Start Something Different
Posted by Mark Alders on Friday, July 2, 2010
Under: General thoughts
***rant ahead***
(and one that will probably not go down well)
Okay...over and over I see the same authors (m/m genre here) being pushed, reviewed, talked about, whatever. I also see, over and over, that the readers of these select authors complain about how they don't write imaginative works, the sex is boring, there is no plot, etc etc. Basically, everything I hate about a story is being said about these certain authors, yet, they sell like hot cakes and do well.
So tell me this. Why then are you readers still buying these author's works? I know I'm going to get into trouble here, and yes I don't like being negative, but seriously, if I don't like something I don't go back to it. WTF? "Gee, waiter I hated that octopus soup, so I'll order it again next time, okay!" Common complaints include: boring sex. No plot. Dull characters. I mean, how can you relate to a story if there is no character or plot or when they do interact it leaves you cold? HOW?
I just don't understand it.
On one blog I read today (and I do try and avoid blogs that promote/constantly talk about the same authors) a person wrote that there was a formula a lot of these authors stick to. Basically meaning "slot character names here" and follow the formula and the story is written. Again, HOW CAN YOU PAY MONEY AND READ STUFF LIKE THIS????
No wonder romance gets such a bad name. *rolls eyes*
Well, I don't write to formula. I cannot write without a plot to help create the foundation of the work and I most certainly have to have characters who interact and live on the page. There are plenty of authors out there who do write like this. Shock horror, I know.
So, next time you have a hankering for some good m/m or romance or whatever, avoid the formulaic authors and go for the ones who cherish their stories and put their heart and soul into their work. I can name so many... but here's a few off the top of my head that are instant buys because their books are something to be cherished: Serena Yates, Michele Montgomery, Jeff Erno...oh, and little 'ol me, of course.
***end rant***
(and one that will probably not go down well)
Okay...over and over I see the same authors (m/m genre here) being pushed, reviewed, talked about, whatever. I also see, over and over, that the readers of these select authors complain about how they don't write imaginative works, the sex is boring, there is no plot, etc etc. Basically, everything I hate about a story is being said about these certain authors, yet, they sell like hot cakes and do well.
So tell me this. Why then are you readers still buying these author's works? I know I'm going to get into trouble here, and yes I don't like being negative, but seriously, if I don't like something I don't go back to it. WTF? "Gee, waiter I hated that octopus soup, so I'll order it again next time, okay!" Common complaints include: boring sex. No plot. Dull characters. I mean, how can you relate to a story if there is no character or plot or when they do interact it leaves you cold? HOW?
I just don't understand it.
On one blog I read today (and I do try and avoid blogs that promote/constantly talk about the same authors) a person wrote that there was a formula a lot of these authors stick to. Basically meaning "slot character names here" and follow the formula and the story is written. Again, HOW CAN YOU PAY MONEY AND READ STUFF LIKE THIS????
No wonder romance gets such a bad name. *rolls eyes*
Well, I don't write to formula. I cannot write without a plot to help create the foundation of the work and I most certainly have to have characters who interact and live on the page. There are plenty of authors out there who do write like this. Shock horror, I know.
So, next time you have a hankering for some good m/m or romance or whatever, avoid the formulaic authors and go for the ones who cherish their stories and put their heart and soul into their work. I can name so many... but here's a few off the top of my head that are instant buys because their books are something to be cherished: Serena Yates, Michele Montgomery, Jeff Erno...oh, and little 'ol me, of course.
***end rant***
In : General thoughts
blog comments powered by Disqus
I am Mark Alders, writer, intactivist, post office worker, and all round nice guy...except when someone steals my chocolate! I am a proud Australian, and as such use different spellings and have some weird phrases, too. Hey, perhaps that's why I write some damn weird shit!
I can't change who I am.
So when you read one of my books, enjoy the ride, but please don't say I can't spell. I spell how I damn well feel like it! LOL Naw seriously, I spell like an Aussie...do forgive me because we are a breed unto ourselves. Where else can a place have 11 registered public holidays and no one has any idea what they are for except to have a BBQ and down some beers!
If you do find a genuine error in my work, please let me know so I can speak with my editor...also, as an addition to that, offer chocolates as well. Lots of chocolates.
*hugs*
Mark
