Writing To Current Trends

ContentsIntroduction
Transience
Motivation
Drawbacks and Issues
Exceptions
Conclusion
Related Article



Introduction

Most authors, inherently, look round for story suggestions or prompts, including those who already have a plethora of ideas. Observation is an important element for creating on page believable characters and settings. Even those who primarily write in the memoir and biographical genre need to be aware of life events. It is therefore no surprise many will consider current trends, either for ideas or for life insights. Some are subsequently tempted to write for the trend. However, should they? Is it a wise use of their time and energy? Will it prove useful to their overall aims and hopes?

Transience 

Trends by nature are transient and consequently present challenges for authors. In the past reference to a trend primarily related to fashion. Fashion is governed by season and therefore usually had a life of a few months, at most a year. With the advent of social media and extensive online activity the trending term is now used to describe something that is currently, momentarily, popular or is being widely discussed online, principally social media. With shortening concentration spans and excessive internet distractions, the life of current trends are short. Sometimes it is simply a matter of hours. Of course, as with anything, there are exceptions. Some notable longer trends of the twenty-first century, though these also have a limited shelf-life, were:

Covid 19 pandemic (primarily 2020 to 2022)

Black Lives Matter Campaign (principally 2020 to 2022)

#MeToo controversy (2017 to 2020)  

With the ease of modern self-publishing, a number of individuals took opportunity to write about their personal experiences during these events.

Motivation

When deciding whether to write for a current trend, authors need to consider what it is motivating them to do so. There are primarily two motives:

Money

Self explanatory. However, bearing in mind the various aspects of, most of these books needing to be priced competitively, the publisher’s deductions, and limited royalties, is there really that much to be earned?

Popularity

Naturally authors seek ways to attract new readers as well as retaining existing ones. Writing for something that has current interest, even if it is time limited, has its attractions. However, as outlined below, there are drawbacks and issues writing for such transient topics.

Drawbacks and Issues

If an author decides to go down the path of trend writing they must appreciate:

it will often take them away from their usual genre;they will need to understand how to write for different readers;their brand building may, most likely will, be impacted;dedicated readers may be disappointed and may desert;they will have to write very fast otherwise may miss the target audience;gaining a regular readership will be impacted negatively: e.g. romance readers will not be interested in horror, sci-fi, etc;very different cover designs, blurbs, and descriptions will be required;there will be a lot of extra work marketing to different groups;writing time for their primary genre will be impacted.

Undoubtedly readers of this article will think of other drawbacks.

The temptation to write for these topics is understandable. Authors like to remain relevant and always wish to attract interest and readers. This may be a means for that but it has to be acknowledged, due to the transience, it is unlikely to be as effective as authors would like. Looking after their existing readers should take precedence. It is suggested, writing in the genre they are known for is best. Of course, there is nothing to stop them from expanding into other areas but it will need to be built steadily.

Exceptions

Though the overall view here is to write for something trending is unlikely to benefit an author, there are some points it is only fair to mention. A few of these principally transient books may have a longer future than anticipated.

Memoir: Along with the trend itself these have limited time interest. However, bearing in mind books never cease to exist, they may have some relevance in the future. Researches of such topics as social history, general history, science, pandemics, pharmaceuticals, etc., may find some of them a helpful resource. A bit hit and miss but always a possibility.

Historical: Historians may naturally consider some of these books of interest. Especially those who study social history. They will most likely have preference for the ones that consider the wider impact rather than the personal. Of course, researches of other topics may also benefit from the insights provided in these books.

Fiction: Some authors may utilise knowledge of the passing trends as background for stories and may even place some in the thick of it. As with most fiction, provided a proper tale is told, readers may continue to enjoy such books. The author will need to consider future audiences who may have no knowledge of the events depicted.

Conclusion

Writing to trends usually requires an author to skip from one genre or topic to another in short time. It is unlikely to provide any meaningful return. 

Regular readers and fans may be disappointed if their favourite author fails to provide the stories they enjoy and look forward to. They may move away permanently.

The author may be seen as simply jumping-on-the-bandwagon to make money and attract. Their reputation could be permanently damaged.

Authors need to seriously consider if writing to trend is really in their own and their readers, best interest. 

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