Wednesday Writerly Wisdom

We all know romances command the biggest portion of book sales. That's why so many of us write them. Well, that and we love the genre so much. But what if? What if you could write and sell any kind of books you wanted? What would you write?

I'd write spy and political intrigue novels like Ian Flemming's 007 or the Bourne series. Imagine! Me: Ian Vonnie. Do I hear a snicker out there?

I'd also write books about the Lost Generation in Paris after World War I until the Nazi's marched down Champs Elysee. Perhaps beyond the end of that war, as well. Set in the City of Love, of course there would be romance. Let's not forget underground jazz clubs, literature, and art--and the arguments of philosophy at sidewalk cafes, like Deux Maggots. I'd need a French name, wouldn't I? How about Von DeVeau?

I'd write a series of private investigators or a special government black ops band of elderly women. Think about it. Starsky and Hutch in girdles and false teeth. The government covert name could be "Gray Bitches."

No one pays attention to senior ladies. Think of all the mayhem they could create. Old women meandering slowly down the street with canes. Invisible to most everyone who has no idea these two old broads hold fourth degree black belts in karate and black belts in kung-fu. Are certified markswomen and wear throwing stars for earrings. I could write the series under the pen name of Ima Phool. Too over the top? See, that's what happens when my mind runs amuck. 

But writing the books I'd like would require building a new brand. What few people who know me, know me as a romance writer of contemporary and paranormal romances. I'd have to start over with a new identity and zero fan base. I don't know that I have the energy. So, I'll keep writing what I know and enjoy. Although I would seriously love working on the above projects. But, then, who would buy them?

My writerly wisdom? Understand why you're in the business. Are you writing to make money? Write for the market. Are you writing to satisfy your inner need? Then write your passion. Sometimes you can do both. Sometimes you can't. Be sure you know where you're going and why.