This post is inspired by something I read on Lani's blog and also something that has really ground my gears for months now. It's that funny face or that uncomfortable smile someone makes when you tell them you're reading/writing a YA sci-fi/fantasy instead of a great literary novel.
You see, I am starting to get very serious about my writing so I've joined quite a few writer's groups both online and in real life. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive but I get the distinct feeling that I am being ignored. Or I'm not being taken seriously because of the genres that I read/write. The reaction I received when I told my writing group I was writing an urban fantasy was less than stellar. You can literally hear the cyber crickets chirping after I've posted something to the group in my various online writer's groups.
After much deliberation and blog stalking, I've decided I no longer care. So what if I'm not reading the next great literary novel? So what if the cover of my book has a vampire or a fallen angel on it? No I don't think I would prefer to be critically acclaimed but hardly read.
To all those who scoff at young adult fantasy and sci-fi : BITE ME! (pun intended).
I stick to genre fiction. Fantasy a sci-fi being my thing, I write it to. I hear a good deal of this, but I have only seen someone scuff at me once. There are hundreds of blogs and groups out there for genre fiction. Never feel down, we are out here.
ReplyDeleteLan,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I totally agree. Stick with what you know and love. You're reading and writing for your own enjoyment and not others. Anyway, I just found your comment on my blog. Thanks for stopping by. I love the cover of Remembrance as well, and yes, Drew does have redeeming qualities in the end.
Happy reading,
Felicia @ Livin' Life Through Books
Good for you. Tell them where to stick it. Write what you love!
ReplyDeleteIgnore the literary snobs. They don't know the fun they're missing. :) And, to quote Dr. Seuss, "Fun is good." Seriously...if you're in love with your writing, it will show. I've read YA stories that were obviously only YA because they wanted to tap into the trend - and it's obvious. Your genuine love for the genre will give your stories heart, and that's what matters.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome for you. All I have to say is those people are lame. I thought it is said by writers to write what you love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting up with my mini tantrum guys and for the great advice. I've since said goodbye to these writing groups and will now trek alone. You said a mouthful Beth. I am so glad for book bloggers.
ReplyDeleteGah! I can totally relate! I have a friend(?) who ALWAYS has to make a snide comment about my reading YA. But like you, I've stopped caring--I'm just like, 'Yeah, I AM reading YA . . . so what?' Good for you for rising above it!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! There is absolutely nothing wrong with reading or writing YA fantasy. The whole YA genre appeals to so much more than young adults, from preteens to adults -- I never understand why people criticize it so much when there are TONS of YA books that are way better than adult ones!
ReplyDeleteAwesome mini-rant, Lan! I love reading these because they always get me thinking. :)
NOTE: Your posts are beautifully written and very fun; I think you'd make an awesome writer! :) I wish you the best of luck!
I'm sure there must be groups out there who will appreciate the genre you are writing in.
ReplyDeleteI get what you're saying, though. I hate it when people look down on YA, like they think that YA means Sweet Valley and BSC (which I'm not knocking because I grew up inhaling those books, but you know, they're not exactly stellar writing). YA is so much more than that, and fantasy and urban fantasy and paranormal books are creative and fun. I would so much rather read stuff like that and enjoy myself than read Adult Literary Fiction where grown men act like children and people look back on their mispent youth and boo hoo alcoholism depression etc. Gah, no thanks. lol I realize I'm totally judging those books in the process of being upset at people judging the books I read, but still. It tends to be those readers and writers who look down on people like us. So annoying.
Karen: It's annoying isn't it? I find YA stuff so much more inspiring. All genres have their good and bad. Some literary stuff is amazing. I just don't like it when people judge others based on their reading/writing preferences.
ReplyDeleteMimi: I understand if someone doesn't like a particular book enough to say they dislike it. But to pigeonhole and entire genre is a bit much. Thanks for the encouragement. I am so close to sending out a query!
Ashley: I am nodding my head at your comment! There are many negative things I could say about adult literary fiction and I'm sure others could do the same, but I don't give anyone the evil eye if they tell me they're reading Hemingway or Oscar Wilde. We're always copping the heat and I don't like it.
ReplyDeleteLan,
ReplyDeleteI love this post. :) Seriously, I like smile when I read people sticking up for YA. It's weird because I've tried a few times to have this conversation with a friend of mine, and she's like why do you read those books? Shouldn't you read adult books? I'm thinking I can't relate to problems that those books have (most the time) I mean I'm not married, no kids. So why read them? I just made a Vlog on this topic. I'm all over the place in it but I get what I'm trying to say.
I say write on!
Ashley: I can't talk to anyone I know about YA because no one else reads it :( I get your comment about not being able to relate to the problems though (not that I can relate to being in love with a vampire but still..)
ReplyDeleteIs your Vlog viewable? point me to where it is!
Lol, that's true too. It doesn't hurt to dream though. I think I much prefer just a witch. :) That's what I love so much about blogging and this community is there are people here who I can talk too. Who do understand my need for these books. There's a few people on here that I occasionally talk to on the phone or text. I can be like so have you read this book? What'd you think about it, and I know their answer will be honest.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's viewable. I keep meaning to put it on my page, and add some insight with it. (Just for people who don't like watching videos) I'm doing that now. Here's the link though to my first one back in June. Why Ya is for me
Ashley: I just saw the Vlog! You said something that really hit home with me. 'For me the YA books are a way for me to escape into some else's world and not have to worry about the way my world is.' That's what it's like for me too. And your comment about not all YA having vampires in them. That is probably a really common misconception. I'll bet if some of the naysayers read a few contemporary YA books they would be surprised.
ReplyDeleteLan,
ReplyDeleteExactly. Sometimes you just need an outlet, and that's what it is. The problem is how do you tell those people that (apparently don't want to listen) not all books are about vampires and mythical beings. Some deal with lifes issues. Just not in the way they think they should. I will say I don't read many contemporary, but those that I do always leave me thinking about what's happening in my life. How can I relate to that, and there's always that small bit that I can say this sounds familiar, or what if this was me.
Some people will always be closed minded Ashley. I've learned that lesson a lot recently. People will mostly do things from some inner motivation or emotional spark so if and when a YA book comes out that touches them, then they will finally see what it is that we've been banging on about. Until then I'll stand my ground and be proud of the books I write.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've heard of reading snobs but now it seems there are writing snobs too.
ReplyDeleteReally, these people should just get over themselves. They are not worth getting upset about. When you are rich and successful and they are still trying to write their so called "classic" then we'll see who has their nose in the air.
Lauren: That's what I keep reminding myself! I'll settle for having a small group of crazy obsessive fans like myself over the money but it'll be more than what the snobs have! Thanks for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteWell said Lan! I am very much of the opinion that it doesn't matter *what* you are reading/writing as long as you *are* reading/writing! Book police can shove off as far as I'm concerned - I don't have the time to deal with thier judgements!
ReplyDelete