Stiletto heels or comfy slippers?

By CJ

I was going to talk about Russell Crowe playing Robin Hood, but the movie isn't coming out until next May and what's really to talk about? Russell Crowe will be great--he's always great as a superhero, larger-than-life character. The only "new" thing is that he won't be wearing tights--apparently they weren't actually invented until 300 years after Robin Hood.


So, in honor of May which is Support Your Independent Bookseller Month, I thought I'd talk books today instead of Russell Crowe.

I know, I know, what am I thinking? Musty old books instead of sexy Russell Crowe? But actually I'm talking about the same thing with both.

I'm a huge Russell Crowe fan, will watch him in anything. BUT....(you knew there'd be a but, right?)...isn't him playing Robin Hood exactly what you expected? It's nothing new for him, it's not going to be a challenge or reveal to us new insights into his acting talents like Beautiful Mind or Cinderella Man did.

Let's face it, Russell Crowe playing Robin Hood is the same ole, same ole. It will be a box office hit, leave his audience drooling (myself included), but it's really nothing new.

And that's what I want to talk about. When do you trust your audience enough to try something new?

Over the years I've been privileged to judge many writing contests including the Ritas, the Golden Heart, the Daphnes, and the Thrillers. Between them I've read hundreds of books, searching for excellence in fiction.

Did I find it? Yes, but it was few and far between.

I don't think I'm an overly-harsh judge. But maybe I've read too much? So many of the books blend together—flat, cardboard characters following clichéd, over-done plots to the point where I have to double check my score sheet. Did I read this book already?

No, it's just like all the others is all…..

Many of these books are by multi-published best selling authors. Some of these authors broke new ground with their early books but now continue to follow in their own footsteps.


I can understand that—if you find what works for you and have a large following of fans wanting you to do the same old thing and paying you lots of money for it, who could resist?

And, many readers DO want the "same thing, just different".

They demand it, complaining if "their" author tries a new direction. They like having expectations fulfilled, rather than being surprised. Reading is a comfortable escape for them, not a challenge or adventure.

I confess, I'm more of a thrill-seeker when I choose my books. Maybe because now that I have publishing deadlines to meet, I have so little time to read that every book I do take the time to finish must promise something new and exciting.

I think there's a time and place for both kinds of books. The comfy slipper read and the flashy new stilettos.

But as a writer, it's scary to think about. Your gut tells you to go one way, your brain tells you to stick to "what works", your heart wants to head in a totally other direction…what to do?

I've faced this decision with all three of my books to date. The first, LIFELINES, created a new sub-genre: a medical thriller told from the point of view of women with romantic elements. Since it was the first in the series, I strived to give LIFELINES the feeling of a fast-paced stranger comes to town thriller. Given the praise LIFELINES received and the awards it is garnering, I think I succeeded.


For book two in the series, WARNING SIGNS, I created more of a mystery plot interwoven with a coming of age romance. Again, reviewers and readers alike have praised the results.

But I just turned in my third book, URGENT CARE. It's different than either of the first two in the series. It is darker, edgier, more psychological suspense. And sexier—the first on page sex scene of any of the books. All of the characters move in new directions—some for the better, some for the worse.

URGENT CARE is by far the most difficult and complicated book I've ever written. It's not even out until October, but already I'm worried.

Was I right to listen to my instincts and let the characters determine the plot? Should I have played it safe, written a book that would be sure to please the critics and my readers?

Will readers follow me and my characters into this world where you have to go to hell and back in order to win your happily-ever-after? A world very close to reality where some characters never win, some badguys never lose, and no one is immune to danger.

So, I'll ask all you readers out there. What do you want from a book? A comfortable, familiar sweater that you know will fit perfectly? Or a snazzy, new dress that may itch at first but gives you that feeling of ohlala?

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to go buy a good book from your favorite Indy Bookstore!
CJ

About CJ:
Her first novel, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), received praise as a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller" from Publishers Weekly, was reviewed favorably by the Baltimore Sun and Newsday, named a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine, and became a National Bestseller. LIFELINES also won a Readers' Choice Award for Best First Novel.

Her second novel, WARNING SIGNS, was published by Berkley in January, 2009, with the third scheduled for November, 2009. To learn more about CJ and her work, go to www.cjlyons.net.


photos courtesy of Berkley/Jove, Photobucket