Fresh Fiction Blog | Jerri Corgiat | When "Gentle Fiction" Feeds the Soul

I've been thinking about the economy and war and my son and entertainment-market trends. Hang in there with me; I'll tie this together.

Just recently, I read this article that said, because of the Depression-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named, Hollywood has been finding success in adventure-escapist-fare such as this past summer's spate of movies based on comic book heroes.

Not much later, I spoke with my former print editor. She said there was a new, growing demand for "gentle fiction" of the same stripe as my Love Finds a Home series.

And then, on the eve of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, my son spoke with a sergeant, and he said, you're headed for Afghanistan, private, before another month is out.

My epublisher, thinking that last point might be overshadowing pretty much everything else in my life just now, reminded me I've a blog entry due to Fresh Fiction. She's right; I'd forgotten, and now the hour is late. So I face this page with all these thoughts knotted up in my head and very little patience in untangling it all, so let me grab a thread and pull.

A decade ago, before 9/11, I fought an uphill battle to find representation for Sing Me Home, the first book in the Love Finds a Home Series. Sing Me Home features an introverted, non-college-educated, small-town woman falling in love with a country rock star who lives his life in the glare of celebrity. Together they discover, as Catherine Anderson once blurbed for me, "the things that matter most."

I pitched this book—and pitched and pitched and pitched it—to agents, who pitched it right back. A decade ago, soft contemporary romance was out, chick lit was in. SING ME HOME was no Sex and the City and my protagonist, Lil O'Malley, no Bridget Jones.

Fast forward two years. Two years that held two revisions of SING ME HOME and a two-inch pile of rejections, two years that ended with one horrific tragedy on September 11.

As our nation picked itself up and looked around at a changed landscape, I started pitching again, and this time had prompt, eye-blinking, positive responses and a pick of several agents. Within six weeks of choosing from among them, my new agent sold the book to NAL at Penguin Putnam. When I wondered aloud at the abrupt turnaround, my new editor said, post-9/11, in a nation stunned by horror and about to launch a war, the populace was trending toward "comfort food" entertainment.

Ten years ago ...comfort entertainment.

Ten years later ...gentle fiction.

If you're to believe my former editor.

And I did. Until I ran across that article I just mentioned, the one on comic book heroes. Not gentle stories at all. Perplexed, I did some research.

A year after 9/11, the bestseller list was stocked with such stories as THE LOVELY BONES, THE NANNY DIARIES, THE SUMMONS and PREY. This past year, the list included DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and the Twilight series, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST and THE HELP.

Good books, all. Escapism, much of it. But "comfort food?" "Gentle?" I don't think so.

You know, writers get tired of having books rejected, not because they aren't good stories, not because they aren't terrific stories, but because a publisher has determined a trend, which may or may not be more than their wishful thinking, desperately wishful, even, as said publisher has just snapped up every manuscript that bears any resemblance to the last Big Bestseller, whether those manuscripts are excellent work or...not so much. So, owning up to some pettiness, and even though it didn't bode well for my own work, I'll admit to a small thrill of delight at uncovering evidence which seemed to fly in the face of my former editor's convictions.

Except this morning, browsing on Amazon for a new book for my Kindle, and with my mind still cluttered with thoughts of the economy and terrorism and of my son, I chose, from all the bounty before me, a sweet inspirational read, based on the recommendation of a friend who knew my heart needed warming.

Maybe my former publisher knows more than I think. I hope so. It is both humbling and wonderful to think my books might have once met a need for readers who were looking for a gentler, kinder fiction, for books filled with the warmth of family, home, friendship and romance, regardless of what titles are populating the best seller lists.

And, in their current ebook incarnation, that they might do so again.

Tell me your opinion:

Think of the last books you've bought or borrowed...

Do you think what's commonly known as the Big Six Publishers—whose books you see populate the tables at the front of big bookstores—anticipate and meet your reading needs?

Or are you finding more of what you want in the continuing explosion of ebooks, which allows you to try books unavailable in print – whether from brand-new authors or the backlists of favorite authors?

