love — seeking genre books again and again offers readers comfort along with entertainment.

Twists and Turns

Once the writer learns the rules within the box, then what? Know that editors are looking for fresh ideas within the parameters of the genres they edit. To get an idea of what might work, read books from the line you are targeting. See what themes work. Concentrate on those that capture your imagination.

Interested in history? Consider researching real events that can launch a novel. For contemporary or historical, find a unique obstacle that will confront your characters so the reader has no idea how they can overcome it, and wrap a romance or mystery around it. Then plot and write. The author who stays within the rules of the line, yet comes up with a variation or twist on a beloved theme, is likely to find success and avid readers.

Your turn:

Do you read genre fiction? What are some fresh ideas you have enjoyed seeing in recent books?

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part Three)

October 5, 2011 in Business, Karen, Publishing, Theology, Writing with 53 Comments

by Karen Ball


So, there I were, surrounded by publishing professionals, faced with the question of whether or not we liked–or respected–our end consumer: the reader.

Publishing folk are a freaky bunch. They love to think and debate and share ideas and dissect and explore. Get a whole room of editors going and nothing is sacred. At the same time, everything is. At their core, publishing professionals recognize–and love–the power of words. Spoken, written, sung from the rooftops–words contain the power to create and cultivate, encourage and empower…or decimate and destroy. These particular folks also love God and His Word. So their drive is work on books that impact lives rather than books that just entertain.

So, what did they say, these learned, insightful, imaginative folks? At first, nothing. They stopped–really stopped–to consider the answer to whether or not they like the reader. Publishing pros are great at pondering.

I am, of course, a publishing pro. I’m an editor and an agent. But I’m also a writer. And I’m an ENFP, which, according to the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator, means I’m basically a Golden Retriever. So no surprise I can’t ponder long. Or let others do so. My mind always bounces to the next thing to explore, and I find that’s often how you discover answers. So as they pondered I posed another question: “Who is your audience?”

Responses flew:

  • Predominately female
  • Age range: 34-80s
  • Over 40
  • Conservative Faith/Evangelical
  • Most likely Republican
  • Mother
  • Mostly stay at home
  • Some professional people
  • Men, but not a lot
  • Usually women bought for the male readers
  • Very few in 18-34 age range

From there the discussion morphed into how to reach our current audience better, as well as reaching those beyond:

  • the 18-34 demographic
  • those who aren’t overtly Christian but interested in spiritual issues
  • men
  • Post-moderns
  • …and on and on.

Again, ideas flew. From using technology better and more strategically (e.g., e-books, book readers, online downloads), to reconsidering format (imaginative use of packaging, layout, content), to allowing for open-ended books (e.g., story isn’t all wrapped up at the end, leave some questions unanswered). Ideas fairly sizzled through the room.

As I listened, I had–you guessed it–this incredible feeling of deja vu. I’d been in this very dialogue already that year. Twice, in fact. Once at a retreat attended by nearly 100 published authors. The second time at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. Editors, writers, even readers…we’re all struggling with the same issues.

Now, don’t hear me saying there isn’t a place for books that primarily encourage and entertain. Books that don’t ask hard questions, but give the reader a wonderful, wholesome story. I don’t think the majority of us want to eliminate those books. Not at all.

But in all these conversations I heard the same frustration of being held back, of not being able to write with authenticity. I’ll never agree that Christian fiction–or fiction written to glorify God–should contain graphic language, sexuality, or violence, but I understand the frustration. Writers, editors, and–from your responses–readers want fiction that digs deep, that challenges and pushes as well as comforts and encourages. All of us want to be iron sharpening iron.

So, you say, why don’t you all follow Nike’s admonition and JUST DO IT? What’s holding us back?

Before I answer, I’m curious what you think the answers are. What do YOU think holds publishers, editors, and writers back from writing the kinds of books they want to do? The kinds of books many of you have said you want?

Look forward to your insights!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loving to Laugh

September 29, 2011 in Book Proposals, Craft, Publishing, Tamela, Writing with 7 Comments

by Tamela Hancock Murray

At least once a week I’m asked if romantic comedy is currently marketable. While sometimes this category seems hot and then cold, I’d say that sharp, witty, well-executed romantic comedy can find a good home no matter what the publishing season. Note that I take the adjectives I used seriously. This is not a category that most writers can whip off with little effort. Successful writers of romantic comedy are gifted with the ability to find humor in everyday situations and the talent to share that humor in an entertaining way. The writing must fly like a magic carpet. The reader is looking for a fun story.

