A life-changing conversation
The agent called me back today. 
And I had, what I believe was, a life-changing conversation. In just over an hour, she zeroed in on my weaknesses and strengths, and helped me form a career plan. Dang, she’s good. Note–this was not an offer of representation. It was more of an, “I-read-your-book-you-have-talent-but-you’ve-got-a-journey-left-to-take” conversation. A helping hand up, if you will. I’ll be forever grateful for this conversation.
This was it, in a nutshell. She asked me a question that I’d never really thought of before. “If you were paid $50 million dollars and you were only allowed to write one type of historical romance, what kind would it be?” I tried to hedge and say–romantic comedy. Nope. Too vague. She wanted SPECIFIC. If I wanted to write funny, light medievals, that’s fine. Or funny, light Regencies, more power to me. But I COULD NOT WRITE BOTH. Not yet.
This is what rocked my socks. :confused: You see, I’d always believed that the way to success was to write a little bit of everything, to enjoy the path with lots of diversity. Now I’m coming to terms with the fact that although yes, I can have my cake (medievals) and ice cream (Regencies), I can’t have them together at the same time. Not as a new author. And especially not in Single Title World where I’m competing against Amanda Quick and Julia Quinn. I have to carve my niche and be PHENOMENAL within that niche.
If I were to publish a funny, light-hearted medieval, a reader who loved it would want to buy another one. She’d want another funny, light-hearted medieval. She would not want a dark, emotionally-wrenching medieval. She would not want a light-hearted Victorian (and yes, I’ve written both of those). She’d want more of the same style, but with new characters. Let me tell you, the light bulb went on.
My favorite authors: Susan Elizabeth Phillips (light-hearted contemporaries with athletic heroes).
LaVyrle Spencer–gripping, heart-rending historicals with an emotional journey
Julia Quinn–upbeat, light-hearted Regencies.
Oh my. There’s a pattern here. 
It’s called branding. And for the historical market, I need to be more specific. Sure, I can write the other subgenres. 
But I need to build my readership first. And the only way to do that is not to switch paddles in midstream. I need to write 4 or 5 fun medievals. Then maybe 4 or 5 fun Regencies. Maybe 4 or 5 Westerns. But not everything all at once. I had a complete, head-smacking, “DUH!” moment. I don’t think I ever consciously considered this.
When I look at the books I’ve completed, and I look at the style and type I really LOVE and WANT to write for the next 50 years, it comes down to the funny ones. I love to laugh, and I love to read books that tickle my funny bone. So this is what I need to do. I need to focus my career goals and build up books in a particular style. That way, when my publisher wants more of the same, I can stay within my genre but still have unique plots and situations. Two of my favorite SEP books are: Nobody’s Baby But Mine and It Had to Be You. 
They are totally different, but still within the same framework. Wow.
So brand me, baby. Funny medievals it is. Mooooooo. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:37 pm | Viewed 2080 times
Rene Says:
Hmmm…very interesting. How nice that she called you. It really does mean something if she is that interested to make the call. I’m glad you gained so much from talking to her.
Margery Says:
Aren’t those light-bulb moments awesome? I’ll be looking for those funny medievals as soon as they hit the shelves, Michelle.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Suzanne Says:
Sounds like great advice, Michelle!
Larissa Says:
This post made it click. Wow.
Thank you for sharing your lighbulb moment, and VERY cool on the agent’s call. Great advice!
Steph T. Says:
Wow. That’s all I can say. Wow.
Okay - I’ll say more. First, the agent must have seen something wonderful in your writing to take time to talk with you about career planning. That’s awesome. And, like Larissa, I’d heard this advice before and then kind of ignored it and did whatever I wanted. But the way you and the agent explained it - it makes tons of sense. TONS. OF. SENSE.
So congrats on branding yourself and for sharing this.
Do you feel better? More centered?
Mary Says:
Good advice. I took the same four years ago, and that’s how, I believe I got my contracts with Next. Write what you love.:grin:
Melissa Says:
:crazyjumping:
So glad your conversation went well! I love those “a-ha!” moments and sounds like you had one. Woo-hoo!
Olga Says:
Great conversation, and funny medievals sound wonderful to me!
Jill Says:
Oh, this is great! You’ve had an ephinany, and we all got to learn from it, LOL! Congrats on the call, btw.
Tori Says:
Ditto to what everyone else has said, Michelle!
Michelle Says:
Like most of you, I didn’t “get it” either. Not until now. But it makes complete sense now. It helps the publisher market you. They can keep your book covers consistent with your “flavor.” It helps them know how to build you and build your readership.
It’s kind of exhilirating, isn’t it??
Jan Says:
She gave you solid advice, Michelle. I started writing what I loved, which was western historicals. Got three done and two finaled in contests, but the market–
So I switched gears again and got a couple of ST RS written, but my fav books to read are funny or snarky writing, so I’m going to try my hand at that. I’m following my heart and trying to be true to my voice. Time will tell if it’s right, lol.
Stick to the ones you love to write because those will be the page-turners readers can’t wait to read.
kacey Says:
Michelle, I LOVE your light, humorous stories. And such good advice on branding yourself for now. That’s way cool the agent took the time to have this discussion with you!
Are lightbulb moments, um, illuminating?
Kacey’s Wine on the Keyboard . . . » Stealing Blog Posts Says:
[...] is just blatantly stealing two other great blog posts and pointing you in their direction This post by Michelle Willingham about a conversation she had with an agent, and her DUH moment on brand [...]
Michelle Says:
Jan–I really think westerns are going to make a huge comeback, so save those books!
Steph–I feel the need to stop and reassess where I’m going. I have a work-in-progress and I should probably go ahead and knock out the first draft. But since that one is a Victorian, I may hold off on it. I could do a first wave of medievals and then a second wave of Victorians. Or something like that.
Kacey–:fryingpan: on the lightbulbs being illuminating. Groan!!
Crystal* Says:
Thanks so much for sharing!
Sounds like things are going great. Congratulations on the call and the moment. Both are invaluable.
Grins*
Moo back atcha.
Amy K. Says:
How awesome that she took the time to talk to you! I’d say that’s a good thing. Did she make any mention of resubbing to her? Congrats on having things click and figuring out what’s right for you right now.
Michelle Says:
Amy–thanks. Actually, she did invite me to resubmit the book if I wanted to change it, but she was really trying to get me to define myself. Once I did that, then we agreed on a new plan of action. She wants to see my funny medieval book and after that, we might meet up in Reno. For now, though, I needed a better focus on where I want my career to go.
Today I’m blurbing…
Sasha Says:
Thanks so much fro sharing wiht us. It does make me think.