July 1 question – Is there anything you’d like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?
Because I have no opinions about the July question/prompt, I decided to share a question I was asked at a recent writer event: Is every book tailored for a specific audience? For whom do you write, and why did you choose that target audience?
I used to struggle with this question because I didn’t study genre via an MFA. It was hard to pinpoint, since I use elements from a variety of authors that I read and enjoy. The dialogue of Robert B. Parker, the wit and satire of Garrison Keillor, the character development of Debbie Macomber, and the environmental settings of Fannie Flagg. It’s all in my work (though not nearly at their level). never approaching the prose of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of my favorite book.
And then, the lightbulb exploded – ta-da! I just want to have fun!
Now I know exactly who my specific audience is: it’s me! Well, people like me, who enjoy “good stories” regardless of genre, often slice of life tales with no more story arc than Reacher. I’m a dedicated observer of others with a catalogue of characters ready to appear. I dig people, and I observe them, closely listening, watching their faces and body language, emoting.
I consider myself a “storyteller” more than a writer or author, and I strive to make every story as compelling as I can. After 70 years of reading, I’ve acquired a bodacious vocabulary – and I adore metaphors and alliteration. I’m told my stories are entertaining, always humorous, and some weirdness is going on (even when I’m writing the serious stuff…it just creeps in). I’m gifted with an extravagant imagination, and I employ it as I write.
I want my readers to enjoy their reading experience as much as I enjoyed writing it.
For what it’s worth, I’ve decided Pat Jackson-Colando is the writer, based upon my extensive history of writing college course papers and thousands of clinical reports in my career as a speech-language pathologist. PJ Colando is the storyteller. Thus, a writer is formal and rule-governed. Is storyteller more casual and colloquial, as I’ve surmised? In my POV, yes –
People who like to read what you do – that’s it!
I agree that reading, reading, reading – eclectic and interesting, multi-genre books – sets one up for writing, writing, writing – and I love it!
Thanks, as always, for your read –
Hi, PJ. I’m still making the rounds for IWSG Day. My specific audience is me, too. I think we need to write what is in our hearts and trust our writing will find its audience. “The Great Gadsby” is on my to-be-read list. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read it. Right now I’m reading “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi, and a chunk of the book revolves around reading “The Great Gadsby” during the earlier part of the Iranian revolution. It’s definitely fascinating, but not so funny. Definitely wishing you a fun summer!
“Better late than never” is a lingering phrase for a reason, so no worries. Thanks for reading and commenting on my post.
I’d love to know what ‘Funny Blue’ stands for –
I think most of us (at least those of us who write for the love of it) are writing for people who like to read what we like to read! Then it’s a matter of finding that audience…
Thanks for reading my post and for providing your insight.
Happy 4th of July!