tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post5019195321785151431..comments2024-03-28T08:48:51.749-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Are Your Efforts Unique? Or Do You Blend In?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51508157100313617422012-03-18T14:21:31.080-04:002012-03-18T14:21:31.080-04:00Hi Jody,
Thank you for this:
If we’re doing what w...Hi Jody,<br />Thank you for this:<br />If we’re doing what we love and finding joy in writing, then we’re far ahead of most people who have yet to find their passion. <br /><br />English is not my primary language and I need to explain all the time why I am writing my stories in English when - obviously - I can never be a purple cow :)<br />Well, because it is a bigger challenge and more fun. And because I love doing it.<br /><br />Thank you for your blog!<br />Michaela07Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8935612054501317982012-03-08T06:37:22.002-05:002012-03-08T06:37:22.002-05:00Hey everyone! Thanks for chiming in! Glad you foun...Hey everyone! Thanks for chiming in! Glad you found my blog, Naomi! And Hayley, I really like your analogy about being a prime specimen!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50955397305964997602012-03-08T05:34:53.210-05:002012-03-08T05:34:53.210-05:00Maybe it's better to be a prime specimen of a ...Maybe it's better to be a prime specimen of a brown cow?<br /><br />Many of my favourite writers stand out not because they have crazy ideas or an attention-grabbing style, but because they write to an extremely high standard. Some have carved a niche for themselves, through quietly developing their own style rather than jumping around shouting 'look at me - I'm different!' Purple cows are often fads, whereas pedigree is always popular.<br /><br />As for myself, I will keep working on developing my style and finding my own voice. I hope I will become a good writer and that, if I work hard, cream will rise to the top. I don't want to be a purple cow: I want to be a glossy red Devon cow whose quality is plain to see!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80610160465028463902012-03-07T18:57:25.549-05:002012-03-07T18:57:25.549-05:00Hi Jody, glad to discover your blog, thanks to Kir...Hi Jody, glad to discover your blog, thanks to Kirsten Lamb. Great post.Naomi Baltuckhttp://www.naomibaltuck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31092124322375129672012-03-07T14:40:30.326-05:002012-03-07T14:40:30.326-05:00Oh, I read that article at Author Media, too. It i...Oh, I read that article at Author Media, too. It is a little overwhelming to try to invent the next great thing. But I don't really think that's what I need to do. My favorite types of books aren't always easy to find. Whether they are popular or not doesn't really matter, I still like to read them. That doesn't mean I shouldn't strive to find new ways to share and express myself, though. That's the meat of a creative job, right?Marji Laine - Faith Driven Fictionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08863807987324920493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4851507406073971752012-03-07T12:52:38.469-05:002012-03-07T12:52:38.469-05:00I LOVE how you ended this article! I'm constan...I LOVE how you ended this article! I'm constantly reminding myself that if I've written the book God wanted me to write, then its His job to get the word out and I need to be patient to work within His timing. But it's so hard!!Carrie Dawshttp://carriedaws.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85131429686254028412012-03-07T08:54:44.228-05:002012-03-07T08:54:44.228-05:00I think it's okay to be a purple cow if that&#...I think it's okay to be a purple cow if that's how God made you, but I don't think we need to dye ourselves purple in order to get sales.<br />Personally, I KNOW I'm the standard grade black and white cow. My goal is to eat the best grass (learning and applying) so that I produce some sweet milk that will have peeps coming back for more.<br />Basically, use what I got, make it the best I can, and be content in that. :-)<br />This is such an interesting post though.<br />And while I may not be a purple cow, it is very possible that someday I'll produce purple milk. *grin* As in, our products do not define us. <br />Now I'm rambling...LOL<br />Thanks for a post that made me think. :-)Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16906755338698929452012-03-06T19:34:55.977-05:002012-03-06T19:34:55.977-05:00Nice pointers. I don't think I want to be a pu...Nice pointers. I don't think I want to be a purple cow, though. I'd rather be the albino cow. I'd be a rarity, but created by nature, so in essence I'd be a natural creature and not some odd-colored creature created in a lab to stick out like a sore thumb. Does that make any sense?<br /><br />It's been a long day!Mary Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09429769115085903305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4970709062340324112012-03-06T18:18:38.295-05:002012-03-06T18:18:38.295-05:00Great post! Enjoyed the comments. Refreshing advic...Great post! Enjoyed the comments. Refreshing advice for anyone trying to figure out what's important and what's not in this ever-changing world of writing and marketing.Terihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09779515233988884509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68584101570610046042012-03-06T17:49:58.073-05:002012-03-06T17:49:58.073-05:00Lots of great comments and suggestions by Jody and...Lots of great comments and suggestions by Jody and everyone. I just sold my debut novel (yay!) and it releases in November, but I'm already thinking of how to market and stand out. Frankly, it's more intimidating than querying. <br /><br />Thanks for the ideas!Stacy Greenhttp://stacygreenauthor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59322906644787759132012-03-06T17:18:59.651-05:002012-03-06T17:18:59.651-05:00Nice post. I often wonder if the twitterverse is f...Nice post. I often wonder if the twitterverse is filled with authors madly tweeting each other with never a reader to be found. <br /><br />Drawing satisfaction from writing is the key for me. Anything else that comes from it is a bonus.Pete Abelahttp://www.peteabela.