I hear that the pusbliers what diversity if they want that they want that to take place need to allow the longer books because you can do things like have diverse settings more context to explain things and to explore issues that can come up and to have more interesting stories with richer storytelling in general. She does still write essays and things at Word Wenches that I like to read for a taste of her writing. Jacquie DAlessandro (8 years) I find a trend for me is when two or three books in a row arent working, and then I become reluctant to keep reading when the next new book arrives. There isnt a single one of her books I havent enjoyed. Personally, I am not interested in her YA series. Im nodding my head at the notion that light-hearted, fluffy romances with one-dimensional characters are popular. Her debut, The Duke of Shadows, has been translated into thirteen languages and was ranked among the top 100 romances of all time by NPR and All About Romance. Its just hard to see them go and take their unfinished stories with them. It had been optioned by BBC as a series, but I dont think that ever happened. Crazy for publishers to expect and crazy for the authors who manage it. From what others here have commented about what publishers are pushing for lately and how the word count of books are in general diminishing, it seems lots of other people have noticed significant changes in the market. I dont necessarily believe that books are shorter today if you take into consider self-publishing, for instance. 50 Shades of Grey ripoffs, Cutesy titles mimicking How to Lose a Guy In Ten Days, anything with a Duke and the floods of YA books inspired by the Twilight series. The author gets all the blame, none of the credit, and the publishing house can look virtuous by dropping the author like a hot potato when internet riots break out. Knowing Miura it's probably going to be canceled by end of 1st or 2nd volume. MEREDITH DURAN blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history. I havent noticed anything in recent years by either. At thirteen years old, she made a list of life goals that included writing romance novels, trying sushi, and going to London to see Holbein's portrait of Anne Boleyn. Unfortunately, while authors do break out in self publishing, its the ones that get contracts with big publishers that make it into most of the casual readers hands. Dialogues across Diasporas: Women Writers, Scholars, and Activists of Africana and Latina Descent in Conversation (Critical Africana Studies) Im always grateful that I find new authors every year. Case in point, Ive hit the Top 100 list in certain niches for several hours just because someone bought one copy and borrowed a few pages of a book I published the day before. meredith duran hiatus? I didnt post often but I read a lot of the posts, and I clicked on your Amazon links whenever I bought a book to show my support. I dont blame you, but unless an author is self-published, they get zero say in the pricing. Weve been internet friends for several years, so I send her emails once in a while, but havent had a reply since last autumn. The beauty of self publishing is that you can really find anything -and lots of it nowadays. Were they ever in large numbers? img.scaleToMaxWidth(385); And thats a huge problem although is sadly what a large part of the m/m audience seem to want. Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. I think someone said Sorenson was publishing under another name, but I could never really verify if that were the case. Im curious to know more about why light fiction focusing on light-weighted female characters is a trend. I obviously dont object to the audio first titles, but as someone who grew up listening to actual audio drama (thank you BBC Radio 4!) She had a lot of life trials and serious depression. People named Meredith Duran. Well at least they are trying to do something different. I miss Liz Carlyle and Susan Carroll both of whom wrote meaty, complex books. David Dmowski, Michael Dmowski, and four other persons spent some time in this place. 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (34) Kindle Edition. Youre right to be wary of claims without concrete evidence, Blackjack, but publishing and other forms of pop culture can be difficult to measure objectively. And what a waste of narrators! ?? And thats totally fine, but there arent authors who have replaced the type of writing they represent. by Meredith Duran | Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc | Jul 28, 2009. Hmmmm, I dont know. I most miss two who died, Roberta Gellis and Edith Layton, most. I think people are getting more skeptical of mainstream publishing somehow signifying a benchmark for quality. by Meredith Duran. There is one author, Ruby Dixon who has a very funny and original style who appears to have kicked it all off with her Ice Planet Barbarian books and about 5000 imitators who have copied her poorly yet Amazon keeps recommending them. Id really like to know what it is that you find hard to cope with and also what the Amazon scam authors are as I havent a clue what this means. Books, like quilts become like children during the process of becoming. Zombies