I hesitated a long while before writing this article, not wanting to contradict the industry Gods/Goddesses. Yet, what I’m about to discuss has troubled me since I began my writing journey, so I progress. I’d like to be a respected, traditionally published author, but I’m disappointed by how narrow the definition of creativity has become. My disillusionment started when I learned my manuscript did not fit into the romance genre because it doesn’t have a happily ever after ending. I was heartbroken.
"There’s nothing wrong with a slow burn." You're absolutely right Brenda, and wise writers should give themselves permission to defy the current "rules" and allow their stories to unfold at a pace of their own choosing. I'm 57 and belong to a critique group that is composed of "mature" fellow writers, all with decades of professional experience in a variety of careers, all quite well-read. Going by age, they're obviously not the typical Millennials or Gen Z'ers who seem to be driving the current demand for non-stop tension and conflict in the literary and entertainment world. Rather, they are solid Gen X'ers and Baby Boomers who grew up watching weekly installments of their favorite TV shows, without the constant intrusion and clanging demands of the internet. These readers DO NOT MIND a story that takes its time to unfold, one that gradually introduces its reader to character, setting and backstory before dropping the hammer of conflict; in fact, they prefer it. And they read a lot of books! There are many authors and literary agents who have convinced themselves that the modern way of storytelling is the only way, but they do so at their own peril.
I think we have Shonda Rimes to thank for millennials demand and appreciation for tons of conflict at every turn but to her credit she also gives great back story and character development. For those of us who can't stand the weekly installment design anymore (prefer to wait the entire season and binge in a few days), I think today my generation craves good story telling and complete stories. There's nothing worse than falling in love and not learning the end of the journey for these characters we're so vested in. The Twilight series was successful IMO because it had a complete story to pull from. Its conclusion wasn't everyone's favorite but it was respected because it was the authors choice and complete. Just my two cents.
Aren't publishers themselves tired of happy endings being the decision maker for the genre? In a post-covid word isn't the status quo up for re-evaluation?
Brenda raises such an important issue for authors. Tropes, formulaic processes, no adverbs, so many "right ways to write" can intimidate, if not stifle an author. This clever article points that out in all the right ways and would be a great basis for some cross-genre discussions!
I agree, Brenda, that a good, slow burn is worth the wait. And the "trend" in publishing to grab, hold onto, and slam the point home isn't for every writer. Or every reader. Imagine if the classics' writers ignored their styles and callings and changed to accommodate a recent phenomenon. I truly believe there's a place for every writing style. Just as there's an agent, publisher, or editor who will appreciate that. The only "trend" I'll fall back on now is..."you do you" because there's a niche to fill that your books or style will accommodate.
"There’s nothing wrong with a slow burn." You're absolutely right Brenda, and wise writers should give themselves permission to defy the current "rules" and allow their stories to unfold at a pace of their own choosing. I'm 57 and belong to a critique group that is composed of "mature" fellow writers, all with decades of professional experience in a variety of careers, all quite well-read. Going by age, they're obviously not the typical Millennials or Gen Z'ers who seem to be driving the current demand for non-stop tension and conflict in the literary and entertainment world. Rather, they are solid Gen X'ers and Baby Boomers who grew up watching weekly installments of their favorite TV shows, without the constant intrusion and clanging demands of the internet. These readers DO NOT MIND a story that takes its time to unfold, one that gradually introduces its reader to character, setting and backstory before dropping the hammer of conflict; in fact, they prefer it. And they read a lot of books! There are many authors and literary agents who have convinced themselves that the modern way of storytelling is the only way, but they do so at their own peril.
I think we have Shonda Rimes to thank for millennials demand and appreciation for tons of conflict at every turn but to her credit she also gives great back story and character development. For those of us who can't stand the weekly installment design anymore (prefer to wait the entire season and binge in a few days), I think today my generation craves good story telling and complete stories. There's nothing worse than falling in love and not learning the end of the journey for these characters we're so vested in. The Twilight series was successful IMO because it had a complete story to pull from. Its conclusion wasn't everyone's favorite but it was respected because it was the authors choice and complete. Just my two cents.
Interesting concept. Questions how technology has influenced the creative process. Let's talk more!
It’s gratifying to hear I’m not the only one who feels this way. Nice to know you're not alone in the world. Thanks.
Aren't publishers themselves tired of happy endings being the decision maker for the genre? In a post-covid word isn't the status quo up for re-evaluation?
Certainly something to think about. Would be interesting to know what members of the publishing world think.
Brenda raises such an important issue for authors. Tropes, formulaic processes, no adverbs, so many "right ways to write" can intimidate, if not stifle an author. This clever article points that out in all the right ways and would be a great basis for some cross-genre discussions!
Thank you, Grace. I think the industry has gotten off course and I hope our comments stimulate additional conversation.
I agree, Brenda, that a good, slow burn is worth the wait. And the "trend" in publishing to grab, hold onto, and slam the point home isn't for every writer. Or every reader. Imagine if the classics' writers ignored their styles and callings and changed to accommodate a recent phenomenon. I truly believe there's a place for every writing style. Just as there's an agent, publisher, or editor who will appreciate that. The only "trend" I'll fall back on now is..."you do you" because there's a niche to fill that your books or style will accommodate.
Pam, all writers should follow your advice. We have to believe that what we write will successfully resonate with our readers.