Are you stoked about all the great fantasy now available to read? Are you deliriously happy that we live in the time that Peter Jackson produced unbelievably super cool movies of The Lord of the Rings?
Wow! That article was truly inspirational. I need to realize that if I really want to be a published author, I have the tools to do so. It's the utilizing the tools part that I forget sometimes. Thanks for reminding me.
In a way, I agree. However, I've noticed that the abundance of fantasy novels are dwindling when compared to those released in 2005/06. But with the seventh Harry Potter book coming out, there should be another surge in the following months. Book companies will want to capitalize off of the (sure to be) success of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Ahhhhh I can't wait.
Wayne, I tried to add another comment on your article at Spec. Faith but it wouldn't take it (kept telling me that I had the wrong code in, but I didn't. I refreshed it and tried, but no go :(
I've been having that same problem with spec faith. I once tried to post about eleven times, and it still wouldn't let me. I couldn't even reply to Wayne's post either.
At work we get something called "Aspiring Retail" which spotlights trends, and offers advice on how to meet the customer's desires as well as their needs. I don't know if it's available to the general public, and it's not a thrill-a-minute read, but it is interesting to see the broad picture of Christian book retail.
What I have noticed just over the last couple of years or so with Christian fantasy is this:
1) With youth or children the trend is for trilogies or series of fantasy instead of stand alone tales. This sells really well too. Both parents and youth are willing to buy from authors that prove themselves in the first book and look forward to the ones that follow. Sometimes, they look forward too much. ;)
2) With adults stand alone books heavy on the knights, armor and medieval flair do well. Science fantasy stand alones do fairly well too, but trilogies tend to lag. I think the Left Behind books killed the desire for serial fiction in my adult reader market. People don't want to commit to more than one book.
I remember grinning ear to ear when there was a little blurb about "The Door Within" in AR last year, and this year it has been pointing out that Christian fantasy sales are up, and seem to be growing at a sustainable rate. Also it is predicting an increased demand for Christian manga (or manga like) stories, graphic novels, science fantasy, and science fiction. So be encouraged, and don't worry about the door closing, but don't drag your feet. . or pens .. .either.
Mark goodyear, television is kind of embracing fantasy. The Dresden Files, Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer, Lost--all popular shows, all (in a way) fantasy. Not sword/sorcery fantasy... well, yeah a bit with the sorcery... but still fantasy.
However, for true quality, I'd take it back a little. I've found no story I've ever read or watched to be any comparision to the wonderful series that is "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." Talk about world-building? My goodness. Character development aplenty, and the best writing I've seen--period.
So give TV a try. I has a lot of junk (that Pussycat Dolls show--shudder), but overall, they've done okay as far as fantasy goes.
TV's rife with classic fantasy and near classic fantasy too! The Twilight Zone, The Outter Limits, X-Files (quasi fantasy), Quantam Leap, and Highlander (my personal favorites) to name a few!
I think that "Xena Warrior Princess" and "Hercules The Legend Continues" put a sour taste in the network's mouthes however, which is why we aren't seeing as many fantasy shows currently.
And Patshand, if you liked Buffy and Angel, check out "Firefly" poor killed-before its' time show, written by the same brillant mind that started Buffy and Angel.
Mmmhmm, I love Firefly and Serenity. Not quite as good as Buffy or Angel, but if it had time to grow as a show, who knows what Joss would've done? I love me some Jossy goodness.
Didn't have the stayng power, networks want winners that start strong and finish stronger. The last two year of Xena was just plain aweful stuff and it tumbled through the ratings like a brick. Hercules kinda did the same.
20 comments:
Nicely said, m'lord.
That is certainly the oil that makes the engine go, Wayne. Very impressive! We certainly are in the best position ever to advance our craft.
- Jason
Wow! That article was truly inspirational. I need to realize that if I really want to be a published author, I have the tools to do so. It's the utilizing the tools part that I forget sometimes. Thanks for reminding me.
It's really an exciting age to be a part of! :)
In a way, I agree. However, I've noticed that the abundance of fantasy novels are dwindling when compared to those released in 2005/06. But with the seventh Harry Potter book coming out, there should be another surge in the following months. Book companies will want to capitalize off of the (sure to be) success of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Ahhhhh I can't wait.
