C.R. Flamingbush's Blog
November 4, 2018
Book Genre: Figuring Out My Audience
Defining book genre can be tricky. Who is my book really for? That's what I keep asking myself. After years of being reminded of how long it has taken to write ("You've slaved over it for ten years. Isn't it done yet?")
Yes, finally, after many grueling edits, it is done. I felt I gave it my best shot. Yet, I know it could still be better. For those who say that family tends to tell you only how much they love your book - because, hey, it's what you want to hear - I beg to disagree. My immediate family are my worst critics. If anything, they can make me feel like giving up on my projects. They are not my audience. Who is?
I'm still looking for them because I know they're out there somewhere. So far it's been a mixed bag.
Based on different reviews I have received, adults who like my sense of humor seem to like Speed of Sight. Those who take a more serious view on life don't seem to think it makes much sense. Some rave about it. Others don't seem to think it delivers on its promises - which makes me question my blurb on the back cover. Of all parts of the book, it received the least amount of editing.
Why? I ask myself. Why? I think somehow the way it's written is misleading - which certainly wasn't intentional. But had I given it more thought, I'm sure I could have tweaked it to better reflect the story line.
In trying to define what this book is all about, I find myself asking whether I have properly described it to my readers.
I am not deliberately attempting to mislead them, but I think everyone expects something different from a book based on the overall description. Feedback, while valuable, can be a bit frightening. And as much as I keep wanting to reach my target age group, 8-12, I have yet to hear what this age group thinks about the book.
Eight to twelve, I keep thinking. That's my target audience. But my book has been classified as Young Adult (13-18). I can only pray that somehow, with all the efforts I have made, it will somehow get into the hands of the right readers. It isn't easy because I don't have the same access to this group that I did when my children were this age. That is a definite drawback.
So, it's back to the drawing board again - and again, and again. My audience is out there somewhere. Peekaboo, where are you? What do you think of this book? Does it rock? Does it need tweaking? Did it meet your expectations? What if anything would you like to see done differently? Does this book need a total overhaul or is it do like it the way it is?
Thanks to anyone and everyone who cares to take the time to read this. Authors, we need to help each other and I'm open to feedback.
Yes, finally, after many grueling edits, it is done. I felt I gave it my best shot. Yet, I know it could still be better. For those who say that family tends to tell you only how much they love your book - because, hey, it's what you want to hear - I beg to disagree. My immediate family are my worst critics. If anything, they can make me feel like giving up on my projects. They are not my audience. Who is?
I'm still looking for them because I know they're out there somewhere. So far it's been a mixed bag.
Based on different reviews I have received, adults who like my sense of humor seem to like Speed of Sight. Those who take a more serious view on life don't seem to think it makes much sense. Some rave about it. Others don't seem to think it delivers on its promises - which makes me question my blurb on the back cover. Of all parts of the book, it received the least amount of editing.
Why? I ask myself. Why? I think somehow the way it's written is misleading - which certainly wasn't intentional. But had I given it more thought, I'm sure I could have tweaked it to better reflect the story line.
In trying to define what this book is all about, I find myself asking whether I have properly described it to my readers.
I am not deliberately attempting to mislead them, but I think everyone expects something different from a book based on the overall description. Feedback, while valuable, can be a bit frightening. And as much as I keep wanting to reach my target age group, 8-12, I have yet to hear what this age group thinks about the book.
Eight to twelve, I keep thinking. That's my target audience. But my book has been classified as Young Adult (13-18). I can only pray that somehow, with all the efforts I have made, it will somehow get into the hands of the right readers. It isn't easy because I don't have the same access to this group that I did when my children were this age. That is a definite drawback.
So, it's back to the drawing board again - and again, and again. My audience is out there somewhere. Peekaboo, where are you? What do you think of this book? Does it rock? Does it need tweaking? Did it meet your expectations? What if anything would you like to see done differently? Does this book need a total overhaul or is it do like it the way it is?
Thanks to anyone and everyone who cares to take the time to read this. Authors, we need to help each other and I'm open to feedback.
June 7, 2018
Speed of Sight, a Superhero Adventure
Pete Plain is a creative but awkward twelve-year-old boy who lives in a town where boredom rules and school bullies never get caught. Then one day his best friend Jack gives him a powerful but forbidden comic book to hide.
"No need to read it," Jack says.
But of course Pete can't resist taking a peek. What happens next changes his entire life. As troubles erupt at home, new enemies arise. Can Pete find help from another realm, with friends to help him overcome his fears?
Speed of Sight, a Superhero Adventure is a new release by Dove Christian Publishers (May 21, 2018). Feel free to check it out and enjoy the read.
"No need to read it," Jack says.
But of course Pete can't resist taking a peek. What happens next changes his entire life. As troubles erupt at home, new enemies arise. Can Pete find help from another realm, with friends to help him overcome his fears?
Speed of Sight, a Superhero Adventure is a new release by Dove Christian Publishers (May 21, 2018). Feel free to check it out and enjoy the read.
