Writing for the Market?

Mad As A March Hare Furlough is an opportunity

Writing for the Market?

I planned this week’s blog whilst at work with the day job. Yes, one day, I would love to be a full-time professional writer, but that day is not now. Footfall is down in our store, as it is in many retail sectors, but each and every customer is valued. But, I will be honest. I wish there were more of them wanting to spend money.

Okay. Pity party over. The Goddess helps those who help themselves. What delights do I have for you today? Food-wise, we have some modified snacks, the sort that start off as a recipe book idea and morph to include my personal touch. On the writing front, we have something about research and how to be sure that you are using a good quality source, along with a consideration of the destination for your writing. Finally, we have an idea for dealing with anxiety.

Writing for the Market

If you have gone down the route of writing your story first, and then attempting to publish it, you will encounter the need to enter seven or so keywords. By then you will have some idea of whether you are writing romance or crime or murder-mystery etc. There are numerous publications which give guidance on choosing keywords, so let’s take a step back. At which market are you aiming your book? Romance, which is well known to be the most crowded marketplace of all? It’s crowded for a reason. Romance, and sex, sells. Or is your love for post-apocalyptic sci-fi? You don’t see many books on the front tables of Waterstones, but it is what you enjoy writing. Crowded marketplace but one which sells, or your passion which isn’t so popular. Then again, right now, with the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, there are a a lot of books on that topic. Do you target the currently popular subject? Which market is going to sell or are you not writing to make money? Decisions, decisions. But it is one you must make. Do you want to go for a small market, so that you can learn the ropes, or jump straight in?

Source Material

I recall reading a book where it is was patently obvious that the author had not bothered to do her research. According to the story, set in my home counties of East Anglia, the British still drank ‘ale’, used ‘pound notes’ and we wore pants, which we do, but under trousers. So, how do you know you are looking at good quality source material?

I will share the advice given to me by my former A-level History teacher. Primary sources are good, but may not be balanced. For example, Tacitus wrote about the Roman attack on Anglesey. But he was related to the Emperor and thus, wanted the attack to favour him. Secondary sources, where events are related by someone not present, may also suffer from bias. So, one good indicator is the quality of the references.

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This is a book I was using as background information of what as happening in England during the war, as a possible short story of an existing character. This is the first page of the references:

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What made a difference for me was that there were links to the National Archive. That told me that the author had checked at the place were records were kept of the individuals examined in the book. This made it a good source. However, good sources do not have to be in books. They can be online also, not least because a lot of scientific information is available as free access online.

Mental Health Exercise

We have five senses, and when an anxiety attack hits, it seems as if all of them fire at once, overloading us with information. This exercise is aimed at helping to regain focus by concentrating on one sense: touch.

Pick an item you are wearing, for example, your watch. Close your eyes so that you block out sight. Use touch to ‘see’ around your watch: the shape of the face, whether there is a winding button, what sort of strap does it have. Take your time. As you move around your watch, breathe in and breathe out, slowing your breath to a count of five for each inhalation and exhalation. If you feel the need to explore another item, then do so.

A Little Snack

Finally, I really quick little twist to boring, unsalted nuts. Take 200g of nuts: peanuts, blanched almonds or cashews are good. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and one teaspoon of hot sauce. I used Wiltshire Farm’s Sweet Chili Sauce, because I am a wimp. Toss the nuts in the mix, and sprinkle salt to taste. Not too much or you lose the contrast between spicy and sweet. Bake for around 20 minutes at 180 degrees centigrade, until they are a light, caramel colour. If they are ‘burnt’, they may be still edible.

That’s all folks!

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