tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post7743166673100958258..comments2024-03-18T16:17:37.995-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: More on the Break-In NovelJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83065984687514477392010-06-25T11:20:38.710-04:002010-06-25T11:20:38.710-04:00I know I'm a year behind here, but couldn'...I know I'm a year behind here, but couldn't the first book of a series be considered as a break-in novel? That way you build up readership for the next books. <br /><br />I'm particularly drawn to series because I want to read more. The books usually don't disappoint me, and after I finish a series, I look for a new one in the same genre. I'll admit that the cover weighs in heavily, but of course the subject at the back of the book has to be interesting as well. I do my browsing through Amazon, so what I choose basically has to do with how the book is connected to the other buys I buy from there.Tessa Quinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12619129838476851241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8804969891417291712009-08-20T21:28:35.952-04:002009-08-20T21:28:35.952-04:00Thanks for a thought-provoking post. Writing a bre...Thanks for a thought-provoking post. Writing a break-in novel might not be any easier than writing a break-out one for many of us. I suspect successful novelists pour their hearts and efforts into a story that is meaningful to them without considering if it will sell well. I can write a publishable article on almost any topic but to focus a chunk of my life on writing a novel it has to be about something I feel is significant rather than just popular and/or sellable. The key might be to write well and write with passion, whatever the genre.<br /><br />When I'm picking a book to read I often select titles recommended by friends who know my interests. Lacking that, I look for a favourite author first, then a pleasing cover. After that the blurb has to capture me or I put it down again.<br /><br />CarolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70450676236305229342009-08-20T16:24:53.325-04:002009-08-20T16:24:53.325-04:00I've struggled with this in the past. In fact ...I've struggled with this in the past. In fact I have 3 different versions started of the same basic story as I was trying to fit what was selling at the time. An author friend told me just write what you love and someday it will fit what is selling. But if you are wanting to jump into the market sooner you might have to just write the books that are wanted to get a foot in the door. For me I just have to write where my passion is and hope for the best:)Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16049551996478737882009-08-20T14:40:01.911-04:002009-08-20T14:40:01.911-04:00Sometimes it's difficult to write what's s...Sometimes it's difficult to write what's selling, especially if we've honed in on another genre. It can be difficult to change! Author's need to think business sometimes. But it's hard to break from where one feels they're better writers.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16961377191597126990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54508782100419425012009-08-20T14:35:02.368-04:002009-08-20T14:35:02.368-04:00Inspirational Historical fiction, I'm hooked. ...Inspirational Historical fiction, I'm hooked. I have no idea about writing a book, but blessed that you are stepping out and following God's leading. I'll be back to learn more.<br /><br />Blessings from Costa RIca,<br />Sarah DawnSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17295906251145450659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19430658235022795922009-08-20T12:13:42.317-04:002009-08-20T12:13:42.317-04:00Jody,
The topic of my WIP is fairly unique. To me...Jody,<br /><br />The topic of my WIP is fairly unique. To me, it's more the matter of how I'm telling it that will be the deciding factor of whether it makes it. It's one of those things that feels beyond me. I am the vessel only. So, I feel confident, but refuse to get ahead of myself. Until I have a contract in hand, it's day by day, step by step, one foot in front of the other. It sure has been an intriguing journey. I can't imagine not having tried. As for other works and what things keep me turning the pages, I have to admit I've been putting down books that don't hold my interest lately, more than usual, because my time is precious. So, it's got to be an intriguing, edifying read for me to stick it out. Oftentimes, informative, too, because I like a lot of non-fiction and consider myself a lifelong student. :)Roxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39159617629263562172009-08-20T11:30:39.184-04:002009-08-20T11:30:39.184-04:00A recommendation or good review will definitely he...A recommendation or good review will definitely help steer me towards an unknown author. I also use the library to try out books that I am uncertain of (and ones that I am certain of, as well, when I can't afford to buy).Kate Karyus Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15581176126578915929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10076501849822171282009-08-20T11:30:27.564-04:002009-08-20T11:30:27.564-04:00It's all about the hook, to be honest. I love ...It's all about the hook, to be honest. I love funny, upbeat romantic comedies and there aren't very many good ones, to be honest. So when I find an author I really like (Rachel Gibson) I tend to stick with her for a while. When I find one I don't like, I forget her name and accidentally end up reading her again later!Stephanie Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10461865229341760836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60357529728887798742009-08-20T02:10:18.452-04:002009-08-20T02:10:18.452-04:00Hi Jody,
What makes me pick up a book is a recomme...Hi Jody,<br />What makes me pick up a book is a recommendation from a friend, a great review or its a genre I generally like (my favorite is memoir). <br />Good luck with all your exciting opportunities!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648724530472982583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17571004360803839332009-08-20T01:39:05.737-04:002009-08-20T01:39:05.737-04:00I go for the cover, myself.
