Blog Chain: Who Do You Write For?

I’ve been a little MIA from this blog, but I have a good excuse: my MG WIP. So it’s not like I’ve been slacking. But, I’m back! I know, it’s super exciting, right? RIGHT? To make things even more awesome, this post is part of a blog chain, and I’m psyched to take part.

Since you’re probably on the edge of your seats, I won’t draw this out. Today’s topic is from Michelle McLean. She asks:

Do you write for the market or for yourself? Why? Are there times you do both? Or times when you’ve written something specifically because it was “hot” at the moment? If so, how did it turn out?

There’s no way you can be a writer and not be asked that question. There’s also no way you can write and not have that thought cross your mind–even if it’s only as “Wouldn’t it be cool if my book sparked a trend?”

But here’s the thing. I write contemporary realistic fiction and trends are pretty much a non-issue in this genre. I’d love for people to buy, like, and discuss my debut novel INCONVENIENT. I’d also obviously be ecstatic if it became a best seller. But a trend? Not very likely that it will make everyone write about Russian-Jewish girls with alki moms. And that’s fine.

However, I’ll be lying if I said that trying to write something trendy never crossed my mind. I tried writing a few paragraphs of a contemp fantasy about a werewolf. I also mulled over some ideas about teens with special powers. In the end, though, those voices didn’t speak to me. Their stories didn’t speak to me either. And I wasn’t going to force it. The way I work best is going with the idea that keeps talking, the characters whose stories keep replaying in my head. I figure if I really love the idea and voices, something good will come of it.

That said, remember that MG I mentioned at the start of this post? I think it’s marketable. But I’m not writing it because of that. I started the story because I thought the idea was cute and original and about 1/4 of the way through the book, it hit me that this could sell. Did it change anything in the way I’m writing it? Nope–other than wanting to finish it much sooner than I originally planned. The fear of a similar book coming out before mine freaks me out. Hurrah for motivation.

For me, chasing a trend rather than writing what comes naturally, is detrimental. And there’s the added pressure too. The possibility that one day I’ll run out of ideas is scary enough but trying to think of an idea for a topic that is way out of my element? Blech. My motto? Write what you love and the rest will follow.

For more thoughts on trends, be sure to check out what awesome Abby Annis said about this topic. And tune in tomorrow to super Sarah Bromley’s blog for her take!