One successful writer of romantic comedy is Gail Sattler. Here is a great tip from Gail:

Good comedy comes from the heart, naturally. If it sounds forced or that someone is trying too hard, everything will fall flat. It’s got to come without it looking like a lot of effort, and it’s hard to be funny on cue. In writing, the best comedy is in the form of what can best be described as a running joke. The reason this works is because in the length of developing the background needed for the punchline to work, the reader is becoming personally involved. They know the characters, they know the strengths and often weaknesses, they know the setting, and they are already rooting for the character in some way. Then when the punchline happens, they’re right there to share it with the character – laughing with them, not at them. This also means that most of the time, with the best running jokes, if you just say the punch line the joke doesn’t work because in order for it to work the reader has to have been involved from the beginning. Or, in other words, the classic – “you had to be there.”

Does Gail’s tip remind you of your favorite comedic novel? Which one?

 

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part Two)

September 28, 2011 in Business, Karen, Publishing, Theology with 46 Comments

by Karen Ball


So what are some of the answers I’ve been given to the question “What makes a Christian book Christian”? Consider the following:

  • Written from a Christian world view
  • Story offers hope
  • Core of the story shows importance of faith in Christ

Similar to the things you all wrote in your comments (though I think your responses went far deeper.) But I’ve also been peppered with the following critical comments regarding Christian books:

  • It’s safe
  • It doesn’t challenge the status quo
  • It doesn’t leave anything unsettled, everything’s resolved
  • Quality doesn’t match that of ABA books
  • Easy answers
  • Doesn’t make readers think
  • Affirms readers beliefs and perspective

Notice a trend here? Now, before you get upset or think these folks are totally out of touch, let me point out that this view of Christian writing comes most often from professionals in the field rather than from the readers themselves. Or from those who haven’t picked up a Christian book in decades. But if we’re being honest, some readers agree with those descriptions.

The last time I was tangled in this debate, I came to a conclusion. And so I turned to those gathered and offered the following: “You really don’t like this consumer much, do you?”

No response. But I could tell that, indeed, they weren’t crazy about this person. This simplistic non-thinker who only wants books that offer a kind of pabulum to the masses determined to hide in their safe churches and faith, never questioning, never facing real life.

Can’t say I blame them, can you? I wouldn’t care much for that kind of person, either. But here’s the thing: I don’t know many Christians like that. And I sure haven’t met many readers like that. From the reader letters I get as an author, it’s clear those who read Christian fiction are looking for books that not only make them think, but that challenge them–even PUSH them–to go beyond themselves and what they think they know. In the letters and emails my authors receive from their readers, we’ve found people who are facing life’s ambiguities and inequities full-force. Yes, they long for something to give them answers. But even more than that, they long for something to tell them, quite simply and honestly, that they’re not alone. That they’re not the only Christians out there who:

Doubt

Struggle

Wrestle with God over living a life of faith in an insane and hostile world

Don’t appreciate easy or pat answers

Want to KNOW God. Intimately. Even when it’s scary or uncomfortable or painful. Which, as anyone who’s walked a hard path knows, it is.

Often.

Cool thing, though, about that debate is that it didn’t end there. In fact, it led us all deeper. And I’ll tell you how and where.

In a minute.

First, I want to know who you think today’s Christian reader is? Why do you think s/he reads Christian books? What are you hearing from the readers around you about the books they’re reading? And, if you care to share, what novel or nonfiction Christian book have you read lately that lived up to your expectations?

So share your thoughts…and stay tuned for Part 3.

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part One)

September 21, 2011 in Karen, Publishing, Theology with 57 Comments

by Karen Ball


I had this discussion over a year ago on my blog, but thought it would be a good discussion for all of you, too. In some ways, publishing is in a state of unbelievable flux. In others, it’s utterly grounded and unshakeable. Good and bad on both sides.

But here’s what I find fascinating–and a bit worrisome. There’s a seemingless endless debate on what makes a Christian book Christian? Is it the context of the book or the faith of the author? What’s in the book or what isn’t? The tone or the specifics? Believe me, when I find myself in this debate, the answers come fast and furious and are as varied as can be. But before I share any thoughts or conclusions, I want to know what you think.

So, as a reader or a writer, what are you looking for in a book from a “Christian” publishing house? Or from a Christian writer.
What do you expect to find.
What do you expect NOT to find?
What makes a book “Christian”?

Please share your thoughts. And then I’ll let you know some of the discoveries I’ve made about this topic…and what other questions it’s led me to.

Peace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread?

