Monday, February 21, 2011

Feb. 21

I am brain storming new ideas. The cozy mystery seems to be in good hands. My agent asked what else I was working on and when I told her a thriller, she told me selling a thriller was like winning the lottery. Publishers only buy one maybe two new authors a year. Instead they fill the shelves with the "big" names. What they see as a sure bet.
My goal is to write stories that you can read. Therefore it's important to write stories that I not only love but ones that publishers will put on shelves. Sure, we could talk e-publishing, etc. But until there is a way for readers to find you without the backing of a big publisher, I'll wait. Besides, for me it's a fun puzzle to figure out what I like to write that my agent can sell. I'm not talking about trend chasing but finding the niche/genre that is both fun and rewarding.
So what shall it be? An organic nursery cozy? A cozy set in the 1890's with a female psychologist? A cozy with a female auctioneer? Or a steampunk detective series? Thoughts?
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4 comments:

  1. L. Diane WolfeFebruary 21, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Nancy, I think we're hitting that point of readers finding books not backed by big publishers.
    So new thrillers are all from the same recycled authors? That's depressing.

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  2. Judy Croome | @judy_croomeFebruary 21, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Nancy I'm with Diane in that I think we're reaching a point where readers will be finding books without the need for big publishers as gatekeepers. Well, I hope so at least, because as you know from my latest blogpost I'm taking the leap into independent publishing. Gulp.

    Anyway - re your thriller. I like the sound of the 1890's one with a pioneering female psychologist. Beric & I have just finished watching an ITV DVD series called Bramwell about a pioneering lady doctor in the 1890's - the first 3 series were marvellous! So I think you could put a really good story together about a lady psychologist in that time too - it was such a new science then as well!

    Judy (South Africa)

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  3. MartyFebruary 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Well I am always hoping that the genre of Greek mythology will take hold of you - but barring that, I think that a female (criminal) psychologist dealing with both mystery and misogyny in the late 1800's sounds like a WINNER!

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  4. Nancy J. ParraFebruary 22, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Thanks everyone!
    I agree, that readers will win out with e-books because they will be able to find stories beyond the marketing model. My wish for writers is for more money in it because we all deserve to be paid for our art and talent.
    Marty, I'm reading a YA right now written entirely in verse- made me think of you. Cheers~

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