The Appalachian Writer

This phrase has puzzled many authors for years. What are the “industry standards” for a writer? There are many con artists who use this term to lure in unsuspecting writers and there are agents and editors who use this without offering any real explanation. Even authors who have written for decades can become puzzled when this phrase is tossed around without elaboration.

 

 

Aside from submission requirements (double-spaced, appropriate margins, last name and title in header, etc.), there is no set “industry standard.”

 

 

When you edit your work until it looks perfect, you have brought your manuscript up to industry standard. It will be up to industry standard when it is ready to submit to agents. There is no magical editing formula or method to guarantee publication or acceptance with any company. Your work is already “standard.” Writers work with their material, they constantly work to improve as a writer, and they produce the best piece they can. It is their own, “industry standard.”

 

 

That is all this term means. It isn’t a secret or mystery. Writers all differ and the work they produce is equally diverse. What is your standard will be different to the standards of others. This is precisely why there are no specific rules for the publishing industry. Every editor will differ and every agent will differ. Their personal preferences create what we know to be, “industry standard.”

 

 

In closing, you never have to wonder exactly what “industry standards,” are. The only rules are creating the best work we can and following submission guidelines wherever we query.

 

 

Are literary and film critics capable of giving an unbiased review when it comes to the “Terrible Three?”

 

 

In a nutshell, apparently not.

 

 

For decades, movie lovers have either listened to or ignored the voices of the critics. Critics are often highly paid, very picky, and in some genres, they remain clueless.

 

 

The three genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror have all been thrown together more times than fans can count. Despite their commercial popularity, critics usually give these films poor marks for the exact same reasons. Typically, we can assume it is simply because the critics themselves do not like the genres and, therefore, allow their personal feelings to cloud their judgment.

 

 

They have deemed the genres of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror together because most professionals in the industry regard them as such. Writers and authors already have a good idea of how these are perceived by the attitude of publishers. So many have, “We do not accept fantasy, science fiction, or horror,” blatantly posted across their web sites.

 

 

What many who shun these genres fail to recognize is that these are popular areas. We live in a world where Stephen King has sold far more books and created far more movies than such writers as Jackie Collins. Yet, it seems with most publishers that drama, romance, and erotica are more accepted and published.

 

 

American audiences seem to prefer much different material than is often acceptable. For example, look at Lifetime Network. Initially, most non-viewers think of drama, something with intellectual meaning and purpose that is thoroughly positive and constructive. Yet, look through the movies. The majority involves mystery, and others involve the paranormal and much darker themes than mere romance. Add to that the syndication of the popular television series, “Medium,” and it firmly declares that American audiences prefer material with darker themes.  

 

 

The film industry is much like the writing industry in professional genre preference. Movie critics adore dramas. They love the weepy, “tear-jerker” films that leave everyone feeling good, or sends whatever message they can create from it.

 

 

Yet, when a horror movie surfaces, they always return to the same criticism. “One-sided characters, poor pacing, bad plot, poor writing, bad acting, etc.” What are fans of these genres to do for expert advice on what films to see? Sadly, we have no known critic specifically for these three wonderful genres.

 

 

A movie critic, “in general,” is a farce from the beginning due to their one-sided nature. They will have a biased opinion prior to ever seeing a film. They, much like editors, will have their own specific tastes and preferences. Very few critics can actually provide a totally unbiased opinion on a movie or book for the entire spectrum of the industry.

 

 

Look at such blockbusters as, “The Ring,” “X-Men,” or, “Lord of the Rings.” They were mega-movies with audiences who have returned to watch again and again. This doesn’t even touch on the fan base of “Star Wars,” or, “Star Trek.” Can we consider how many, “X-Philes” there are who loved Mulder and Scully? Yet, how many saw as much recognition as, “Titanic,” or, “Friends?” None. Naomi Watts gave a stellar performance as “Rachel,” in the Ring movies, but never received the much deserved recognition. Even Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz were amazing in, “Gothika,” but little attention was brought to this role.

 

 

Fans of the “Terrible Three,” (horror, science fiction, fantasy) seem to be far greater in number than those of many other genres. It is apparent when movies are released and in home video sales. Yet, we still wait for a critic who can adequately discuss these films with interest and intelligence.  

 

The query for my new book is in the mail. It will be my fourth book. I sent it yesterday and my postal representative said it would probably be three days until it reached the publisher’s office. I feel like a proverbial “fish out of water” in a new genre. But, that’s the point, I think.

 

 

When you stay in your “genre of choice,” you get comfortable. You know you can do it and there probably won’t be a change in your writing style or skills.

 

 

Yes, I did change to see if the new field might be more lucrative, I won’t deny that as being one of the reasons. But, it’s also a challenge. I know what I can do in my field, horror, mystery, suspense, etc. But, what can I do in others? I have many non-fiction credits from writing what my heart wasn’t in it. Is there really so much of a difference between articles, essays, and book-length work? No, I can’t say there is.

 

 

Sometimes I think all the “facts” floating around in the writing communities are simply the venomous words of disgruntled authors and unpublished writers. Not that it isn’t easy to become that way. Writing is, perhaps, one of the most frustrating of all art forms. Artists, musicians, sculptors, photographers, all have the advantage of instant products, if you will. They are either appreciated or disliked instantly.

