This is how out of touch I am: Is the word in publishing these days that historical fiction is unfashionable? Because it often seems as if writers trying to break in are given mixed messages: Things that seem fashionable are said to be "overdone" or "played out," but genres and styles that are unfashionable are said to be impossible to market or too "niche." (The whole point of my blog, I'm finding, is to show that medieval-themed things never fully go out of style...)
There are those who say the particular type of histfic I do is a tough sell at the moment, BUT one who mentions that was the dream agent who's still open to a revised read. At the end of the day, whatever the mores of fashion, my work has STYLE - and style doesn't come and go the way sweaty teenaged vampires do ... Heh.
I think you are right, that anyone starting out gets different messages from different sources. The fact is, as a woman selling histfic, I probably *would* have an EASIER time selling something in the heaving-bodice line, but at the same time I think my uniqueness will end up being a pretty strong selling point for me.
I'm not Bernard Cornwell or Conn Iggulden.
...
Then again ... I'm no Bernard Cornwell or Conn Iggulden. I clean up okay, I can wear the obligatory black turtleneck for the dustjacket, I'm confident, and ready and willing to support the work however that is necessary and *as I am guided* as well as with a bit of my own steam. To work with, a lot about my ability and professionalism will make me a heck of an author to have and work with. So we'll get there! Even if this year's hemlines are three inches shorter than mine ... :)
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This is how out of touch I am: Is the word in publishing these days that historical fiction is unfashionable? Because it often seems as if writers trying to break in are given mixed messages: Things that seem fashionable are said to be "overdone" or "played out," but genres and styles that are unfashionable are said to be impossible to market or too "niche." (The whole point of my blog, I'm finding, is to show that medieval-themed things never fully go out of style...)
There are those who say the particular type of histfic I do is a tough sell at the moment, BUT one who mentions that was the dream agent who's still open to a revised read. At the end of the day, whatever the mores of fashion, my work has STYLE - and style doesn't come and go the way sweaty teenaged vampires do ... Heh.
I think you are right, that anyone starting out gets different messages from different sources. The fact is, as a woman selling histfic, I probably *would* have an EASIER time selling something in the heaving-bodice line, but at the same time I think my uniqueness will end up being a pretty strong selling point for me.
I'm not Bernard Cornwell or Conn Iggulden.
...
Then again ... I'm no Bernard Cornwell or Conn Iggulden. I clean up okay, I can wear the obligatory black turtleneck for the dustjacket, I'm confident, and ready and willing to support the work however that is necessary and *as I am guided* as well as with a bit of my own steam. To work with, a lot about my ability and professionalism will make me a heck of an author to have and work with. So we'll get there! Even if this year's hemlines are three inches shorter than mine ... :)
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