Into the Fire

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Lookin’ for what?

 

Fresh voices. How often have you heard that from the publishing establishment? And yet . . .

As you know, I read and review a fair amount of novels. I read more than you find here in reviews. Those I've read that aren't here? I couldn't find more than one good thing to say about them if that. Do you know why that is? Those novels succeeded in getting published with an abundance of clichés, stick-figure characters, a less than interesting story, and a Xerox-ed voice.

Copy-machine

I don't blame the biz-makers for desiring fresh voices after publishing carbon copies. However, after reading so many more examples of "the same" kinds of voices, who really believes the clarion call for "fresh"?

           MiWGUJs

I could list 10 unique and exquisite writing voices from CBA authors just off the top of my head. And there's more for sure. But the majority of voices echo each other. Many of them technically perfect according to genre formulas and grammar requirements. Others imperfect but fitting snugly into a niche of commercial fiction, pandering to the typical CBA reader.

So. Do you think it's true? Are they really looking for "fresh voices"?

 

God, we're all unique in you. Help us to stand apart because of our passion for you. Help that drive to be expressed in words that honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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8 responses to “Lookin’ for what?”

  1. Jessica Thomas Avatar
    Jessica Thomas

    Honestly? When it comes down to it, it’s about self-preservation I think. People need to eat and they need a roof over their heads. They’re looking for stuff that will sell. If they find something they think will sell that is a “fresh” voice, so much the better.
    I think a lot of us have ideals we’d like to pursue, but the business of life has to take precedence. We are in a fallen world where work has become toil. In the next world, I think we’ll be able to focus more on our ideals. I expect it will be more fun too. 🙂

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  2. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    Jessica said it well. Fresh isn’t their first priority. It might not even be near the top. It would just be nice if they could get it.
    They just want what sells. And we can tell what sells the most.

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  3. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Jess, good and valid points. And you’re right, Brenda. The proof is apparent.
    What I’d prefer is plain truth, you know. “We’re excited to see something fresh, something that stands out, but what we really publish the most is the stuff that the majority of our set demographic prefers which seems to be more of the same.”

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  4. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    Jessica and Brenda said it well. Publishing being a for-profit business, it’s about what they know will sell, not taking a risk on a truly fresh voice.

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  5. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    And “fresh” is a vague word. Fresh measured by what? I’ve mentioned many times here and elsewhere how hard it is for me to find books that appeal–but I don’t know if it’s because of lack of ‘fresh’ writing. Maybe it would be considered fresh to new generations of readers and writers, because I’d like to see the good old fashioned historical featuring a male protag and some great action that hearkens back to the great books of the 1930’s and before.
    Some people would call that fresh, some would call it just more of the same.
    It’s a no-win scenario.

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I’m all for profit in publishing, Bren. I’m kinda wondering if seeking the “tried [tired] and true” won’t eventually nip them in the nether parts because of e-publishing authors finding their followings outside the mainstream CBA. Not that there won’t always be an audience for the “same” stuff, but I do think it’s ever so slightly diminishing. They’re loud and outspoken and rule the roost, but there are many more now who don’t adhere to that demographic.
    “Fresh” IS a vague word, and I agree with your analysis, Brenda. I think your idea (what you like) is approaching “fresh” because we baby-boomers are getting older and dying off.

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  7. Jessica Thomas Avatar
    Jessica Thomas

    I agree, Nicole. I wish they’d be honest and plain spoken about it, but it seems everyone is an “expert” and are convinced that their way is right…or they want to make themselves appear more learned and cultured than they really are? I dunno. This is why I eventually made my way to computer programming. I love to write, but I can’t stand the fluff and pretentiousness that seems to come with every artistic community. Bleh. And I’m really bad at sucking up.

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  8. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    You and me both, Jess. No can do. And, frankly, I just plain disagree with some of their philosophies which doesn’t say anything for me other than I just disagree.
    I know retail. Selling books is retail. The powers that be have yet to hire people who can successfully market fiction. If they had, why do they need authors to sell it? Most efforts don’t work. Retail is always expanding – carefully – in specialty niches, but expanding nevertheless. This catering to a specific demographic is going to wear out and has already alienated some potential readers which apparently is fine with CBA publishers.
    “Fresh voices” do exist in CBA, but they’re the minority. “Fresh” approaches to same subjects in novels? Not really with the exception of a handful. Interestingly or not, those publishers who dare to promote these exceptional authors also offer plenty of the same-old for the apparent bulk of their readers. Still they’re willing to stretch just a bit.
    We all know there’s “nothing new under the sun”, but there are still interesting ways to tell old stories. There are still fascinating writers who can challenge the same-old. I’m just not sure the bulk of CBA editors/publishers are willing to take that challenge.

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