The "Blanding" of Society Includes Books

A big chain restaurant's been in the news lately for its update. A lot of peripheral issues go along with that, but what I noticed from all the video clips was the restaurant's remodel. I've only been to the place once in my life, but I remember being enthralled by its "general store", because I'm a sucker for worthless trinkets. The entire chain was known for its kitschy esthetic. And I like that; I like things that are different from the norm.

Now the chain has "upgraded" to white walls with, as someone commented, Joanna Gaines-style decor. Like this:

Yawn.

All the personality's been replaced by something I can find at my local Perkins.

Which brings me to books (novels). I subscribe to (too) many newsletters about writing, and many of them feature links to articles, such as, "Find Your Next Story Idea Here" or "How to Write to Trend".

First of all, if you don't have your own idea already, give up. Seriously. You need someone to tell you what story to write? The very last thing I would ever do is write a story that someone told me to write. "But it's on trend!" Screw your trends. I write because I have what's called an "imagination". 

On the other hand, it's true that people now want same-same. "I just read a book about alien snow monsters who attack Valdosta, Georgia, and I want another book just like that! Can anyone recommend one?"

I'm big on studying the psychology of human behavior; well, not studying, per se, but intuiting. I'm aware that many of a certain generation are acutely insecure about their lives, so perhaps when it comes to books, they want something familiar, something comforting. Life already has too many questions attached. It would be too scary to go out on a limb and read a book that jars their expectations.

Romance is big because it's formulaic. Readers know exactly what to expect; it's like a recipe card. In fact, if an author strays from the formula, they'll regret it. Their novel will be endlessly trashed on social media and will incite a nighttime raid, complete with flaming torches. Picket signs will read, "We demand conformity!"

Every genre, I admit, has its conventions; not as severely enforced as romance, but I understand the unstated requirements. But at least these genres leave room for something the old-timers wax nostalgic about--creativity.

Except we don't want that, dammit! Do you want me to stop reading all together? people ask. Reading's not supposed to be "fun"; it's supposed to lull us to sleep. 

As a writer, when anyone, any "expert", tries to tell me what's hot in literature, I'm going to thrust a crucifix in their face to ward off demonic possession. 

As a side note, if an author is aiming for traditional publishing, they should be aware that even if they manage to get their manuscript picked up by a publisher, it'll take two to three years for their book to see the light of day. Oops! Alien snow monsters aren't hot anymore!

Indie authors don't have that same concern. If you're a fast writer, you could potentially churn out something on trend before it's too late. I mean, if you're only writing for dollar signs. I think that's what is called "mercenary writing".

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but people who only write for financial gain aren't artists. They're assembly line workers, not that there's anything wrong with working on an assembly line. It's an honest living, at least, not like writing a book with the latest tropes and pop culture jargon. (Way to date your story immediately, mercenaries.)

Where's the happy medium for authors who write for the love of writing and who write stories that stray from the single-lane road? I'm not sure there is one. Literary agents sure don't think there is. They're always looking for the next xxxxx. Marketers tell us to find our readers. (Quick, hand me my magnifying glass.) Yet, these same book marketing companies refuse to include genres other than those that are....yes, on trend. 

I've read about marketing sites that are purportedly very good at generating sales, yet when I went to purchase a promo, I found that there was no place on their lists for my book. "Oh, no one wants women's fiction." Well, how do you know no one wants it if you don't offer it? I don't read women's fiction, as you know, but I'm aware that Kristin Hannah and Colleen Hoover are big, big names. Somebody wants women's fiction.

A talented writer can sometimes break through the hardened crust of tapioca pudding, but it'll take more than talent to do it. They'll need at least one "right person" to read their novel and rave about it. 

I would just be happy to discover my niche reader. I'm always going to write what I'm going to write. I'm not into fads and I don't have time for simping. My stories definitely deviate from expectations. When I was writing Running From Herself, I misplaced the recipe card, so the steps veer all over the place, but in the end, a tasty dish is still served up. 

Unlike today's readers, I can't relate to not taking chances. I have a low threshold for boredom as it is, so I'm sure not going to read the same book over and over.