This one really gets me going, and I will say, not in a pleasent way. We scream time and time again about following trends. Never do this. We tell beginning writers to focus on what they do well and make sure they continue to improve. Editors tell writers to stick to what you know, and yet, time and time again, I see authors who have a great career in one area diving into the latest trend just to be "new" at something.
Now don't get me wrong. In no way am I saying that people cannot change what they do. I just get frustrated when I see someone just jumping into a category because it is the hottest thing. I started thinking about this when I saw the new Ann Rice novel coming out. I love Ms. Rice's writing. I am one of the biggest fans of the Mayfair witch series. But I have to say, when I saw she was writing a werewolf novel, my only thought was "come on Ann, really???" Now, maybe the writing is good. I haven't read it yet. The point is, was her motivation really a desire to write this story, or was this a move to jump into something that is someone hot right now due to the Twilight phenomenom.
We have seen this in other areas as well. Spy novelest suddenly turning to what they call romance. Paranormal writers suddenly thinking they can write YA. Great Chick lit/Romantic Comedy writers suddenly thinking they can write the dark and grime.
Not sure what to say about this. Maybe this is just a Tuesday morning complaint. Who knows.
Scott
I am an unpublished writer, but the trends you describe perhaps have to do more with trying to become more popular and of course trying to capture more readers which translates into bigger sales.
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