tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post4970833679140621884..comments2024-02-17T17:59:25.010+10:00Comments on Christian Writers Downunder: Pot-pourri booksJeanette O'Haganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-7710775467521008792012-06-14T21:18:08.213+10:002012-06-14T21:18:08.213+10:00LOL, Narelle. At least you know what to expect.LOL, Narelle. At least you know what to expect.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-43290598191308959772012-06-13T09:41:15.461+10:002012-06-13T09:41:15.461+10:00Hmm think I'll stick to writing devotionals a...Hmm think I'll stick to writing devotionals and educational material!!<br /><br />Narelle NNarellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05055531203646493126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45934163756284603722012-06-09T12:33:02.792+10:002012-06-09T12:33:02.792+10:00Hi Narelle,
It's always very interesting to se...Hi Narelle,<br />It's always very interesting to see new books come along and cause ripples in the marketing pond, especially when so many authors are trying to stick to the rules of genre fiction, believing that's the only way they'll be picked up.<br />It just proves that although there will always be safe demand for genre books (my McDonalds analogy), there is a wider audience out there hungering for the unusual and unexpected.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-24716974107456170882012-06-08T21:44:54.582+10:002012-06-08T21:44:54.582+10:00Paula, fascinating post :) I also agree with what ...Paula, fascinating post :) I also agree with what Lee has said earlier. Genre fiction books sell well because they're a 'safe bet' for publishers as they have a defined audience who keep coming back for more. <br /><br />It was once said that romance books with actors and musicians don't sell, then along came Karen Kingsbury with her wildly popular and best selling movie star book series. <br /><br />I also think 'The Shack' is an example of a book that doesn't really fit a particular genre but the story has resonated with a large audience.Narellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07665380446283721576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-57302400955678538202012-06-08T20:14:48.062+10:002012-06-08T20:14:48.062+10:00Hi Jo,
I totally believe that unexpectedness is wh...Hi Jo,<br />I totally believe that unexpectedness is what makes a book stand out in a reader's memory, and readers who remember are going to talk and recommend. A vital ingredient, I'd say.<br />I think the formula driven books do well because of "McDonalds" sort of aspect I mentioned in the post, we know what we're going to get and feel in a reasonably pleasant enough mood for it. But I love to try to write the sort of unexpected book that make readers blink and say, "Wow." <br />Thanks for your support.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-66232901243325118972012-06-08T20:10:27.378+10:002012-06-08T20:10:27.378+10:00Hi Anusha,
There are two books I'm working on...Hi Anusha, <br />There are two books I'm working on at the moment, both, I hope, with real surprise elements in their own ways. And I think the 'bit of everything' you mentioned helps to enhance the romance element in any book.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-76075195305644932532012-06-08T19:30:39.527+10:002012-06-08T19:30:39.527+10:00I loved your post Paula and loved the term you coi...I loved your post Paula and loved the term you coined as "pot pouri books".I would definitely go for them. A bit of everything is lovely - romance, suspense, drama, humour, mystery..... the lot! I find romance interesting when it's romance that's mixed with a lot of other things. Know what I mean? Where romance happens but it's in the background and a lot of other important things are taking centre stage.<br />Looking forward to your next book, Paula. That's for sure! :)<br />AnushaAnusha Atukoralahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859837228901127984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-40885171599064246212012-06-08T18:37:10.695+10:002012-06-08T18:37:10.695+10:00In many ways I agree with Lee. Readers are looking...In many ways I agree with Lee. Readers are looking for a good book. Until I began to learn how to write, I didn't know what made a good book, I just knew when I stumbled upon one! And I love the different book, the unexpectedness of general fiction. With your books Paula, I never know what to expect, but I do know it will be good! Don't be pushed into a mould. xxJo Wanmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08601438922741057908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-85446335571139882092012-06-08T15:16:15.848+10:002012-06-08T15:16:15.848+10:00Thanks, Lee.