___________

Jerri Corgiat's Love Finds a Home series was originally published in paperback by Penguin's Signet imprint. The books now are available for Kindle, Nook, and other ereaders through Istoria Books. Find appropriate "buy buttons" at the Istoria Books website or on

SING ME HOME	FOLLOW ME HOME	HOME AT LAST
HOME BY STARLIGHT	TAKE ME HOME

Comment today to win one of the Love Finds A Way books (e-book) _____

ABOUT JERRI CORGIAT

Award-winning author, editor and former bookseller Jerri Corgiat lives in the Midwest with her husband, son, dog Rosie—and the true queen of the house, their cat, Princess Piggy-Britches. Their home is located in rolling woodlands reminiscent of the Ozarks, where she spent her childhood summers and where the Love Finds a Home series (originally published in paperback by Penguin and now available in ebook form through Istoria Books) took root in her imagination. She is currently working on her sixth book. Her website is: http://www.jerricorgiat.com

Read an interview with Jerri Corgiat at the Istoria Books blog

Comments

This was such a touching post from a warm and sensitive author. I'm so happy that Jerri's books are now available digitally. I admit to a stake in that process - I'm editor-in-chief of Istoria Books, her e-publisher. We're very choosy with our inventory, growing it slowly. Jerri's stories are thoughtful, provocative and superbly written. I hope she finds many new readers now. And I wish her son Godspeed.
(Libby Sternberg 8:28am September 29, 2011)

I enjoy reading soft fiction, it is a great temporary escape from the real world. Hope your son has a safe rotation in Afghanistan, you will always worry about him until he returns. I'm praying that our soldiers will all be brought home soon!
(Marilyn Legault 12:22pm September 29, 2011)

Thanks for a great post! Sometimes it's very nice to slow down and enjoy a story that brings you in slowly and be more emotionally investing. I love these stories! I read practically anything so after reading an action packed, angsty scifi or romance, I like reading a gentle fiction to "reset" my palatte :)
(Erin Fender 12:28pm September 29, 2011)

Jerri's been having a little trouble logging on this a.m. but hopes to weigh in a bit later after she handles a few things with her son!
(Libby Sternberg 12:33pm September 29, 2011)

Enjoyed reading your comments. I can't wait to read one of these books for a change of pace from the books I usally read. Would be most welcomed at this time.
(Joy Isley 1:12pm September 29, 2011)

Are you all seeing the whole post? I'm having trouble reading it all. It seems to stop at the "Fast Forward..." paragraph.
(Libby Sternberg 2:08pm September 29, 2011)

The post does seem to be cut short...
Have to add her to my list of authors to read!
(Colleen Conklin 2:47pm September 29, 2011)

I love this type of story and I'm looking forward to reading these books!
(Cheryl Lynne 2:49pm September 29, 2011)

You certainly do have a lot on your plate. I will remember your son in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 2:53pm September 29, 2011)

Wow! Any more on your plate and something is going to fall through the floor! I love ebooks but my book shelf is still overflowing with favorites. There are times that a book in hand is soothing, much like an old friend.
(Angela Bartlett 3:29pm September 29, 2011)

I tend to read authors, not necessarily trends or content...
(Kelli Jo Calvert 4:17pm September 29, 2011)

As far as I can tell, I'm seeing the entire post. The final sentence before "Tell me your opinion" is "And, in their current ebook incarnation, that they might do so again."

So here's my opinion: I buy off of the "Big Six" tables, as well as at used bookstores, the grocery, drugstore, library book sales, garage sales, trade books with friends, enter contests, and occasionally go the e-book route. I tend to prefer the real thing as opposed to reading on the computer screen. Being of a "certain age," my eyes aren't particularly fond of doing that.

So, I will hope to find hard copies of the books somewhere, sooner rather than later, but I'll also hedge my bets and hope that I might win here!

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 4:18pm September 29, 2011)

I'm still saving to buy a Kindle---so for now I'll stick to the bookstore--especially those that sell used books because books are so pricy if you read a lot of them.
(Sue Farrell 4:29pm September 29, 2011)

I read all genres of books, depending on my mood. I love "comfort" stories where I know how they will end, but I enjoy the journey of how they get there. Once in awhile I will read a thriller then immediately have to read a low-key book to relax. Your book sounds wonderful. Thank you and your son for protecting our country; as a parent I can't imagine what you are going through right now. Hugs!
(Jody Hollenbeck 4:48pm September 29, 2011)

I love to read and when I win a book I really get excited!! When my pile of books get low I really start to worry!I read all kinds of books but really love a great personal story.
(Jean Benedict 5:03pm September 29, 2011)

Jeri,
I fell in love with your writing in Sing me Home and continued to love the stories. I look forward to anything you have to read. I enjoy your stories and the voice you use. I'm one of these people who is soooo tired of the vampire/were-something, demon, blood sucking stories. I enjoy the e-books b/c it allows me to find authors I haven't read and back copies that aren't available.
(Maude Allen 5:24pm September 29, 2011)

Don't own a Kindle, no ebooks for me, still love my book in hand. And good luck to your son, my older son served in the Marines, during Persian Gulf War.........we need more books like your ideas say!!!!!!!
(Joanne Bozik 6:00pm September 29, 2011)

