Due to the Economy...

[botias]

We all do nutty things to earn money when we have to. I'm giving serious consideration to writing a paranormal romance and trying to sell it. To that end, I got one of the Silhouette paranormals via Paperback Swap: Last Wolf Standing. Now, I know these vary quite a bit in quality. I've got some 'rookie cards', Silhouette-type romances written by some of my fav romance authors before they became bestseller types, and they are quite effective stories. This one... I don't think I can finish. :| And the longer I put it down, the harder it gets to pick up again, a fresh new experience for me.

But that's good right? I can write stuff like this: "Hunger clawed its way up his spine, ripping through his system with such force that he expected to look down and see the blood seeping through the thin cotton of his navy T-shirt and dark gray flannel, spreading like death... " Well, you get the idea. Note the way the writer cleverly fit that bit of wardrobe description in there. Wow. So, no need to avoid cliches, to create new ways of describing universal experiences. I can have my couple move in the 'age-old rhythm,' hunger can claw, eyes can be steely...

Frankly, it reads a lot like run-of-the-mill fan fiction--with excellent editing. And, I'm starting to think a lot of this pulp romance IS fan fiction. This werewolf story clearly borrows from a number of paranormal bestselling series: Destined life mates, protagonists that hunt 'rogues' that prey on the general populace. I've read excerpts from others that were clearly Angel the series, if Angel were completely gay, that is. Fan fiction. I can do fan fiction. Now, if only I can finish one...

Comments

[riccadonna.livejournal.com]

Just go for it!
The fact that -sadly- there is some terrible fanfiction going around does not mean that there isn't some that's outstanding. I've read published books that were not even average in comparison. I think circumstances and luck have a great part in determining what is going to be printed.
Totally with you on the editing thing...

[botias.livejournal.com]

I know there is some outstanding fan fiction. I specifically mean the run-of-the-mill stuff. The Buffy fandom, I think, has been especially blessed. I've read some fan fiction that's really blown me away, and that I feel has contributed to the show itself as a work of art, as well as being inspired by it. If I do manage to get published, I will owe a great debt to Buffy and its fan community (and the incredible inspiration that is Spike the vampire).

[ladyofthesea.livejournal.com]

Is that an actual quote from the story? Cause if so, then DAMN, purple prose has reached entirely new levels from when I was heavy into romance novels. O_O

If you do decide to go through with it, best of luck to you! Trashy romance novels almost always sell, if the success of Twilight is any indication. It just sucks that writers have to grind their teeth during its creation. :/

[botias.livejournal.com]

I read romances somewhat regularly, though I don't often venture outside my favorite authors anymore, and this particular novel is unusually bad. These days there are some really well-written, well-researched romance novels.

Still, I read some reader reviews on Paperback Swap and people seemed to have loved it. :|

[ladyofthesea.livejournal.com]

I'm the same way with the romance authors I read, but even they tend to get repetitive after a time. That particular genre is based off a pretty strict stereotype, which is why you will always encounter a rebellious, beautiful woman in unfortunate circumstances and her dashing hero. I really shouldn't bash on it too much since I still find favor in the whole 'man rescues woman' thing. I apply it in my own stories- hopefully not to the extreme set by romances, heh.

Again, good luck to you! I'd read it. :)

[cleoius.livejournal.com]

Ooh go for it! I would buy your book, especially if it's paranormal! Woot!

And yeah, some authors make me go, "If they can get published, shouldn't I give it a chance." But then a lot of others I read, make me go, "No way. I am not good enough." *sticks with fanfiction.*

[botias.livejournal.com]

I swear, you could totally do it. You are WAY better than this writer. You spin a great story that moves and surprises. And your speed is a big plus I would think in a world of deadlines and the like. That sort of romance IS fan fiction. The big bestsellers are the ones that actually create their own worlds and break new ground.

[cleoius.livejournal.com]

Aw...*blush*

I think my major setback, is right now I am not getting inspired to create my own characters. I just find inspiration in Lotor and Allura, and Lezard and Lenneth. *claws wildly at the air* Need to get inspired to make my own universe!

[botias.livejournal.com]

You may want to just start with them. I can tell you right now that my hero is definitely going to have white hair. XD Doing a find/replace on the names after you're done sounds funny, but hey, I don't see any reason why not. You might even be able to do that now with some of your longer fics. I've heard there are a number of published romance novels out there with heroes that are obviously Spike. It was actually reading one of them that got me started on the show instead of the other way around.

[cleoius.livejournal.com]

That sounds doable! XD Would have to write some kind of prologue to set it up more though...

[(Anonymous)]

Well, if most romance novels read like fanfiction, then I think your romance novel, were you ever to write one, should be a bestseller. I LOVE your writing! What I mean is, you got alot meat to your stories. Most fanfiction stories, I think, just have scraps to them. But your stories are substantial. Somnetimes it helps to back away from a project awhile if you're stuck. That way, if you decide to go back to it, you may have a new fresh perspective to it. You may see it from a different angle. Whatever the case, you need to do what you feel comfortable with. Good luck!

[botias.livejournal.com]

Wow! Thanks for the encouragement. :)