arent really my thing, but Im glad Stein is still publishing. Someone believes something is a trend without evidence and voila, its a trend. Im not saying listening to a book is an inferior experience to reading it, but I do think there are different elements at play for a listener versus a reader. I dislike her Charlotte Holmes series very much and I wish shed at least alternate between that and HR novels. I know you probably dont read my posts anymore, but there are a few points I would like to address that you mentioned. Fans of Julia Quinn, Jane Feather and Eloisa James will delight in Meredith's trademark headstrong heroine, cunning hero and tale of deep emotional intensity! I absolutely love her writing and am beyond curious to read her take on a Medieval setting. I dont mind it in contemporary romance or even a time travel, but I really dislike 19th century bluestocking heroines that write like modern bloggers.. Thankfully, self-publishing doesnt bear the stigma that it once did. And then I get the sinking feeling either when I read it and am disappointed or when I know not to even try to read it for same. I think Sarah Addison Allen still writes but she has suffered some family losses. (Not the ones here obviously). I do not mind small/e-press but I do not want to self publish my first novel on my own because I want to have an editor because I want somebody else to help me to improve the book and also to help me deal with some of the backlash that may result from the novels setting. Is that a 100% accurate assessment of whats popular? Stein published a book this year! Thered probably be a lot more originality in writing if authors quit chasing after trends and just told the stories itching to burst out of their imaginations. I look at the difference between Almost Heaven and today books and it makes me want weep. But if you look at the length of traditionally published books over time, there is a definite word count slash. ), https://allaboutromance.com/participant/dgrinnan/. Still love them, but esp THATC. Also the was the place where Jeannie Lin published her first books set in China, so they are willing to look at different settings. And yet, when I first returned to romances over a decade ago after a long break, I found the genre at large teeming with light-hearted books with fairly one-dimensional characters. https://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2012/05/harlequin-fail.html, https://justpublishingadvice.com/kindle-scams-are-still-making-easy-money/. But still sad for me. Definitely. Cole has been been writing a YA series. Your Wicked Heart (Rules for the Reckless) Related to: Rules for the Reckless | by Meredith Duran | Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc. I think Ive read one or two books by each and have been meaning to explore their backlist. I hope this is true because I still havent forgiven her for that cliffhanger ending in 2010! From what I have seen usually the shake out is usually 2-4 Regencies, 0-1 Victorians, 1-2 Medieval, Viking or Highlander, and 1 that fits into none of the above and that can range from late Moorrish Spain, to 1920s America, to Egypt, and even one that had a Spainsh Conquistador and Native American Woman even though some may have problem with the premise at least it not another Regency and it shows that the line is willing some risks and yes the author is still writing for the line the author had a book out in March of this year set in Egypt. Laura Kinsale and Judy Cuevas aka Judith Ivory. If a song doesnt get airplay or publicity or put on a soundtrack then most people wont know about it. I did try to find more about her some time ago and I dont think she wrote another book, at least under this name. I may have come across as a bit harsh, but I actually do like the Harlequin Historical line. Is American national culture going to be able to critically assess the results? And although Ruthie Knox was never in my Pantheon of favorite writers, Ive enjoyed a number of her books and I dont think shes published anything in a while either. I found it too slow moving. Yes. Elsewhere in the comments of this post, Piper mentioned that Duran, Kinsale and Ivorys books feel grown up and I took that to mean that the stories and writing are matured, rather than the authors were a particular age or they were writing for a specific audience age. Error rating book. Kris, you are spot on in your assessment regarding some of the major problems in mainstream publishing today. At the very least, shed probably have to change the title. Joanna Bourne is not a young girl and tends to write about quite young heroines, but their voices are anything but immature so its not about the age of the protagonist either. It may be harder for authors who want longer books, more complex stories or more conflicted heroes and heroines to make a living if they are going against what is hot or trendy. Many CR writers are jumping on the mm bandwagon, its pretty lucrative right now. Im still writing some romance but Im also moving over to historical detective stories. So theres that to start with. Just wanted to say thank you to all of you and keep the referrals coming! I could be totally off the mark