Jeri,
Your books sound great and I hope your son stays safe. I read a mix of genre but I prefer fiction. Our library has started to lend out ebooks for the Kindle so I've been able to catch up on some of my favorite authors.
(Yuka Liew 6:03pm September 29, 2011)

I don't own an eReader, but do read a tiny bit online if it's a novella or short graphic romance. I love being able to turn the pages and mark my place with a bokmark or whatever's handy.
(Alyson Widen 6:03pm September 29, 2011)

I have a Kindle which is full of books that I have yet to read but there is still something very special about having the book in my hand and feeling the pages as they turn. In the end, both feed my addiction very well.

Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 6:20pm September 29, 2011)

Yay! I can see the whole post now! They'll keep it up until tomorrow so Jerri'll be able to weigh in some, too!
(Libby Sternberg 6:27pm September 29, 2011)

Thanks for your interesting comments.
My hubby shares his ipad with me, I am
just getting used this device. I agree that
there is a explosion of new books. We just found
a old book out of print "Alas Babayon". on ereader.
Your homes sounds amazing. Love your kitty's name.
Your books sounds interesting and very creative. WTG thanks for the blog contest too.
(Dayle Butler 8:45pm September 29, 2011)

I don't own a Kindle, so I can't speak about what's out there to download. As far as books that I've read lately, I can't say that I'm completely satisfied all the time. I do get books to read that happen to compliment the mood that I'm in at the time. Sometimes I want a little more lighthearted romance instead of a book that's more involved, if that makes sense. I can't blame the author or the publisher. If I'm not satisfied, the fault lies with me. There are good books out there. You just have to know where to find them. They all don't fall under the romance category as well, either. I've read some wonderful books in the past year, and am glad I grabbed them off the shelf. I will pray that your Son stays safe, which I'm sure he will. Best of luck with your books. I will be looking forward to bringing one "home."
(Peggy Roberson 8:52pm September 29, 2011)

I still prefer books, but e books may be cheaper in the long run.
(Deb Pelletier 9:41pm September 29, 2011)

I love the feel of paper books but I love my Kindle. I am so glad that so many authors are putting out their backlists in ebook. I love to read everything by authors that I love!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:49pm September 29, 2011)

I am kind of old-fashioned... still prefer the actual book but I have read e-books...
(May Pau 10:10pm September 29, 2011)

I love reading paper books. Thanks for giving me a chance to win and read your book.
(Amy Milne 10:18pm September 29, 2011)

I am not into ebooks, I love holding the paperback in my hand. Thanks for the opportunity for the contest.
(Pat Lieberman 11:33pm September 29, 2011)

I guess this giveaway is for an ebook, if so, please do not enter me. Thanks.
(Pat Lieberman 11:34pm September 29, 2011)

Most of the time I definitely prefer "gentle" fiction such as you write. Since I'm long past being a "chick," I haven't much interest in that. I discovered Sing Me Home not long after it was published and loved it. Unfortunately, I've had a hard time finding the others in Canada, though I do have one other of your books in storage (since 2005). I love reading family stories and that's what I enjoyed so much about yours. Since I love history, I read a lot of linked historical novels and/or straight history. I'll be looking up the e-books. But what a change in price lately for them. Now they are generally more expensive than paperbacks. It's annoying.

Above all I wish your son a safe sojourn overseas to Afghanistan. I'll be praying for him and you.
(Sigrun Schulz 3:47am September 30, 2011)

Thank you for all your comments - both complimentary of my books and in your support for my son. I truly appreciate both! I'm sorry I couldn't be "here" yesterday. My son sold his car in preparation for deployment, so I was his "wheels" to an appointment at our state's National Guard armory... which was supposed to take "not long" and, in true army fashion, took all day. :) Such is the life he's chosen!

Anywho, I divide my time between my Kindle and books. I think I'm still neurologically wired to feel a spike of pleasure when I see a book cover - and that hasn't developed yet with the Kindle. That said, I've been able to buy at least two books, which I've loved, that were only available digitally (after having been rejected by print publishers because--the authors were told--they didn't fit a "trend") so Kindle has expanded my reading options. Too, I love the convenience of throwing it my purse when I'm dashing out the door...

To places like I went yesterday, where I kicked up my heels all day and needed lots of things to read!
(Jerri Corgiat 1:39pm September 30, 2011)

not everything is supposed to be Sex in the City, there are times when we very much need gentle fiction.
(Heidi Durham 8:06pm October 2, 2011)

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