Wayne,
I tried to add another comment on your article at Spec. Faith but it wouldn't take it (kept telling me that I had the wrong code in, but I didn't. I refreshed it and tried, but no go :(
Eve, not sure what's up with that. Is there anyone else who can't stand the Security numbers 29594 or the letters YTTBPR!??!
GOC, Amy and Pat, you have a big point: the time is now to keep the fire stokes and hot!
I've been having that same problem with spec faith. I once tried to post about eleven times, and it still wouldn't let me. I couldn't even reply to Wayne's post either.
- Jason
At work we get something called "Aspiring Retail" which spotlights trends, and offers advice on how to meet the customer's desires as well as their needs. I don't know if it's available to the general public, and it's not a thrill-a-minute read, but it is interesting to see the broad picture of Christian book retail.
What I have noticed just over the last couple of years or so with Christian fantasy is this:
1) With youth or children the trend is for trilogies or series of fantasy instead of stand alone tales. This sells really well too. Both parents and youth are willing to buy from authors that prove themselves in the first book and look forward to the ones that follow. Sometimes, they look forward too much. ;)
2) With adults stand alone books heavy on the knights, armor and medieval flair do well. Science fantasy stand alones do fairly well too, but trilogies tend to lag. I think the Left Behind books killed the desire for serial fiction in my adult reader market. People don't want to commit to more than one book.
I remember grinning ear to ear when there was a little blurb about "The Door Within" in AR last year, and this year it has been pointing out that Christian fantasy sales are up, and seem to be growing at a sustainable rate. Also it is predicting an increased demand for Christian manga (or manga like) stories, graphic novels, science fantasy, and science fiction. So be encouraged, and don't worry about the door closing, but don't drag your feet. . or pens .. .either.
;)
Wayne, that really is a great essay. Now if only television would embrace fantasy and give the detective crime show a quick death.
Mark goodyear, television is kind of embracing fantasy. The Dresden Files, Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer, Lost--all popular shows, all (in a way) fantasy. Not sword/sorcery fantasy... well, yeah a bit with the sorcery... but still fantasy.
However, for true quality, I'd take it back a little. I've found no story I've ever read or watched to be any comparision to the wonderful series that is "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel." Talk about world-building? My goodness. Character development aplenty, and the best writing I've seen--period.
So give TV a try. I has a lot of junk (that Pussycat Dolls show--shudder), but overall, they've done okay as far as fantasy goes.
TV's rife with classic fantasy and near classic fantasy too! The Twilight Zone, The Outter Limits, X-Files (quasi fantasy), Quantam Leap, and Highlander (my personal favorites) to name a few!
I think that "Xena Warrior Princess" and "Hercules The Legend Continues" put a sour taste in the network's mouthes however, which is why we aren't seeing as many fantasy shows currently.
And Patshand, if you liked Buffy and Angel, check out "Firefly" poor killed-before its' time show, written by the same brillant mind that started Buffy and Angel.
Mmmhmm, I love Firefly and Serenity. Not quite as good as Buffy or Angel, but if it had time to grow as a show, who knows what Joss would've done? I love me some Jossy goodness.
Why would Hercules and Xena put a sour taste in the networks' mouths? They were big hits when they were on tv.
- Jason
Didn't have the stayng power, networks want winners that start strong and finish stronger. The last two year of Xena was just plain aweful stuff and it tumbled through the ratings like a brick. Hercules kinda did the same.
Yeah-- I'm really not to big on Xena or Hercules either.
I didn't really like them either. I don't like mythology, never have. Now, Highlander on the other hand.. .
HERCULES!!!! Zero to Hero!! *starts singing*
Yes indeed!!!
I liked Hercules and Xena. They were what I call "dumb fun" shows. I miss those days.
And did someone say Highlander? YAHOO!
"Here we are, born to be kings, we're the princes of the universe..."
- Jason
Duncan McCloud, of the Clan McCloud. :-D That show was so sweet!
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