This Little Piggy Went to Market*
Today’s inspiration is thanks to Seth Godin, marketing guru.
His posts are full of thought-provoking info…plus they’re super short.
Recently, he wrote about knowing your audience.
Why are you in business?
Who are you making/creating your products for?
Good questions, Seth.
So, I ask you (because everyone has an idea that they’re trying to drum up interest for): Are your products for you, your family, a specific family member or friend, the general public, readers, young readers, writers, etc.
It got me thinking about what I write and who my audience is.
This blog has always been kind of a nebulous thing.
I’m writing for writers, readers, friends who want to support my efforts (I see you and I thank you!).
So I try to oblige everyone, which, admittedly, is not the best way to go about things.
On the other hand, I know the fiction that I write is for middle grade readers, ages 8-12.
It’s not for adults or young adults or the picture book crowd.
Within the middle grade genre, there are sub-genres, which are similar to those in adult fiction (minus a couple): contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, science fiction, speculative, historical, adventure.
So many possible stories.
Now, let’s take a walk to a bookstore and head over to the children’s section.
In the middle grade section, you’ll see a TON of fantasy books.
Dragons galore.
Witches.
Wizards.
Magical worlds.
Except for a smattering of contemporary books (Gary Schmidt, Kate DiCamillo, Erin Bow, Kelly Yang, etc.), the books are predominantly fantasy.
Fantasy isn’t my first reading choice, although I’m always impressed by the world-building.
I also don’t write fantasy.
And agents aren’t streaming into my inbox begging for my stories, either. Hmmmm.
Is there a correlation?
All this leaves me wondering, should I “sell out” and write to the market?
Is it even selling out or is it just smart if I want to be published?
Of course, writing about dragons and mystical kingdoms is no guarantee of publication.
But it might move me a smidge closer.
And, actually, I did enjoy writing one short story about a dragon.
Maybe I’ve got it in me to unleash a whole book of dragons?
So, I have a question for you.
Have you ever tried to sell something, be it a craft or a food product or a novel, and heard only crickets from your “market?” (And this is where I try to encompass all my readers)…Even if you’ve tried to “sell” an idea to your kids or your spouse only to hear in reply that same cricket chorus.
And if so, did you remake your product/idea so it appeals to your market?
Or, do you just keep putting out the product you enjoy and hope the market/your family catches on to how brilliant you are?
Those are my thoughts.
What are yours?
Have a great week.
~Gail
*P.S. How old were you when you realized that the piggy in the nursery rhyme wasn’t going grocery shopping?
(Tick tock)
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I am both an artist and a writer of middle-grade books. I tried creating art for the market. It didn’t work. I felt frustrated, and the final product wasn’t that good. I decided my creations must be the result of what inspires me. Only then do I feel happy. I don’t write fantasy, although I do love a good fantasy book. I write paranormal mysteries for the upper middle-grade crowd, 10 to 12. Those are the stories I loved when I was that age. Publishers aren’t interested in my books. I know not all middle-grade readers like fantasy or science fiction. I write for them and for me. I self-publish and have a decent following. Neighborhood kids are always asking when the next book is coming out. I write for them. Writing for the market wouldn’t be fun and would result in a poor book. I’d rather have a good book that contains a little of my heart and soul, even if I don’t sell too many of them.
Thank you for that thoughtful comment, Rose Ann. It makes sense to write from your heart. If your heart’s not in it, it will show in the story. You’re right! Enjoy your day and thanks again for your insight.