Is there one genre that's easier to write than others? Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think many people (not writers, generally) believe that writing chick lit is easy. The same likely holds true for YA, romance, children's books... and the list goes on.
I don't think that's the case. At all. (Insert vigorous head shaking.) Every genre has its rules that you must at least be aware of, if only to break them. With YA, I suspect writing in a voice that appeals to the younger generation is as difficult as putting on eyeliner without a mirror (it's hard. Try it). With chick lit, keeping the pace quick and light yet inserting just the right amount of depth can be a killer. And while I don't write children's books, I'm in awe how well-rounded stories are crafted in so few words.
It's not easy. Nothing about writing is easy. So there!
(I realise I'm preaching to the choir here, but I feel better for getting it off my chest!)
Right there with you. It is not easy. I think it is like with anything, though. You don't know how hard it is until you try. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Great post!!! I have to say that I agree with you, no writing style or genre is easy. Almost everyone says they've always wanted to write a book (right after you tell them you're actually writing yours) but they never take the time to do it because the time and patience is something they can't understand.
ReplyDeleteI tried Chick Lit it's what I thought I wanted to write, turns out it's a lot harder for me to write that genre versus the other I have chosen. So I know it's difficult! I love to read them so at least I know some people are still taking the time to write them!
No writing is easy. That's the impression with picture books, which I guess is why so many (insert your word here) famous people think they can write them. A great children's book is rare. And a great children's book by a famous person is ever rarer.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, Jen and Theresa, for your comments and support! I do find it hard when people think they can rattle off words and get a publisher, no problem.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I go to parties, I often feel like donning a sandwich board that says: 'Writing's NOT easy!'
You're absolutely right, tackling any genre requires dedication to the craft and usually a dose of blood, sweat and tears. I haven't tried chick lit, yet. :))
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic!
ReplyDeleteI often feel like people think I just plop down in front of my computer and spit out 75,000 random words, and bingo: all done, ready to submit. That's how it works for you, too, right? Ha!
Romance (as a genre) gets a pretty bad rap. I mean, it has to be something like 90% of ALL genre's have romantic elements. So what's wrong with the focus being on the romance? Maybe just a fall-back to people's upbringings and uptightness about sex in all forms. It ain't easy to get that sexual tension just so.
And, I so agree with what others have mentioned about writing children's books. I don't think I could ever manage one.
ALL writing is hard. So hard.
Thanks, Tara and Nicole. Coincidentally, i just came across this:
ReplyDeleteHow to Write a Rom Com: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2010/0301/1224265368141.html
Because apparently it's easy to write screen plays, too. Still, it did make me laugh!
I couldn't agree more! And I do wish the general public understood how incredibly difficult it is to get published. People ask me, "How's your book coming? Is it published yet?" Like it's a foregone conclusion. How I wish that were true!
ReplyDeleteI most vehemently agree with you! I am always in awe of writers/authors and their ability to create characters, plots, twists and roll it all into a captivating story – no matter what the genre! What incredible talent!
ReplyDeleteNon writers think it's easy because a good writer makes it look easy/read easy. So you pick up the finished product/book, read it in a day or two and think, Hmm, how hard can this be? Hahahahahahahahahaha
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Writing is hard. Good writing is easy to read. Bad writing is hard. Non-writers don't get that, I think.
ReplyDeleteWriting any genre well is difficult. Anything with comedy is really hard!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me laugh - I usually put on eyeliner while I'm checking blogs in the morning while I'm getting ready. I do check the mirror before I leave the house though!
Thanks again, everyone, for all the great comments! Jemi, I am in awe of your skill! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if chick lit is easy to write I guess it depends on the author. I'm no author that's for sure but, I know when I was writing an essay in school it was hard to start but then once I started I couldn't stop without finishing...
ReplyDeleteYou have to know how to write I think in order to write up chick lit. And I think you need to have experienced things you want to write about. Like author Evinda Lepins. She is amazing. Looking at her bio I can already tell she's a good writer. And plus she has an exempt of her 1st chapter on her website http://chicklitpower.com/. I think writing about your past relationships or things that have happened to you can make you a good writer.
I just left a post about Evinda Lepins and checked out her website again to learn more. I am already addicted to her it seems! I think I am so addicted because she writes about past experiences that are real and knowing that it's real makes you that much more connected. This is a huge asset I think you need to have to become a great writer of chick lit.
ReplyDeleteEr, thanks Chrissy. If you're not a publicist then you're certainly a very good fan!
ReplyDeleteI work in an office for a trucking company...not a publisist but a new fan of Evinda's !
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