July 11, 2011 in Business, E-Books, Guest Post, Publishing, Trends with 4 Comments

Guest Post by Teddi Deppner

We are really pleased to have Teddi Deppner be our guest today. I first met Teddi at the Mt. Hermon Writers Conference while she sat through my Major Morning Track, listening patiently to 8 1/2 hours of lecture over four days. She has recently been asking some penetrating questions about technology and the publishing industry so I invited her to create a post and express those thoughts for your discussion.

Teddi Deppner has published hundreds of websites over the last 15+ years in her work as a professional web designer, marketer and consultant. Recently, she has launched on a quest to map out simple, effective strategies to share with creative people using the Internet and social media for their business. Find her latest projects at www.TeddiDeppner.com.

_________________

Thanks to Steve for the opportunity to share some thoughts with his audience. This post, intended primarily to open a lively discussion, was sparked by an article by Craig Mod about “Post-Artifact Book Publishing”.

Craig’s essay presents the idea that books have traditionally been artifacts: the concrete, physical products of an author. He diagrams the process and participants in the creation, publishing and distribution of this artifact and how things are changing now that books have become more than static artifacts.

The part that fascinates me is his observation that the digital age of publishing isn’t really about taking “the book” (a frozen collection of specific words and images) and simply copying it into some readable digital format. Instead, we now face the opportunity to take our idea and shape it into an unlimited number of formats: printed book, web page or online community, e-books of varying flavors, interactive and/or animated digital presentation, video, and yes – much, much more.

So many choices these days! Are you tempted to ignore them until the dust settles? Don’t think those choices apply to your “book”?

Think again.

What’s a Book, Anyway?

Craig Mod’s article is worth reading in detail, and every time I read it the implications multiply. A provocative and key concept I keep returning to:

To think about the future of the book is to think about the future of all content.

Books weren’t static because that’s the best way for a person to express an idea to the world but because it was the only way we had available to record an idea and spread it beyond our immediate circle of friends.

The printing press transformed the world in very short order. I believe we’re living at the dawn of a similar transformation. The Internet may not be the best thing since sliced bread, but I would argue it’s the best thing since the printing press!

Today we have available a new means of spreading ideas — and it doesn’t require a static, physical form. The Internet is with us everywhere, as Netbooks, iPads, mobile phones and e-readers like the Kindle are in more and more hands. Five years ago did you imagine you’d be checking your email while waiting at the gas pump? Did you have any idea you would take 20 books on vacation with you and use up less room in your bag than for a single paperback novel?

A New Set of Questions

As an author, as a business person, as an artist, I’m asking myself some new questions:

    • What is the heart of my idea?
    • Is it best expressed in a static form, or is it rather at its heart a conversation that should begin somewhere and then dynamically grow and evolve?
    • Who is looking for an idea just like this one and how do I reach them?

I’m exploring new “best ways” to convey a story:

    • What length works best? Does my audience want serial episodes or large chunks of completed story arcs at a time?
    • How many illustrations should I include and what should they look like? Pure text novel or completely graphic novel?
    • Should I attach music or record an audio version?
    • Should I offer multiple versions of this story, rated for content along the same lines as movies?

These things are fun to think about, but the most urgent missing piece for me as a creative person making a living producing this content is the business model.

    • How do I turn what’s in my head into cash in my pocket?
    • What is the payment model? What is the distribution model?
    • Who do I need to partner with to make it happen?
    • How many different successful partnerships can I create with collaborators? (writer + filmmaker, writer + artist, writer + writer, and stick some editors in there all over the place because we need QUALITY, people!)

Making Sandwiches That Sell

Okay, so we’ve got all this sliced bread. Now what do we do with it?

Many authors are offering free content as bait to gather their target audience into position and sell them paid content. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Will this model last? Is it sustainable?

And who decides what content is worth paying for? Where do the curators (see Steve’s post on curation) fit in? I can imagine a day when I pay a publisher not for printing a book but instead for a list of vetted, quality content providers directly matched to my preferences.

Although even the average “Joe Reader” is aware that things are changing, he’s ignorant of the full implications. He just goes along, doing what he’s always done, right? His assumptions and prejudice and habits based on a lifetime of traditional consumption of books and movies and music are still mostly intact.

Or are they?

As big entertainment companies change how other forms of content are delivered and paid for (music, TV episodes and movies), what is already changing in the minds of our target consumer? How have your content buying habits changed in the past five years?

What Do You Think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! At the risk of mixing the metaphor, let’s say this post itself is a slice of freshly baked bread. Help me butter it. Throw on some jam. Go ahead and toast it, if that’s your thing.

Post a comment sharing how you read your books, check your news, get new ideas. Tell me what you’re willing to pay for and what you’d rather enjoy for free. I’d especially like your ideas on the most exciting content you’ve purchased recently and what kinds you wish were available but can’t find anywhere.