 

Writers, on the other hand, require time, and there is so little of it today. You can’t just look at a book and truly like or dislike it, you have to read it. You can just show a publisher a picture of your book or pitch and idea, you have to print out three hundred pages and hope for the best. That’s some hard competition.

 

 

If the aforementioned artists can tailor their work to be more trendy or profitable, they are applauded. People are amazed by their success. But, when authors do it, they seem to be reproached and scorned. I sense a massive double-standard. Perhaps that’s what’s wrong with publishing today? So many writers are caught up in creating art that they lose all sense of purpose.

 

 

I will report the book’s progress, as well as that of my third book. It was just accepted about four weeks ago and the details are still in negotiation. I am excited about that. My third book is titled, Virginia Creeper.

 

Confidence or Arrogance? What's The Difference?

In a perfect world, the line between confidence and arrogance is always distinct. We are raised to know the difference in the two, confidence is encouraged, arrogance shunned. In this mystical realm, there are detailed and thorough guides explaining the vast differences between the two. In the writing world, the line isn't so clear to everyone. After time and experience the differences are more obvious, but starting out the separation is obscure. So what does make a confident writer?

What makes an arrogant writer? Arrogance is a hateful emotion that everyone dislikes. It is often seen as ignorance or a symptom of a psychological disorder. The concept of faith in what you write is often confused. Instead of seeing you as having simple confidence or ambition when it comes your writing, others may see you as egotistical or superior. Even in today's world there are still primitive mentalities. Some even believe that you are an arrogant author just because you submit. Instead of even considering such statements, look at the legitimate and the ludicrous:

• What would happen if a doctor decided they just weren't arrogant enough to operate?
• What if an attorney changed his mind to represent you because he felt he just wasn't self-absorbed enough to justify practicing law and possibly winning the case?

It works in every field. Writing is more than an art form. It's more than simply being heard. Professional writing is a business and you have to logically approach the business based upon the history of it. All writers, regardless of genre or material, submit their work to be examined by agents or publishers. It is a simple procedure that does not change. You submit, they accept or reject, and everyone goes on with their lives. Inventors invent, painters create and attempt to get into galleries, musicians record demos and submit them to record companies. The entire artistic spectrum hinges on the same common methods of submission and acceptance. Confidence, on the other hand, is a wonderful concept to have.

It is humbling to realize there's always room for improvement. It's freeing because you know you write for a reason. It can give you the extra gusto when the rejections seem to come in pairs or even groups. It helps you lose your inhibitions and gives you the audacity to persistently follow your dream. Above all other qualities, confidence lets you go where your Muse takes you.

Arrogance, on the other hand, will tell you that you are perfect. Your first drafts are flawless. Your work is to be enjoyed by millions and you will be the next brand name author within months. It tells you that you don't need to improve and anyone who remarks in any negative way, regarding your work, will be jealous. Conceit often feigns modesty and is only shown when something disagreeable arises. Unfortunately, this often isolates the arrogant writer. Instead of appreciating the differences in opinions and the concern from others, they will believe they are simply a tortured artist whom no one understands. Arrogance will most likely never see publication and will not grow or develop in their writing life. Arrogance often crowds professionalism and forces it to be a secondary priority. Their behaviors with writing peers are often akin to that of how they address and query potential agents or editors. They approach with a little too much confidence and no professional willingly accepts that type of business relationship.

When you begin separating the profiles and common qualities made by different writers, you can clearly see the line between confidence and arrogance. Are you arrogant to submit? No. Are you conceited to aspire towards publication? Not at all. Confidence is a beautiful quality that is gentle and flexible. When you're able to have faith in your work, you will persevere when the rest of the world tells you to give up. Eventually, you will succeed.

It's often intimidating for a horror author to see their competition. It can also be frustrating when an old idea seems to take on a new interest. Instead of wondering, “why,” we should be looking at, “how.” How did they do it?

You must face facts when it comes to fiction. Most ideas have been written and rewritten numerous times. The way to be original isn't always with the story line. It's in the telling of the tale.

It's amazing how much life a simple twist on an old idea can create. It's even more astounding when controversy launches from the seemingly mundane. What do these authors do? They simply find unique ways of producing what has already been done.

Look at the mega-hit, “The DaVinci Code.” It's purely fiction and simply puts a little more spin on French mythology. So what does the book do if it's just a rehash of an old legend?

First, look at the novel as a whole. Readers love conspiracies and what better institution to host one than the often-resented Vatican?

Second, there's the pressure of time. The main character finds his revelation before he is assassinated or otherwise silenced.

This combination of suspense and worldwide betrayal initiated the spark that launched this book. It also helped that there was a non-fiction book titled, “The Jesus Papers,” published beforehand to firmly establish the lore. The ideas were so similar that a lawsuit resulted from the novel.

There can always be a unique twist regardless of the story. You can take a common plot and simply concentrate on where it can go. For example, the widely used foundation of “boy meets girl.” It's simple and boring.

Now you can begin the fun part. What do they look like? What are they doing? Are they running from unexplainable events? Dodging the spies of a corrupt system? It doesn't have to be cut-and-dried. Many authors inadvertently limit their imagination because the concept of “realism” must be in place in fiction. It must be believable.

The factor to keep in mind is that anything can be manipulated to seem real. Don't limit where you mind takes you when you can let it roam.

Originality is there and it is waiting for every writer. It's just a matter of looking in all directions and not just at what is realistic at that moment. What may seem fantastic today might seem thoroughly plausible when you start working on the details.