One of the first things I learned as a published author is that authors have a
brand. Mine is contemporary single title with both humor and suspense, and I'm
pretty darn good writing them. The next thing I learned is that my publisher
doesn't want Starr
Ambrose writing anything eles.
But wait! What about all those other things I wanted to write? That murderous
thriller and that creepy paranormal? And dang, I just read a great western and
now I'm all hung up on studly cowboys and I need to write about them!
That's when your editor gives you a virtual pat on the head and says, "Go right
ahead, sweetie. But do it in addition to the contemporary single titles you
promised us, and do it under a different name."
Some authors say, "Right-o," and run off and do just that. I so admire them!
Because stories do not pour from my brain like a geyser spewing pent-up ideas.
Oh, no. My stories must be coaxed forth with effort, patience, and chocolate.
I've written before on my personal blog (dirtroaddiaries.blogspot.com) about my contentious
relationship with my muse. The little bitch, er, witch, is a cranky fairy who
is, frankly, a bit lazy. So I am searching for ways to motivate her, something
that will kick her little fairy behind into overdrive so all those cowboys and
vampires and psycho killers can come to life in their own books.
Meanwhile, I found a great compromise. The hero in my recent release, GOLD FIRE, is a bit of a
cowboy, laid back and not much of a talker. He's also a saloon owner with no
ambition in life but to mingle with his female customers. He doesn't make a
good impression on my ambitious, career-driven heroine when she's forced to deal
with him . . . until she learns about his past and realizes there's a lot more
to Jase Garrett than meets the eye. I hope you fall in love with him; I did!
5 comments posted.
You could try the method used by Iain Banks: he writes Scottish fiction under that name and science fiction as Iain M Banks. So we all know who he is and what kind of book we are buying.
If your readers really enjoy your writing style and plots, they will want to read more by you no matter what genre. Try again with the publisher, who seems very narrow-minded. Good luck with your new departure, you don't want to get stuck in a literary rut when there is so much creativity in your head!
(Clare O'Beara 6:46am February 22, 2013)
I love the plot you mention and look forward to reading it. You also solved a mystery for me. I always wondered why so many writers write in so many different names. I never thought about publishers requesting it. It gets confusing for me.
(Gladys Paradowski 10:47pm February 22, 2013)
I loved the Movie Death Wish with Charles Bronson. And there's a newer movie on demand (tv) that my daughter in law has told me about, but I have not seen it yet.
Now, your book, I'd love, it's right up my alley!!!!!!!!!
(Joanne Bozik 3:22pm February 23, 2013)
I admire your confidence in yourself and your works. I am a reader of all genre's. Cowboys are just sooooooo sexy, sounds like a good read to me. Good Luck!
(Joanne Bozik 3:25pm February 23, 2013)