I was reading Cece’s 
post today and like all good blog posts it got me thinking. As we head into 2005 and prepare to do away with the *thisclose* club, I have to say that I agree 100% with Cece and also this blog comment by Suzanne McMinn.
I believe the market is changing. Did you look at the first sales section of the RWR? It’s HUGE. And I guarantee that some of those stories are ones that wouldn’t sell not too long ago. My first sale was a Regency-set pirate romantica. Think I could have sold it a year ago? I have my doubts. I was told Regency was overdone, pirates died in the ’80’s, and romantica was still coming into the mainstream. Sapphire’s Worth features a courtesan for a heroine and the opening sentence has her in the arms of a man who is not the hero. But the full has been solicited. Gothics are back, westerns are trying, vampires conquered 2004. Things are changing and editors are actively searching for something “different”. Writing to the market is a mistake IMHO.
So in 2005, I’m hoping and praying that more writers write the books they want to write. I honestly, truly believe that the story you’ll sell is the one you think you won’t.
Ty and I are both hoping you’re right
by Cece December 31st, 2004 at 5:41 pmSince I’m a chatty cathy with no life lemme add i agree with you (and I’ve always adored Suzanne for her spot-on wisdom). The market IS changing and I think some don’t like it–adapt or die–that’s evolution babe. One of the girls on the pro list sold a viking book.
And BTW Sapphire’s Worth is my fave excpert
so you know all fingers are crossed.
by Cece December 31st, 2004 at 5:51 pmGood luck with Sapphire’s Worth. And I have to agree too. I do believe the market is changing. And that’s just another reason to write what you love because who knows what can come of it. The idea that you have that things could never sell could be the next big movement/change.:wink:
by Teresa January 1st, 2005 at 4:20 pmNot seen the RWR but hear, hear! Great that there are more first sales, and that the ‘market’ is changing / expanding.
by Kate Allan January 3rd, 2005 at 6:40 amThe ‘gentleman’ at the top of this blog is rather… ~ inspiring.
by Kate Allan January 3rd, 2005 at 6:42 am