tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post6898006641236338848..comments2024-02-09T12:12:37.636-08:00Comments on best minimum wage job a middle aged guy ever had: "Made to order."Duncan McGearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-31145434461056638182017-07-19T16:34:54.738-07:002017-07-19T16:34:54.738-07:00"Writing for the market" -- hmm, I'm..."Writing for the market" -- hmm, I'm not sure I even could guess how that might work. Writing to compel a reader to keep reading... Maybe I understand that.<br /><br />From what you've let me read on Takeover, and the technique you applied, I found, was auto-engaging. It felt like a blended diary which, as you can imagine, would draw anyone in, given that the writing is expository which your's fully is. People exposing themselves through testimony. It's got NetFlix written all over it.<br /><br />Dave Clinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10723925328649290981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-60668564743012199392017-07-19T09:26:45.219-07:002017-07-19T09:26:45.219-07:00For me, that means your focus is on pleasing other...For me, that means your focus is on pleasing others. Not that there is anything wrong with others liking what you're writing--you want that. But I don't think you get there by trying to. You get there by liking what you're doing.<br /><br />I've had little patience for people over the years at writer's group who reject improvements because "I want it this way." But here I am advocating that very thing.<br /><br />I think there is a "good" book that lies somewhere in-between. A book that stands on it's own merits. That's my focus.<br /><br />Trying the write for the market is a mug's game, I think. Though just about every published author probably disagrees with that. Duncan McGearyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02857388833850939721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529575095156315075.post-37540967400478686382017-07-18T08:26:11.525-07:002017-07-18T08:26:11.525-07:00I think we've talked about this before... (or ...I think we've talked about this before... (or maybe that was the other esteemed gentleman with whom I converse?) Anyway:<br /><br />** Reasons to begin reading a book **<br /><br />1) Recommended -- by a friend, or associate, or another author (not a relative).<br />2) Author has established credentials.<br />3) Fits your preferred genres.<br />4) Other, that is, random selection, serendipity, cover, tag line, subject matter.<br /><br />** Reasons to keep reading a book **<br />1) Recommended.<br />2) Author's credentials.<br />3) First page lured me in.<br />4) First 1000 words engaged me.<br />5) First 3000 words gave me a feeling of the story arc.<br /><br />Of these reasons to keep reading, the first two are IN SPITE of the last three. By that I mean, even if the first page sucks, or the first 1000 words were flat and dull, if the book was recommended, or is by an establish name, you would feel compelled to keep reading beyond your tolerance for schlock.<br /><br />In my mind, no one is going to recommend my books. I won't have an established name. So, I'd better damn well make sure I kick the reader's ass in the first 300, 1000, 3000 words.Dave Clinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10723925328649290981noreply@blogger.com