Thinking Outside the Box
There are more spotlight notes up today on my For Writers page.. I put up the notes from the Warner spotlight.
One of the greatest lessons I took away from the conference was this–if you want to break into a single title house, you need an idea that will sell itself. Something bold and different (like Julie Kenner’s soccer mom who slays demons–I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about that??). I think for my next proposal I’m going to really try to think outside the box. I still want to write historicals, but I need a unique twist on them, something that stands out. So that’s what I’ll be shooting for.
So that leads me to a question: What are some common traits in books you enjoy reading?
For example: kidnappings, arranged marriages, Cinderella stories, rescues, vampires (okay, I threw that one in). :headspin:
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:17 am | Viewed 763 times
Tori Says:
Oh, let’s see… murders, mayhem, cats (which is really kind of funny because I’m not really a cat a person, per se, I like dogs better), female detectives (who usually have a male sidekick), vampires (and I’m not just throwing that in :lol:), magic, wizards, English settings.
Several of my favorite mystery series are historicals, either Victorian or set in the 1920s or 30s.
Peggy Says:
I love stories that involve ghosts but by the end of the story logic explains it all and there really were no ghosts, just very convincing evidence. That’s always fun, cause we know it’s probably not supernatural spirits but don’t know how else it can be explained.
Danica Says:
My trouble is that I love too many story ideas. I’ll read and write just about anything.
My stories are all over the map, so I spent a lot of time thinking about who I am as a writer. I think it was even your blog that prompted it. I think I’ve finally nailed it, so we’ll see if it ends up working.
Rene Says:
I am a sucker for a Cinderella story. I’m not sure why. Maybe because it is so opposite of the life I lead. I like the idea of an emotional rescue. I have a book where the heroine has some tough self-esteem issues and the hero shows her she is worth something, so it is kind of a rescue.
I’m a complete patsy for vampires. Rich vampires. Rich, handsome vampires. Rich, handsome vampires who drive really expensive British automobiles.
I do think sometimes it is tough for an unpubbed author to get something published that is outside the box. When I read Susan Squires’ The Companion, I thought it was a wonderful book, but I also thought that if I wrote it and tried to submit it, I would get rejected.
Sela Says:
I love, love, love Beauty and the Beast stories — it’s all about redemption, baby! My favorites are when the Beasts are truly Beastly and not just misunderstood. That could be why I love werewolves so much.
I also love magic, English historicals and anything with comedy. Especially the “fish out of water” comedy. I love seeing how characters react when you rip their familiar surroundings away. Hmmm, that sounds a little sadistic. 
Katie Says:
I like hunks in tight jeans. Boots are a plus. Anything that adds to that is just gravy.
Mary Says:
I just love a good story that’s life like–real. I’m reading one now, Broken For You. It’s one of those books you can’t put down.
Tori Says:
Rich, handsome vampires who drive really expensive British automobiles.
LOL, Rene! I’m so with you there!
Larissa Says:
I like Cinderella stories, rescues, and vampires. But mostly I like bold. Anything that’s gritty and honest and just a little un-PC.