Why We Shouldn't Write To A Trend
As writers, we should always stay true to our vision, regardless of current trends or what decision-makers say. It’s easy for industry insiders to dismiss unique stories simply because they don’t align with what’s popular at the moment. Many great works get overlooked at the pitch level alone, without anyone ever reading a single page.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Sometimes, the gatekeepers just aren’t looking for what we have to offer. But that shouldn’t deter us from writing the stories we envision. If we all chased trends, we’d end up with nothing but recycled material, lacking originality and depth.
A powerful example of this is the success story of “Squid Game.” Written by Hwang Dong-hyuk in 2009, the script faced nearly a decade of rejection from major production companies. They couldn’t see the potential in his unique vision, particularly as a BIPOC creator. This resonates with me as a biracial author, hearing similar comments like “Our readers aren’t interested in stories like that” or “This doesn’t fit our list.” Hwang Dong-hyuk faced such dismissals time and again.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Netflix decided to take a chance on “Squid Game,” and the rest is history. Although it’s a TV show and not a novel, the rejection journey resonates with many creative professionals, whether screenwriters or authors. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s perseverance is a testament to the importance of sticking to your creative vision despite the odds.
For those in the #WritingCommunity participating in online pitch events or trying to think of your next book idea, remember not to be discouraged by subjective biases. Success on these platforms doesn’t always correlate with the quality of your pitch or writing. Many factors are at play, including the bandwagon effect and the current market landscape.
Embrace rejection as a part of your journey, using it to fuel your determination. Just like “Squid Game,” your success could be just around the corner, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Sometimes, the gatekeepers just aren’t looking for what we have to offer. But that shouldn’t deter us from writing the stories we envision. If we all chased trends, we’d end up with nothing but recycled material, lacking originality and depth.
A powerful example of this is the success story of “Squid Game.” Written by Hwang Dong-hyuk in 2009, the script faced nearly a decade of rejection from major production companies. They couldn’t see the potential in his unique vision, particularly as a BIPOC creator. This resonates with me as a biracial author, hearing similar comments like “Our readers aren’t interested in stories like that” or “This doesn’t fit our list.” Hwang Dong-hyuk faced such dismissals time and again.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Netflix decided to take a chance on “Squid Game,” and the rest is history. Although it’s a TV show and not a novel, the rejection journey resonates with many creative professionals, whether screenwriters or authors. Hwang Dong-hyuk’s perseverance is a testament to the importance of sticking to your creative vision despite the odds.
For those in the #WritingCommunity participating in online pitch events or trying to think of your next book idea, remember not to be discouraged by subjective biases. Success on these platforms doesn’t always correlate with the quality of your pitch or writing. Many factors are at play, including the bandwagon effect and the current market landscape.
Embrace rejection as a part of your journey, using it to fuel your determination. Just like “Squid Game,” your success could be just around the corner, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
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