I think to think my books, and those ...Thanks, Lee.<br />I think to think my books, and those of several others who have commented, fit into the 'genuine, well-crafted story' category too. That's a good description. I rejoice when I come across them too.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-51996322766691100902012-06-08T14:47:24.264+10:002012-06-08T14:47:24.264+10:00Yes, but that's EXACTLY why people love to rea...Yes, but that's EXACTLY why people love to read those books. Because they know what to expect, and can be swept away out of the boring humdrum of real life.<br /><br />Potpourri books, on the other hand, usually require an effort of the mind and aren't what you would call a light read. Those type of books I prefer to sit down and read in total quiet, so I can mull over them. <br /><br />I would much prefer authors to understand the actual craft of writing, which unfortunately a great deal of them don't. They churn books out and still haven't grasped the simple concept of show don't tell, or don't rabbit on in the story. <br /><br />A genuine, well-crafted story will trump potpourri or formula writing any day. It's just coming across them which is the hardest thing. <br /><br />I am starting to see more and more of them though, so not everything is doom and gloom. LOLThese thoughts lovingly crafted by mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04466128274858068056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-24068987063835066232012-06-08T13:49:34.275+10:002012-06-08T13:49:34.275+10:00Rita,
I'm nodding in sympathy. I completely u...Rita, <br />I'm nodding in sympathy. I completely understand. Still, you never know what will happen in this industry.<br />I think you're last sentence sums up our POV beautifully. How many people do we know whose lives are a pure romance or adventure or horror story?Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-51157633908756803562012-06-08T13:47:15.715+10:002012-06-08T13:47:15.715+10:00Hi Melissa,
Yes, I remember being attracted to the...Hi Melissa,<br />Yes, I remember being attracted to the covers of those. More for the 'to read' list.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-4802709923684980162012-06-08T13:45:37.298+10:002012-06-08T13:45:37.298+10:00Rose, yeah, I agree Mary-Belle and Hugo stories ar...Rose, yeah, I agree Mary-Belle and Hugo stories are a dime a dozen. You've made me think of the fellow who blended Jane Austen novels with vampires and seemed to make a go of it. I forget his name. I always appreciate your encouragement to stick with our hearts.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-20366753621171957372012-06-08T13:24:39.948+10:002012-06-08T13:24:39.948+10:00Mary-Belle and Hugo - no way! - I want to read the...Mary-Belle and Hugo - no way! - I want to read the time machine, vampire, Amish story. Strange? Maybe, but much more interesting. <br /><br />I very much enjoy your brand of pot-pourri, Paula. I think that if we don't write what is in our heart, then the story won't be a success no matter how hard we work to a type.Rose Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00916783669139743112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-84813146097177601062012-06-08T12:58:29.164+10:002012-06-08T12:58:29.164+10:00Oh groan, I know exactly where you're coming f...Oh groan, I know exactly where you're coming from,Paula. I don't know how many times I've asked myself which? what? when I've finished. I've got two books o/seas with an agent and after reading your post, I believe I'll ask for their return now as they're not going anywhere because neither of them "fit". <br /><br />A story is a story after all. And real life doesn't fit into any specific genre does it?Rita Galiehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586506137798711397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-26953110753218795762012-06-08T12:46:48.242+10:002012-06-08T12:46:48.242+10:00I would read a "pot-pourri" genre book, ...I would read a "pot-pourri" genre book, I think I'd enjoy them more than a straight romance or similar.<br /><br />I recently discovered the "Little Black Dress" books. While they would be classified as romance, they have a bit more too them (and are still a quick, light read)...Melissa Gijsbershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15027810729828362064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-30473030118682121722012-06-08T12:37:11.888+10:002012-06-08T12:37:11.888+10:00Hi Amanda,
Yes, yours are really well-crafted hist...Hi Amanda,<br />Yes, yours are really well-crafted historical romances and your family would be unable to make fun of you in the situation I was in :) So many of these rules you mentioned are implicit too. <br />I think a page for eclectic/pot pourri, hearty stew books may be good but I doubt if Koorong would go for it :DPaula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45108663835512768422012-06-08T12:24:41.969+10:002012-06-08T12:24:41.969+10:00It is amazing how tightly genres are defined, isn&...It is amazing how tightly genres are defined, isn't it? I slot easily in Historical Romance, but if my characters didn't end up together, or if I don't introduce them within the first few pages, it could be called 'not a true romance'. So many rules ... but rules are made to be broken are they not (sheepish grin). ;)Amanda Deedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02430837640142332983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-79157950251357619532012-06-08T12:20:11.205+10:002012-06-08T12:20:11.205+10:00I'll put them on my "to read" list. ...I'll put them on my "to read" list. Sounds like something to recommend to the teenaged girls we know too.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-63043414727235158872012-06-08T12:19:10.473+10:002012-06-08T12:19:10.473+10:00I completely agree about the meatiness, Crystal.I completely agree about the meatiness, Crystal.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45929826027566308262012-06-08T12:18:13.566+10:002012-06-08T12:18:13.566+10:00Hi Michelle,
Yes, sales are one thing but when yo...Hi Michelle, <br />Yes, sales are one thing but when you find yourself marching to the beat of someone else's drum, you've got to question the wisdom of what you're doing.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-61060952075198568092012-06-08T12:17:05.161+10:002012-06-08T12:17:05.161+10:00Peter, I guess you could call yours a hearty man&#...Peter, I guess you could call yours a hearty man's stew or something like that. If only people would go for that, hey?Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-40423512893323284522012-06-08T12:02:46.545+10:002012-06-08T12:02:46.545+10:00I have to admit - if there was a genre called pot-...I have to admit - if there was a genre called pot-pourri ... I probably would buy it (only because I'm not a pot-pourri fan) - but I do enjoy books that are mixed genres.<br />It's one of the beautiful things about Indy publishing - authors are free to write to the beat of their own drum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-14375664952671687642012-06-08T11:55:56.915+10:002012-06-08T11:55:56.915+10:00I'd say that I write contemporary (YA) dramas ...I'd say that I write contemporary (YA) dramas too—albeit with environmental rather than romantic leanings. Having recently self-published, I was forced to select between the genres listed in the various web sites. None fitted! I was forced to misclassify my story, knowing that anyone who read it on the basis of the genres with which it was tagged would be disappointed. Sad.<br /><br />That said, I'd never buy a book classified as 'pot-pourri' because I'm not into home beautification. ;)Peter McLennanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07446729346706052416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-62981352975524334282012-06-08T11:46:40.886+10:002012-06-08T11:46:40.886+10:00Angels in the Shadows by Lisa Grace. A great alte...Angels in the Shadows by Lisa Grace. A great alternative to vampires. She has three books and in talks with movie company.Melanie Carter Winklerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08011605544837222792noreply@blogger.com