1. Kite2

    Kite2 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2014
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Blackfoot, Idaho

    Novel Demand for non-action/adventure type novels

    Discussion in 'Genre Discussions' started by Kite2, Aug 12, 2014.

    I've been wanting to write a novel for a while but I have a concern before I write it, the majority of modern novels I have seen are a sort of action adventure type of book. There is sword fighting, or guns, or futuristic battle robots and stuff. The one i want to write is move everyday life style with a slight twist, the protagonist cannot talk. What do you think? would you read that book, I have a beginning written for it but i'm unsure if i should continue, and i cannot submit it for critiques until i make more comments on the site.
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    7,851
    Likes Received:
    3,339
    Location:
    Boston
    A lot of books shelved under general fiction don't have fighting, guns, or anything like that. So in terms of reading, you should branch out more and look at genres you haven't read yet. As far as writing goes, write about whatever you feel like writing about. If your book doesn't have a lot of action or adventure, so be it. Like I mentioned, some books are like that, and there's nothing wrong with that.
     
    TWErvin2 likes this.
  3. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
    I'm trying to parse, "cannot talk", and no "sword fighting, or guns, or futuristic battle robots and stuff". They seem disconnected.

    My novel has no sword fighting or futuristic battle robots and stuff. There are two scenes with laser weapons, some bow hunting, and one of the two laser scenes pits the gun against the bow. But that's it. No battle scenes. The action scenes are mostly sans weapons (but still exciting).

    A voiceless protagonist sounds intriguing but very difficult to write.
     
  4. daemon

    daemon Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Messages:
    1,357
    Likes Received:
    978
    Pay attention to young adult fiction, because it is rapidly taking over the other genres, and the trends it sets seem to spill over into the rest of the world of literature.

    Look at two books/series that have recently captivated the hearts and minds of enormous and practically religious followings: The Hunger Games and The Fault in our Stars. One of them is a trilogy about a rebellion against a totalitarian government that uses violence to control people. One of them is a relatively short novel about the daily lives of characters who suffer and cannot do anything about it.

    I hypothesize that young adult fiction started on a trend of epic, heart-pounding adventures in darker and edgier settings, leaving a vacuum for stories that are more grounded in the real experiences of young adults. This vacuum was partially filled in the last few years by The Fault in our Stars, Eleanor & Park, etc.

    And since young adult fiction sets powerful trends for the rest of literature, you should see this trend as an exciting opportunity to captivate a huge audience that is already receptive to slice of life with a twist.

    I take a deeply personal interest in this because I am in the same boat. I am writing about a protagonist who can talk, but no one can form memories of her; therefore, she is effectively a stranger to everyone she talks to. The narrative focuses on the differences this condition makes in her daily life. I know for a fact that there is a significant audience for it (for specific reasons in addition to the YA trend I mentioned), but I still struggle to decide how to move the story along. Should she go on a quest through hellish alternate dimensions in order to defeat the power that holds her in the curse? Should she just wake up one morning like Gregor Samsa with her life suddenly changed, and that is that? These questions actually have less to do with what I think would make the story popular and more to do with what kind of story I would want to read. Either way, I take comfort in knowing that I cannot really go wrong with the idea. And neither can you with your idea.

    And I personally would be very interested in reading your story. See my reply to your other thread.
     
  5. Marivian

    Marivian New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2014
    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    6
    Ever read 'The Wheelman'? One of the best books I've ever read and the protagonist is a mute. As I recall he doesn't bother with weapons much either.

    But from a writing standpoint it must have been quite a hassle.
     
  6. Burlbird

    Burlbird Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2011
    Messages:
    972
    Likes Received:
    294
    Location:
    Somewhere Else
    @Kite2 you should really try exploring the local libraries and bookstores a bit more :)
     
    EdFromNY likes this.
  7. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    May 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,620
    Likes Received:
    3,807
    Location:
    occasionally Oz , mainly Canada
    I think the issue is a lot of books involving - sword fighting, or guns, or futuristic battle robots and stuff - get a lot more hype because it's trendy but you do have options you don't have to follow trends you can be a trendsetter. Write what you like, if you're passionate about it others will notice. That's all how a trend get started in the first place. People read your passion.

    The mute character sounds interesting - reminds me of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.
     
  8. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    If you write for the market, your writing will have no soul. If you write for yourself, you risk low sales.

    But then again, books with soul have a way of finding or creating their own market.
     
  9. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2010
    Messages:
    6,541
    Likes Received:
    4,776
    Who is that by? Wouldn't mind reading it!
     
  10. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
    Google is your friend:
    [But the link is wigging out so just Google Amazon the wheelman]
    It does look intriguing.

    Just checking if the Kindle link works:

    Nope. Despite using the proper address and code I get this which shows up as a blank:
    Code:
    [MEDIA=amazon]B001N2ZWTS[/MEDIA]
     
  11. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
  12. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2010
    Messages:
    6,541
    Likes Received:
    4,776
    I searched already - I ended up on Goodreads with some kinda of action thriller. It's why I asked. :)
     
  13. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2013
    Messages:
    18,385
    Likes Received:
    7,080
    Location:
    Ralph's side of the island.
    It would appear to be an issue with other Amazon links as well. Hmmmm
     
    Mckk likes this.
  14. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2010
    Messages:
    6,541
    Likes Received:
    4,776
    Aha. I found the same book but thought it can't be the right one cus it looks like some action novel... lol. Fair enough. On closer reading, it does say it's about a mute MC.

    All rightio. Thanks! :D
     
  15. Marivian

    Marivian New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2014
    Messages:
    15
    Likes Received:
    6
    [​IMG]

    EDIT: I see the non-working Amazon links have already been discussed. I kept trying to link to it and thought it was just my computer. But does anyone know about this next book?

    [​IMG]

    This book picks up after The Wheelman and is kinda like an unofficial spin-off / sequel. The Wheelman himself is referenced a few times. I'm not going to ruin the surprise of who the main character in this book is. I'll just say I read both of these books straight through and loved every minute of them.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2014
    Mckk likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice