Dare To Be Different! Are You SAYING Something?

It's no secret that certain genres are more popular than others, that's just business. Right now, they include YA, MG, fantasy, and paranormal. But we also know that our Muses do not preform on demand, not even for cash. So how is it that everyones "muses" are able to get on similar wavelengths?

Well to be honest, they're not. Not that these aren't awesome genres with some fantastic writers, but there are many more writers who write whatever is selling (often the ones who think writing a book is a fun little side project, like redecorating the guest bedroom.) And sure, we all have bills to pay, I just wish there was a little more diversity. You know?

It just irks me. Maybe it's because I'm writing one of the least popular genres in the history of the world. . . so unpopular it was just recently given a name: New Adult. (And not even having a name helped.) Oh well, I've always been the dork in the corner who refuses to play with the cool kids.

So maybe I'll finish my manuscript and no one will touch it because there isn't much of a market for it, oh well. I'll throw it in a shoe box and bide my time. But I really think there's hope for weirdos like me, partly because of one of my favorite writing quotes:

"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

I think most people like that one, but how many people are really following that advice? I am, but I'm known for doing irrational things. The problem is stagnation. I recently looked over a bunch of queries (I won't name the site) and just about every single one was paranormal or fantasy and YA or MG. One of them was so close to Twilight that I was tempted to ask if it was a joke. I didn't, but man I wanted to.

If that's where your muse takes you, by all means go there. But everyone's muses at the same time? Really? Bull, Muses are not influenced by the bottom line. If they were, we'd all be loaded. There's just a major push (from publishers, agents, and ourselves) to write what people are reading. Unfortunately it can push us away from the other, less popular, ideas we have. Or even make us try to force a story that we wouldn't necessarily write under normal circumstances.

But think about this, the market can't fall in love with what isn't there, so write something new! Vampires didn't used to be the new black, remember those days? Yeah, I know, it's been a while.


The way I see it, it's like going to a party, there's always a few groups of people crowded around someone with a great story. So you can stand on your toes and try to join the conversation by the pretzels. Or you can put on a short dress with a loud print and start dancing on the table. Some people will think your nuts, but they're not conversation starters, now are they?

I'd love to see a balance in the market (Bahahaha, are you serious Erica? Never gonna happen!) Yeah, I know. And of course, I want more people to write NA. I'm not going to pretend like that's not part of my reasoning, it is. I'm lonely! Sometimes I feel like the only kid in class who isn't wearing SillyBandz!

I know this is an odd opinion to share when many people reading it are obviously writers of these genres. It may rub some people the wrong way or even down right piss them off, which I can understand. But it's okay, I have a habit of putting my foot in my mouth, and by now I'm used to the taste.

So you tell me, what are you saying in your most recent work(s)? How is what you're saying different? And what would you like to see more of on the best seller lists?