Okay. I know it’s happened to you at least as often as it’s happened to me. You decide to read a book someone has recommended to you. Now, granted, this particular person doesn’t necessarily know your tastes in literature, but they’re convinced enough of the appeal of this novel to talk you into reading it. And the result? You wonder how in the heck anyone could like this drivel. Then you slap yourself, remind yourself that someone actually published the book, and the author didn’t have to pay for it themselves. And in reply to the inevitable question from the person who suggested you read the incredible tome, you say, “It’s just not my style, you know? Nothing against the author or the book.” All true.
Because once again you’re faced with the fact that someone with enough clout liked the novel and believed others would too—and that those others would buy enough copies to make it worthwhile to put it on pages between covers.
Now some of you are probably going to take offense to this preference since for some unknown (to me anyway) reason, it’s been in vogue for some time now. Ladies, I don’t care how tan or how shapely you think your legs are, if you’re “dressed up”—and not in a little summertime number—really dressed up in a suit, a dress, etc. and you choose to go without some form of panty hose, I think it’s ugly. Yes, bare legs in a dressed up number look so tacky to me, and I don’t care how stylish or sexy people think it is. Really not attractive.
Wouldn’t you love it if instead of listing the types of genres a particular agent is seeking, they listed instead some clips from their favorite novels? It would be a whole lot easier to determine what kind of writing is going to turn their heads—especially if they quote excerpts from those they’ve had a hand in representing. Because if you’ve had an opportunity to view the kind of writing they prefer, you’ll get a fairly accurate picture of whether or not yours will register on their like-it-meter.
And, ladies, here we go again. The short or clingy shirts, sweaters, etc. which fail to cover your stomach and don’t meet the belt line of your hip-huggers—if you have a roll or two or a bulging waistline: give it up, okay? Not all fashion statements are designed with you in mind. In fact, some fashions aren’t designed with any human being in mind—that’s why only the more anorexic-looking models can wear them. Please. What is more important? Looking attractive or being “in fashion”?
Perhaps you don’t see a connection here. I’m not sure I do either to tell you the truth. But here’s the deal. There are certain types of novels which somehow become “in vogue”. Perhaps one or two of them from the same or different authors sold well, so, much like the Hollywood trends for movies, the publishers decided these particular kinds of novels are what “everyone” wants. Wrong. Not “everyone” wants the same things. Not everyone wants to read a thriller, a romance, chick lit, or historicals. Just like not everyone wants to squeeze their bare feet into high heels to show they can mimic the stars who have personal trainers and dieticians and spas to keep those legs looking A-okay. There are a lot of preferences out there when it comes to readers and to those who pay some attention to fashion—enough to know that not every style is worthy of copying for oneself.
There are no absolutes in writing or in fashion. Some writing and some designs kind of do this singular application motif. It really only fits a small segment of people who are reading or wearing the product. Yet we get a saturation of the styles, and we are limited in finding what best suits our own tastes and preferences, knowing just by the thread of common sense that what we desire is not outlandish or illogical or unattractive or of lesser quality. It’s just different than what’s occupying the market in the greater numbers.
And, let’s face it, in terms of numbers there are very few people involved in setting these trends, deciding what is supposed to work for the buying public. In looking at the book statistics for how many of them actually earn back their advances, those folks making the decisions don’t have grounds for a lot of celebration in the overall picture.
So many preferences . . . no absolutes.
Father, you have created beauty for every beholder. Something to fascinate, captivate, stimulate, and involve all your people. Creation plays a love song for anyone who cares to listen. Thank you for welcoming us into your kingdom of light and glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*Please pray for Kristy Dykes.*