I'm not sure what to make of this statement. Obviously, he is a successful agent and knows his stuff, but is it really so detrimental to a writer's career if they write MG and YA, or historical fiction and contemporary fiction? If an author becomes too much of a "brand" wouldn't their readership begin to expect more of the same?
Take Laurie Halse Anderson for example. I read SPEAK and CATALYST before I read FEVER 1793. Her two contemporary novels were good, but they didn't resonate with me. If I hadn't seen a historical novel in her line-up, I'm not sure I would have picked anything up by her again. But then I read her historical novel and was completely blown away with how awesome of a writer she is. And because of that, I'm now turned on to both sides of her writing.
I write both YA and MG, historical and contemporary, mystery and paranormal. I love exploring other genres, but if I do so am I hurting my career?
I'd love to hear what others think about this topic.
8 comments:
I'm with you on the MG and YA. I believe it can work totally. :)
See, if I say it enough, it will come true!
If what Michael Bourret says is true, then I'm in trouble... :)
I like to write whatever inspires me. I've got so many different kinds of ideas running around in my head that there's no way I could become a "brand." There are contemporary stories I want to write, fantasy, MG, YA, paranormal, christian, the list goes on. I couldn't bring myself to ignore the ideas that don't put me in a particular "brand," because they'd slap me around until I wrote them. :)
There's also something else niggling me here. Good actors make sure to get cast in many different types of roles, so they can display their wide range of talent. Otherwise, they get typecast, and only get the calls for a particular type of role. It doesn't matter if this actor is capable of so much more, no one is willing to accept it.
So why should writers let themselves be typecast, unless it's the path they want to take? I agree with you that if an author becomes a "brand," s/he would have a difficult time breaking out of that branding if s/he chooses. Then you're stuck playing the same role for the rest of your life...kind of boring, if you ask me. :)
Great post!
I haven't read the interview yet, but I agree with Tabitha. I like to write whatever inspires me. Right now it's YA and MG fantasy, but who knows what the future holds.
Now, you could say Lemony Snicket and J.K. Rowling are both brands. Readers know exactly what to expect from them. I can understand the marketing angle of being a brand, but I don't like the way it sounds.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one opposed to the idea of branding oneself or one's writing.
Tabitha, your actor analogy is spot on! And Prince B, JK Rowling and Lemony Snicket are great examples of branded authors. Do you think Stephenie Meyer could also be seen as a brand now? Hmmm...
Angie, I've thought about this, too. I've heard in conferences and elsewhere, that switching genres can be difficult or risky. But I'd like to think we can all write our passions, wherever they lead!
Somebody needs to tell M.T. Anderson that he isn't branding himself right.
gottawrite girl, I will just have to be a risky writer then! We're such rebels... thanks for dropping by my blog!
Chris, MT Anderson is the perfect example! Thanks for visiting my blog :-)
My first YA ms was historical fiction, my second urban fantasy, the third contemporary MG.
When I met with an agent who was interested in ms #2 she asked about my other work. When I told her she said, "so you're still figuring out what your style is."
I was?
At RWA they talked a lot about branding, and that makes sense to me for romance writers - but does YA really have to be that way?
I think if readers follow you for a certain genre, then find you've switched, yeah, they might not follow you, but new readers who are interested in that genre will. What's the harm?
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