 

 

Fun Fridays – June 17, 2011

June 17, 2011 in Fun Fridays, Steve with 7 Comments

“29 Ways to Stay Creative”

Enjoy the short two minute video below.

I particularly liked #18 and #25.

Which ones work for you? Do you have any you would add?

To Romance or Not to Romance

June 16, 2011 in Tamela, Trends, Writing with 24 Comments

by Tamela Hancock Murray

According to St. Teresa of Avila’s biography, the battle over romance novels has been going on at least since the 1500s:

Teresa’s father was rigidly honest and pious, but he may have carried his strictness to extremes. Teresa’s mother loved romance novels but because her husband objected to these fanciful books, she hid the books from him. This put Teresa in the middle — especially since she liked the romances too. Her father told her never to lie but her mother told her not to tell her father. Later she said she was always afraid that no matter what she did she was going to do everything wrong.

Those of us who write, represent, and publish Christian romance novels can be made to feel the same way when our brothers and sisters in Christ object to our efforts to provide readers with God-honoring entertainment.  I have spoken with authors whose pastors have derided their writing, read negative blogs, and heard conference speakers criticize Christian romance novels.

Why?

Some feel that romance novels are too frivolous. I ask those who make this charge if they are willing to give up everything in their lives that could be considered frivolous. And if so, I maintain that would be a mistake. God created the Sabbath for rest and recreation. For further reading, The Baptist Press addresses what the Bible says about leisure time.

Another reason detractors cite is that these stories set the bar too high for marriage because no hero can live up to the Christian romance hero. Really? The Christian romances I read show the heroes as flawed but doing their best to follow the Lord. Isn’t this the type of man you would want for your daughter? Isn’t this how you are teaching your son? Consider many of the alternatives in secular literature. Even some of the most noble heroes in literature don’t have a relationship with Christ nor do they desire one. And Christian romance heroines are the type of women readers can admire. By struggling along with the heroines, women can learn how to deal with their own personal conflicts.

These stories show role models in the context of romance. Those who disagree with the idea of role models should stop going to church if they look up to their pastors. And this viewpoint makes teaching Sunday School dangerous. Wouldn’t want to be a role model for anyone.

On a related note, I have heard that reading romance novels depresses some women, making them unhappy with their own marriages. This observation pains my heart because no one I know involved in any aspect of publishing Christian romance hopes these stories will bring sorrow and unhappiness to readers.  Regrettably, unhappy marriages will exist whether or not Christian romance is published.

If reading these novels makes you depressed, you have a choice of two actions. One, you can stop reading them.

I prefer the second option. That is, you can ask yourself why the story is bothering you, and ask God what He is telling you through the book. You may be embarrassed that God is using a lighthearted story to reach you, but no one else has to know how God talks to you. That is between you and God. The point is to listen to His personal message to you and pray about what He would have you do.

The Christian publishing industry has so much to offer. We publish books across all genres, and for all tastes. Rather than cut each other down because we don’t like a certain type of book, why not build each other up?

Paul wrote in Romans 14:19:  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Peace be with you, and whatever your taste, enjoy your leisure reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brainstorming

January 25, 2011 in Book Proposals, Publishing, Writing with 6 Comments

Brainstorming is one of the fun parts in the development of a book. The key for the author is a willingness to hear other ideas. The second, and most critical key, is discovering those with whom you should brainstorm. Those people need to be willing to have their ideas rejected in the discussions and be willing to let an idea they created to be used by someone else. It takes a special person…many times a professional…to achieve that.

I’ve heard complaints from some authors who try this in a critique group only to be frustrated. Egos get in the way or the ideas generated are singularly unhelpful. Or the discussion doesn’t move the project forward, instead it gets sidetracked by numerous differing opinions on the direction of the piece.

That is not to say that critique groups are bad. Hardly. Only that some authors have experienced frustration if the mix in their group is not helpful (see the below cartoon).

A few years ago, at a writers conference, a well known author gathered a number of published writers together and declared, “I have a new book contract and need a better plot than what I have, can you guys help?” Over the next couple hours that group created a dynamite storyline (which is now in print!). That is brainstorming with a group at its best.

If you have a good relationship with your editor they can be a great sounding board for ideas (but be considerate of that editor’s time). A good agent can also provide this service. I have been a part of this process with nearly every book project I have ever worked on. While sometimes the two heads can bump into each other…painfully…the ensuing friction usually creates a spark…the spark of creativity and not contention.

Where do you go for your brainstorming sessions?

Enjoy the following “Pearls Before Swine” cartoon from last weekend: