Finding your niche
August 25, 2006 | Uncategorized
Skimming around the blogasphere, (yes Virginia I know I have a problem) I ran across multiple discussions about what drives the market and the surprising tidbit that continuities are popular with readers. (To read for yourself start at Alison Kent’s Blog and follow the links.)
Not surprising? It was news to me. Though it shouldn’t have been. I considered the first three authors on my autobuy list – all three are writing series. What makes these so appealing? Good writing is number one, still and always. Characters I (and lots of other readers) fall in love with, a special world that feels real (more of that good writing thing), stories that have unresolved questions.
I read lots and widely, but even the omnivorous reader had favorites. Here are mine:
- To be swept away – Regency set romance with a suspense element
- To be thrilled – Romantic suspense, straight suspense
- To be entertained – Southern comfort
- To be cheered – Romantic comedy
- To be comforted – Something from the keeper shelf
There’s a class of reading that doesn’t have to be entertaining at all – non-fiction. If it’s well written, it’s a huge plus and much appreciated, but I’ll read dry as kindling books if I’m mining for information.
All of this relates to writing how? I only write in one of the genres I love to read. When I’m writing I try to not read that genre (romantic suspense for all those just stopping by). I don’t want to imitate even my most esteemed authors. I don’t want my story choices influenced by the current read, no matter how brilliant. The only product I have to sell are original stories.
Now if it turns out I should be writing dog detective mysteries – have I got some fun reading to look forward to . . .
When both Hunter and Tru bond with Amber their mating triangle threatens everything they hold dear.
Determined to help rescue the princess, Cassandra agrees to act as the dragons’ sex slave, but can she guard her heart from the dominant males?
Camille, a plump, sweet-natured breeder, is caught in New Eden’s endless war with Baldor. Her mates, Jaxon and Aegis, need cunning and courage to rescue her. They need a miracle to capture her heart.
Werewolf-whisper Daniel is the only one who can heal Scarlet’s broken werewolf connection. If he succeeds then the pack’s needs will eclipse his claim on her heart. But if he fails, they'll both die.
A lonely woman finds passion with a dominant much younger lover, when she tries to leave she learns her new master plays for keeps.
One dangerous warrior woman plus two rogue demon males equals a love to threaten an empire.
Getting paid to watch Eduardo is Desiree’s dream assignment, but when he reaches out to her, crossing the line, everything changes.
Deep in her secret heart, she lusts for a sexy pirate who’d be her master and commander in the bedroom. But, this man may be too dangerous
She finds paradise in the arms of twin brothers, but their law demands she chose one warrior to mate and one to die.
One woman, two men, three wounded hearts--though already mated their love is still forbidden.