I had the opportun...I go for the cover, myself. <br /><br />I had the opportunity to attend a tension workshop by Donald Maass. I now open a possible read to any page and look for tension. If I see none, I know it won't hold my attention. <br /><br />Maass is incredibly good and I am working to incorporate many of his methods for building my novels. As to audience - I know who they are.Midlife Roadtripperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06700277803842883251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-26757438741472201692009-08-19T23:06:07.774-04:002009-08-19T23:06:07.774-04:00You always have such fantastic posts, thank you fo...You always have such fantastic posts, thank you for that. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12294516011395206412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63903973314818739862009-08-19T20:55:03.906-04:002009-08-19T20:55:03.906-04:00Jody, I'm with Jeanette. I'm sooo eager to...Jody, I'm with Jeanette. I'm sooo eager to hear your news. Hopefully soon.<br /><br />What attracts me to a debut novel are the title, cover and back cover blurb, which are the same things I look in books written by published authors. What strikes me is that these factors are those for which the publisher has final say. However, what makes me buy an author's subsequent books is her/his storytelling ability.<br /><br />Since I've been disappointed by some books by "trusted" names, I've become more willing to give a new writer a chance. As a result, I've discovered some great new authors, including Marcia Gruver, Kaye Dacus and Tammy Barley.Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55945139862295176102009-08-19T20:53:47.773-04:002009-08-19T20:53:47.773-04:00Book awards! I've been working my way through ...Book awards! I've been working my way through the Book of the Year books and so far, very good! Back cover blurbs and great reviews do it for me too. :)Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50352644638459522982009-08-19T20:50:14.950-04:002009-08-19T20:50:14.950-04:00Hi Jody -
Genre has a lot to do with my book choi...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Genre has a lot to do with my book choices although I've broadened my range since blogging. I love suspense from romantic to political. <br /><br />Also, if I know an author, I'm more likely to pick up their book. All of you are at the top of my list. :)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />SusanSusan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59213291127400406382009-08-19T17:42:02.346-04:002009-08-19T17:42:02.346-04:00When I read, I am sometimes drawn to a book by it&...When I read, I am sometimes drawn to a book by it's cover before I turn it over and read the back. That's usually how I decide if I want to read it or not. <br /><br />I have at least 2 WIP right now. The one I'm currently focusing on is something I feel would be more attractive to a larger range of readers. I write what comes to me and hope it will eventually be the bait that hooks a lot of fish. lolCMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18078747526027432582009-08-19T16:40:46.188-04:002009-08-19T16:40:46.188-04:00I don't want the pressure of writing a break-o...I don't want the pressure of writing a break-out novel and then having to follow up with another break-out novel. I am in angst enough as it is that my ideas are original.<br /><br />In the end, it boils down to this for me: I have to write the story that I want to write. I hope I can always be able to do that, even if I have to bend a little here and there.Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80366292209962498702009-08-19T14:57:01.256-04:002009-08-19T14:57:01.256-04:00Oh my. The comments on this post are as meaty as t...Oh my. The comments on this post are as meaty as the material. Like Karen, I write memoir, and I think most of the same principles apply to memoir as fiction: gorgeous cover, enthusiastic endorsements, beautiful blurb... But nothing beats word of mouth, and that includes word of fingers. Reviews are helpful, but if a book gets noticed in a blog -- priceless! <br /><br />Thanks for the stimulating discussion.Sharon Lippincotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16269757107845288737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37440319623094331602009-08-19T13:28:38.876-04:002009-08-19T13:28:38.876-04:00If one of my favorite authors recommends a book, I...If one of my favorite authors recommends a book, I usually try it because they both write the same genre. Other than that, the title and cover usually grab me. <br /><br />I think we have to stay on top of the types of stories that are currently selling well in our genre. It really doesn't matter if it sold well three years ago!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68710968750568371292009-08-19T13:27:24.357-04:002009-08-19T13:27:24.357-04:00So funny your comment about Amish fiction. Who wo...So funny your comment about Amish fiction. Who would ever think it would be so popular? I am guilty of reading it for awhile.