Here in Nashville, September was a heavenly month. It was mild and more than a tad dry, but it was beautiful. Now all of a sudden, it’s October. Leaves are turning and falling, the mornings are cool and I start to think about turning on the heat to take off the early chill.
I’ve been out in my yard, cutting back the butterfly bushes. I’m certainly going to miss the colorful butterflies as they go where ever they go in the winter. I know the Monarchs are heading to Mexico, but that’s about all I know about their habits.
This time of change has me wondering if it’s time I made a change in genre. Truthfully romantic suspense is the main genre I truly enjoy reading and writing. Demons, witches and were-folks just don’t do it for me. I read some vampire novels, especially Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Mysteries, but they’re the exception.
So what genre would I write? As much as I love to read romantic suspense, I love mysteries even more. Tougher market, lower sales and definitely not successful in the e-book arena. I just finished reading my first J.T. Ellison mystery, All the Pretty Girls. It’s set here in Nashville and it’s a real kick to see the setting I know so well come alive in her book.
Changing genres means finding an agent, but first I have to come up with a wonderful character capable of sustaining a series. Why, oh why, couldn’t I have invented Stephanie Plum? The answer is obvious, Janet Evanovich beat me to it. No matter what anyone says, I enjoy the heck out of those books. My eighty-four-year-old mother does too.
Anyway I have a brainstorming session planned next week with one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. I don’t know if I’m going to brainstorm something new or if I’ll pick her brain over my recently rejected/revised/rejected submission to see if it’s salvageable or not.
Sorry for the melancholy thoughts, but rejections work on my mind and ego that way. No one ever said it would be easy, but at times it’s harder than anyone can imagine.
So back to the dark cave of revisions. Tell me, what do the falling leaves bring to your mind?
((((Marie-Nicole))))
Falling leaves remind me of changes, new possibilities, and sometimes leaving old things behind. This is my absolute favorite season — I love the chill in the air; the colors; the smell of wood burning in the fireplace; and, of course, Halloween.
You’ll make the right choice. Sometimes those nasty setbacks just mean you need a bit of grieving time. But you’re a talented writer — you’ll get back on your feet.
Thanks, Meg. Sometimes it’s good to slow down and take stock of a situation.
Autumn is the time of new beginnings for me, of possibilities. I love Halloween and the crisp feeling in the air and the colorful leaves and… You get the picture.
It’s a great time to think about your life and see where you might want it to go. Good luck with your writing, Marie-Nicole. You’ll figure it all out if you give yourself time.
You’re so sweet to stop by, NJ.
My mood is picking up today since I received a killer great review for One Too Many by Madame Butterfly.
It’s spring for me down here in New Zealand, and funnily enough I’m doing some soul-searching and planning as well. I’m sure you’ll work out exactly where you want to go, especially with friends to help. All the best with your writing.
Aw, Shelley, that’s such a nice thing to say. Yes, I have supportive family and friends, local and cyber, as well as fellow authors.
I hope you’re having a wonderful spring in Kiwi country.