♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦
Topic #452
Do you envision a particular reader when you’re crafting your stories?
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4 out of 5 books of my books drew inspiration from my literal dreams. I guess, that circumnavigated any planning on audience. Still, I did have to stop to think it was worth putting out–worth spending all that time researching and finessing. There are a lot of moving parts to the trilogy, which required tracking and connecting those threads to create the best tapestry possible. In the back of my mind, it was about integrity, so that defines the core value of my readers.
The ideal reader I have is someone who considers the crafting and effort behind the work, as well as the little things they will find throughout the text. This reader isn’t looking for just a diversion. They can’t be diverted with simple, plain, or straightforward reads. They seek more difficult reads that challenge their thinking and create puzzles and introspection.
Writing a thriller in the shadow of the greats who made some epic noirs is challenging. There have been some really amazing tales told long before I hit the scene. I stand in awe of those authors and screenwriters, the filmmakers. When I penned mine, it started in a dream, which was pretty epic in its scope. The adventure was intense, although there were moments the dream was a bit silly, too. I had to peel away the nonsense that my brain used for placeholders, and take the rest to my notes. Over the months of writing and researching, it was incredible to me how things fell into place.
That said, it takes research and understanding how to do great research in historical topics and culture to really find your path on something like this. Lucky for me, I had been an avid consumer of Film Noir and adventure media. So when you read this one, you’ll catch those notes in the flavor. I’m so proud of that work. It was not easy, and it took weaving together many threads for that tapestry to come to fruition.
The script adaptation was no different. I had to know what must stay and what was okay to go. After reducing the text to the absolute minimum description and dialogue, the scene trimming had to happen. The integrity of the story was at stake. I’m grateful for the opportunity to test story in film competitions and receiving the awards to affirm me. This let me know that I had done the right work, and the audience was there for the story. Hopefully, in the near future, I’ll be able to go to festivals again and shop this for production.
As for my trilogy, this complex work is for the type of reader who loves things like Lord of the RIngs, Dune, Marvel, Inception, and the like. It’s an epic story with a lot to unpack and explore. I figure that I will continue to write in that universe as my career goes on. For those seeking fun, it really fits that niche, too. Trust me when I say that the seeming high-brow aspect should not put you off. It has a more superficial level to wrap it all together. There is nothing wrong with wanting only entertainment. Trailokya does that, too.
My first book, I had tried all the planning and thought on this, and I felt like the work was just not from my heart in the end. Therefore, I was grateful to the editors who helped me cull the work to a manageable page count. Reduced and refined, this work appeals better to the romance arena, and literary minded. These groups were on my mind when I started, but I put them too much in the forefront of my writing, ousting myself in the process. When I put my own wishes back in place, I think the work really came together better.
In essence, I’m the reader. While some may find that egotistical, I have to state that the things I like have large fan bases. Therefore, the things I want to talk about and share are in those arenas, and those folks are my readers. What I like, they often like, too. It’s not egotistical. It IS trusting yourself. Our creation is not in a vacuum. Well–haters gonna hate, so you can’t please them all.
That’s the point, though. You have your audience. That audience isn’t the entirety of the world population of readers. Face the facts. You get a fraction of them. It’s up to us to write the best possible story to get them on board. Then, it’s our job to also show them we have written it! That last part, though–I am with you on the difficulty of figuring that success out!
When you write true to yourself, your readers will find you. The heart you put into your work will resonate with the right folks. Write your story. I know that advice constantly tells you that you have to keep someone in mind for whom you’re writing. It’s you! You’re not out here in a vacuum, and so vastly different from others. There are others like you! They will want to read your work. Trust in the process. Once you’ve written it, get out there are find your people.
Click on the links below to read what the other authors on the hop have to say on this topic. It’s good to survey the field and let the range of opinions help you form your own. Don’t forget to subscribe and see this hop in your inbox on Fridays.
You said – Then, it’s our job to also show them we have written it! Yep, that’s the part we all struggle with!
Indeed! Still trying to figure out why my approach isn’t working, and how to approach better.
I’ve never read Lord of the Rings, Dune or Marvel, as that genre doesn’t appeal to me, but I agree that we are the readers and that we should write to please ourselves. Some people will like what we have written, and others will not.
100% 🙂
I think I’m my ideal reader, the problem comes when trying to find more people like me.
Same! I am one of your people! So you have me curious about your books for sure.