<br />What attracts me most is the cover, endorsements from book clubs,etc. and the blurb about the plot.<br />One of my favorite books, Peace Like A River had all three. The picture alone had me good.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163662759281341381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87644140648404390502009-08-19T13:19:40.840-04:002009-08-19T13:19:40.840-04:00For me, it's always the story blurb. What I k...For me, it's always the story blurb. What I know about the story makes me want to read a book.<br /><br />A cover might make me pick one up...and turn it over to read the blurb. Marketing, an author endorsement, word of mouth, or a book review will make me consider a book and want to find out more, but are not enough for a purchase decision usually. <br /><br />I only like excerpts for authors that are new to me, because it gives me a chance to see whether I like that author's voice. If I'm familiar with the author, I don't read excerpts--because they ruin the reading experience for me--and the blurb alone will tell me if I'm interested in the book.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-543524109663995222009-08-19T13:18:52.415-04:002009-08-19T13:18:52.415-04:00This might sound bad, but really, it's the cov...This might sound bad, but really, it's the cover first.<br /><br />Okay, i do have favorite authors I gravitate towards, but many times I have nothing in mind and am just going to look for a good book.<br /><br />When I'm in a store, I glance over the covers. I am a romance novel junky, so a book that shouts "ROMANCE" in the cover, then the title, will get a serious consideration for me. (Side note: I bought a book once because both the cover and title screamed romance, and it was not. Highly irritating, I must say)<br /><br />SOMETIMES I'll skim the back cover, but so many times it gives too much away. So an endorsement by an author I know, especailly one that writes romance, will spur me on to buy it.<br /><br />Then, it's alla bout the story. If I loved it, I'll look for the author next time. If it was so so, I might not read another one for a while until I see another beautiful cover and awesome name. If I didn't like it at all, it would be hard pressed to get me to read one again (although I might take a chance on one if I find it for $0.50 at a garage sale or at the library for free...)<br /><br />:-) I'm not, like, opinionated or anything now:-)Krista Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772828583379163612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58566205788084400202009-08-19T12:55:39.436-04:002009-08-19T12:55:39.436-04:00The things you listed definitely attract me to boo...The things you listed definitely attract me to books. Word of mouth is huge to me. I write YA, so if I hear a lot of teens are excited about something, I want to read it, too!Dawn Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05667675689038435581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3216013851567553322009-08-19T12:41:18.519-04:002009-08-19T12:41:18.519-04:00I will give just about any book a chance. After re...I will give just about any book a chance. After reading a three chapters I will continue, or not.<br /> I am trying to write my memoirs of our time living in the jungles of Venezuela with a primitive indian tribe. we also had many experiences with the Hugo Chavez regime, including being expelled from the country, wire tapping, military helicopters landing in my yard, and so on. However, it seems christian memoirs are a hard sale for agents. <br />Any tips?Rita Locahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09961929692808138092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23186254953396051032009-08-19T12:28:06.793-04:002009-08-19T12:28:06.793-04:00Great post! There are a number of things that mak...Great post! There are a number of things that make me buy a book. I'm pretty open to new authors so if the book has a good hook, and interesting concept, I'm in. Covers help. As do recommendations from trusted sources.Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3278541537474896192009-08-19T12:19:35.968-04:002009-08-19T12:19:35.968-04:00One factor that influences my book purchasing is t...One factor that influences my book purchasing is the underlying theme of the book as explained by the back cover or inside jacket flap. Not the plot, mind you, but the theme.<br /><br />Examples:<br /><br />From Nick Norby's novel <i>How to Be Good</i>: "The question [this book] confronts is -- how would a totally good person, a saint, get on in the modern world?"<br /><br />From J. Courtney Sullivan's debut novel, <i>Commencement</i>: "...explores with great candor the complicated and contradictory landscape facing young women [feminists] today."<br /><br />I hope that the underlying theme of my book (identity, sense of self) captivates my readers as much as it does me... and of course, I hope that I tell a good story along those thematic lines.CKHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741681893677604323noreply@blogger.com