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13218562829224542432012-03-06T15:20:14.918-05:002012-03-06T15:20:14.918-05:00Ida, I'm not sure that I'm qualified to an...Ida, I'm not sure that I'm qualified to answer your question about how Amazon determines what shows up top in lists. I *think* it's based on numerous factors--sales figures, numbers of ratings along with the types of ratings. Some of it may have to do with Amazon knowing what your past "likes," purchases, and browsing history is. From what I've heard, no one really knows the "inner secret" workings of Amazon's ranking system!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73108407463225777392012-03-06T15:16:18.498-05:002012-03-06T15:16:18.498-05:00Caitlin,
Thanks for swinging by and adding to the...Caitlin,<br /><br />Thanks for swinging by and adding to the discussion! You guys are doing a fabulous job on Author Media! Thank you for all of your advice! I've appreciated it! And thank you to for your wise statements in your comment above. I love this: "Don't fall into the trap of believing your worth is tied up with your book sales."Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53574939900288292172012-03-06T14:58:48.976-05:002012-03-06T14:58:48.976-05:00Aw, Kristen, thank you for the sweet words! You br...Aw, Kristen, thank you for the sweet words! You brought a smile to my heart! :-) And thanks for chiming in with your thoughts and wisdom. You're right. So many writers fall away and give up. Persistent perseverance in excellence brings out the purple cow writers. And authenticity does too.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2923221514973833092012-03-06T14:09:07.999-05:002012-03-06T14:09:07.999-05:00Want to be a real purple cow....FOREVER? I hold th...Want to be a real purple cow....FOREVER? I hold the WANA secret. Do what 5%ers do. They endure, persist and are committed to excellence 7 days a week. They are authentic, kind, and have a servant's heart.<br /><br />I don't think we have to be flashy or give away expensive gifts. I believe that is a flash in the pan approach that might spike some sales, but it cannot ever be maintained.<br /><br />Most writers are not committed. They get excited about social media/blogging and do it for three months and then, when the shiny wears off they blog when they feel like it and check in on Twitter when they want something.<br /><br />The real purple cow then is the writer with persistent reliable excellence...on social media on her blog and even in her books.<br /><br />Authenticity is another purple cow. Genuinely care about others and serve others and you will always stand apart form a crowd clamoring to sign up for Facebook only because they want to make a sale.<br /><br />Using the WANA litmus test, you, my dear Jody, will always be a purple cow.Kristen Lambnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33130874750369592342012-03-06T13:57:12.177-05:002012-03-06T13:57:12.177-05:00Jody, I think you really hit the nail on the head ...Jody, I think you really hit the nail on the head when you talk about discouragement. The constant uphill struggle to stand out is discouraging, and it pulls away our precious writing time. But I also think that the desire to write a good book and to please our readers is worth something as well, even if we don't achieve that ultimate 'purple cow' goal. Once again, it's likely all about balance. It's just that finding that balance can be tricky sometimes.Jen J. Dannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00817943866838270699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14132155246976195832012-03-06T13:03:46.136-05:002012-03-06T13:03:46.136-05:00I try to remember that I am not trying to appeal t...I try to remember that I am not trying to appeal to everyone but rather a select target audience who likes the type/genre of book I write.<br /><br />One thing I am curious about and have not been able to find out is this: When I go to the subject type of a book I have out under a pen name (in this case dystopian fiction) the same book always comes up first. I've noticed Amazon defaults to 'relevance' as opposed to publication date or popularity. Why is one particular book more relevant in that category than another. And no, the words 'dystopian fiction' don't appear in the title. Any ideas?<br /><br />I can't help but think that appearing first consistently (as opposed to the tenth page) is valuable.Idahttp://www.idafreer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82989195667359831222012-03-06T12:23:02.365-05:002012-03-06T12:23:02.365-05:00Thanks for bringing this up, Jody. I always apprec...Thanks for bringing this up, Jody. I always appreciate your perspective on things. <br /><br />You know me--I try to listen to the Lord's leading for my own life, regardless of what every other cow is doing. I figure He'll know what will help me produce th best cheese--wait, that sounds like I'm cheesy...Jeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48540365847440801992012-03-06T11:39:44.161-05:002012-03-06T11:39:44.161-05:00Fantastic post, and very interesting things to thi...Fantastic post, and very interesting things to think about. It's rare to see a writer talk about reaching our audience the best we can, and not stressing to much about getting the world. I think you're right, creating the best books we can and giving them to our loyal readers is the number one thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://fromsarahwithjoy.