Whoo Hoo.
Last week Mrs.Giggles reviewed Meandros, and this week it’s Gypsy Heart. I’m hapy to say that once again, she liked it. Well, mostly. But she siad some fantastic things like this;
” I have this strong hunch that if you love contemporary stories by Lori Foster, Julie Elizabeth Leto, Leslie Kelly, and Alison Kent - I happen to enjoy quite a number of books by these authors so this is not a snide comparison I’m making - there is a high chance that you’ll enjoy Sasha White’s Gypsy Heart. “
Wow! I’m honored to be compared to these ladies. Julie Leto has an exellent articel for writers on her website called “Ditching the “Book of my heart” for the “Book of my Voice.” I read this article about 2 or 3 years ago, and it hit home. This was before Elloras Cave and erotic romance become a popular sub-genre. I was writing erotica and was just starting my first attmpt at a romance (Gypsy Heart).
Reading her article helped me realize that being able to write Hot and Sexy scenes was a talent that not all authors have, and that I shouldn’t try to tone it down for anyone. It was when I realized that if I was meant to only write erotica, that I was ok with it. Erotic stories were what I liked, and what suited my voice.
I’m very lucky that more and more people are starting to want to read the hotter stories, and that there is now a growing market for the “Book of my Voice” stories.
What about you? Do you write what you want to write? Or what comes naturally? Or do you write what you think will sell, or get you an audience?
What about when it comes to blogging? I’ve read blogs of people I know, and some of them aren’t true to their voice. It’s like they present themseves as how they think people want to see them, not how they really are. Do you think readers, of books and blogs can tell when a writer isn’t being true to their voice, or their character?
I think they can. I think that’s what it is when I read a book and I don’t like it. There’s no real reason I don’t like it, but something was lacking, or off about it. I think that might be what it is that’s missing.
The authors true voice.
I hope my books always have my true voice in them, no matter what gere or sub-genre I write in.
Great blog entry, Sasha. I’m not sure I know what I want to write yet. I believe I’m a natural storyteller, but not a ‘natural’ writer. I definitely pay attention to what sells, but it doesn’t dictate everything that I write.
As for blogging, I’m still working on being ‘natural’. I sure hope I’m not one of the bloggers you’re referring to. :-O
by Jordan July 20th, 2005 at 4:41 pmYay for another great review, Sasha!!
by Suzanne July 20th, 2005 at 5:18 pmJordan ~ Nope I wasn’t referring to you, or to you Raine! :)
And even if I was, it wasn’t meant in a bad way.
As fro what you want to write. I agree. Iit’s a tough choice. But I’m just taking it one book at a time myself. Trying not tohinkabotu what the future holds too much.
Thanks Suzanne!! :hehe:
Raine~ Yes, I believe some authors are still struggling to find their voices. There’s definitely more than one reason that special something can be missing. :)
by Sasha July 21st, 2005 at 2:57 amYou changed the icons for your site; cool!
by Robyn July 21st, 2005 at 9:59 amHave a great day.
OMG, a fabulous review from Mrs. Giggles??? That is awesome! And highly unusual. LOL. Congrats!
by Cheyenne McCray July 21st, 2005 at 11:13 am:D congrats on the good review! I will have to back and read Gypsy Heart again to find out what stunt she means.
by Dianna July 21st, 2005 at 11:58 amI write short short stories for men and send them to chat buddies and post them on my website, someday I would like to publish them elsewhere.
Curently I am working on an erotic who done, more as an info piece on male rape, I am getting a few nice comments from the guys. I am having trouble finishing it because I am ticked off at the guy who inspired the hero.
Congrats on the impressive reviews, Sasha! :)
As for the rest…it may be that some writers are struggling to FIND their voices, blog and book-wise, & that’s what may seem a little awkward?
by raine July 21st, 2005 at 12:28 pmRobyn~ Yes, I’m slowly trying to get the website a bit more organized. :)
Thanks, Chey!!
Dianna~ You’ll get there, just keep at it. And I know how much you enjoy sharing your stories! ;)
by Sasha July 21st, 2005 at 12:51 pmsasha, congrats!!
I keep pondering Julie’s article for that very reason. I think my blog is pretty close to what my voice is, and I’m not all that sure there’s a market for aimless meandering. :crazy:
I do try to cultivate some of that in my books, but who knows if it’s working, or even if that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.
by Danica July 21st, 2005 at 6:35 pmCongrats on the review Sasha - always good to hear that your work has hit the mark. My chapter is up at Contest Junkies and I’ve been getting a steady stream of wonderful feedback all week. Oh what a wonderful feeling…
On voice, I’ve noticed that mine has developed. The more I write, the more feedback and crits I get, the better I get - I think! I really feel I’m hitting my straps right now. As for the blog thing, I think that took a while - finding where I was comfy. Now I just figure, hey, if people are reading and coming back, then I’m doing something right!
by Laura July 22nd, 2005 at 2:54 amI write what I want to but I’m very conscious of market also (which is why that time travel western is still sitting in the ideas folder on my hard drive LOL). The one thing Jaye keeps saying is "you have a very mainstream voice" and she’s right.
I like to write a variety of sub-genres and I’m lucky my voice carries over well.
by Cece July 22nd, 2005 at 8:57 amThat’s fantastic about Mrs. Giggles reviews, Sasha! That blog is well read, too!
by Jorie July 23rd, 2005 at 9:12 pmGreat reviews Sasha. Congrats on them.
A friend today asked me did Mrs. Giggles ever give a good review. I pointed to yours and said, "Sometimes."
I am writing what I want to write.
Oddly enough, to date my writing voice is a bit darker than I think that I am (though there’s still humor even in with the vampire and the thriller). So I do think my blogs read differently than my books will.
by Mechele July 23rd, 2005 at 11:23 pm