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Sarah Allen<br />(my creative writing blog)</a>Sarah Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01185278849400551014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11255228744394878792012-03-06T11:35:48.787-05:002012-03-06T11:35:48.787-05:00What a thought provoking post. I'm just starti...What a thought provoking post. I'm just starting out-on my own. I want to stand out, but in a way that will get me remembered by my audience who will connect with and recommend my work. It's crowded out here! I hope through it all, if my cow becomes purple it's due to the fact I write with passion and from my heart and touch readers with encouragement and hope.Theresa Munroehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16225867695926628884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4004764454388149592012-03-06T11:14:36.158-05:002012-03-06T11:14:36.158-05:00Very thought provoking post, Jody. Thanks for star...Very thought provoking post, Jody. Thanks for starting the wheels turning.<br /><br />There is something hidden deep inside most writers, I think, that whispers of a hidden uniqueness. Hey, we are all creatures of God Himself, the Maker of Unique. We sense it is there, and hope that one day it will tap us on the shoulder and shout loudly. "Here I am! Follow me!" <br /><br />Remembering that we have a Helper and a Guide, and stopping to hear His voice, is sometimes the biggest challenge of all. <br /><br />I mean, when their are so many Voices to listen to, it's a challenge to step away into the quietness and wait.<br /><br />I'm just realizing that is my challenge to myself for the remainder of this day....patti.mallett_pphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01453756965198648016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22273180674583968312012-03-06T10:53:50.651-05:002012-03-06T10:53:50.651-05:00Wow. I'm honored that the purple cow post reso...Wow. I'm honored that the purple cow post resonated so well with you! <br /><br /><b>If we’re doing what we love and finding joy in writing, then we’re far ahead of most people who have yet to find their passion.</b><br /><br />That's a huge point that I hope more authors start understanding. By knowing (and doing) what you love (and created to do), you are bringing a razor-sharp focus to your project that most people envy. Just keep refining it! <br /><br /><b>And if our readers are deriving satisfaction in what we’re writing, perhaps that’s enough.</b><br /><br />Not everyone will change lives through penning best-sellers. My life has been enriched through bloggers who will never have a book in a store. Don't fall into the trap of believing your worth is tied up with your book sales.Caitlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014029828150198978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15277861949135071322012-03-06T10:39:33.640-05:002012-03-06T10:39:33.640-05:00Hey everyone! I'm enjoying all of your comment...Hey everyone! I'm enjoying all of your comments and thoughts today! Thanks for a great discussion!<br /><br />And Linda, that's really funny! I had no idea that latest Infiniti ad was playing off the purple cow idea! Just shows how important the concept is to businesses!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18336908758361348912012-03-06T10:30:22.952-05:002012-03-06T10:30:22.952-05:00It's such a fine balance. Be too much of a pur...It's such a fine balance. Be too much of a purple cow (esp. for that debut novel), and agents might not look at your stuff twice, knowing there's not a "niche" for it yet. But writing YA vampire romance, just because it was selling three years ago...also probably not the right path. <br /><br />I struggle with trying tame down my "purple cowness," in all honesty. I hate copying anyone, in any way. I know there's nothing new under the sun, but I truly love finding those unique angles and time periods and issues to write about. I have to think that readers want that, too. Yesterday, vampires, today, Downton Abbey, tomorrow...who knows? Grin. <br /><br />Thanks for the helpful thoughts!Heather Day Gilberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12353914883176152555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52782440836774708122012-03-06T10:25:30.756-05:002012-03-06T10:25:30.756-05:00Very encouraging post!
I try not to let the tren...Very encouraging post! <br /><br />I try not to let the trends in the market get to me. I think it depends on the genre you write in. For instance, in Romance there seems to be a following no matter what is put out there! Women love to read love stories. <br /><br />In YA, however, there seems to be pressure to find that next BIG TREND that will make teens run out and stand in line for hours to get your book. Same thing for middle school fiction. <br /><br />But I am confident I have a good idea because I thought outside the box. I thought about what Christians teens NEED to be reading and mixed it with what they want to read. It can be challenging, but worth it to me.Ruth Douthitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com