here. The Disappearance of a Fave Author - any info. And then theres statistics. There definitely needs to be a balance between quantitative data and common sense. What dont you like about the Charlotte Holmes series? I cant even remember the books title all I recall is that on the last page, the hero saw the heroines glittery top or necklace (something glittery, anyway) and realized she was the woman he slept with way back when. Or, its based on a few like-minded participants on a forum agreeing that something is a trend. The entire time I was reading Bringing Down the Duke, I kept thinking, Yeah, this is exactly what I want more of in historical romance! but ultimately, that story hit me more in the head than the heart so Im excited to try the second book in the series. Last year one of my favorite writers, Kati Wilde, published a new book that was being released on audio first. I really wish Cecilia Grant had written more romance novels. Also Laura Kinsale. ;)" They often price their books at less than a buck a book and flood the best seller lists. Thank you for the updates. If you are a member, the books on Audible are nearly always the same price regardless of length, which depends on your membership level. //]]>. No one is forcing them to read your book, and the fact they can sit around all day just itching to be offended by something tells you something about their characters. I think I can make a coherent argument for why new feminist activism is producing books that focus on toxic masculinity and issues around consent over the past few years, and I think I can make an argument for why diversity is a force in the romance genre today. Im as hungry for new books from my favorite authors as the next gal, but Id rather wait longer and get a deeper, more interesting story than wait less for a rushed product. I can see it. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself, as she always has done. but for several years she has only been publishing short stories and smaller books part of series. Oh yes, I can imagine the criticisms that would be leveled at Mrs. Morsi for writing that. I. I have to be careful though not to push this trend notion too far in my own mind because I suspect theres lots of push back out there dark romances, nostalgia for traditional masculinity, etc., all from books I avoid when reading for pleasure. Meanwhile, we have to have alternative chapters that focus on Miss Bubbly-Wannabe-Journalist because shes in the 21st century and therefore the young reader can. I know we will never agree on this point before Doomsday, but art can definitely exist for arts sake without an inherent agenda beyond pleasure. But I want to listen to novels, not plays. I also want a publsiher to help me build a career because I want to write one than one book and I want to throw open the world and write books that are set outside of Great Britian because I have ideas for books set in Russia and South America that I want to write and I just want to have the chance to write them. I really miss Meredith Duran, and hope she returns. I make quilts because at some point during the process of stitching I know/realize this is the essence of what will be left of me for several generations. Not already mentioned: Ho-hum. I was thrilled to see the news of Loretta Chases next book but at the same time, Im nostalgic for a year (like the early 2010s) when Duran, Grant, Thomas, and Chase each had a book coming out & they were the commanding presence in historical romance. Was there a marketing survey or research that said shorter, lighter romance books sell better and in larger amounts than more serious convoluted ones? The more books the better! She is the author of eleven novels, all published by Pocket Books. The problem is, trends are often just a product of cultural resonance without any rhyme or reason. the ask@AAR: What's your favorite country to visit? Not saying this to brag, just making a point about the screwy Amazon chart system that favors new work rather than sheer numbers of sales. Whether the decision was based on sales (or lack thereof) or the desire for the Next Big Thing, Im sorry I no longer get to read some of these favorites. Those are the ones that end up on the shelves at Target and Walmart, Costco, CVS and other places where people will grab a paperback. It is so wonderful. I seem to recollect a family tragedy set her back several years ago. She has such a distinct voice and style that I am trying to imagine it in a Medieval. So, over time, Ive gotten the impression that Harlequin is afraid to tarnish their somewhat wholesome image in the world of romance whereas Avon could afford to take more chances. There are beloved authors from years ago who have switched genres or retired but I know those old favourite books would bore me now. One thing other thing Ive noticed from reading a bunch of Kindle Unlimited books is that a lot of copycat authors try to mimic some authors humorous internal thoughts or banter poorly. Id love to ask a publisher about your theory. True, she didnt quit writing entirely, but shes definitely shifted her focus from romantic suspense to thrillers with some romantic elements (as opposed to central romance). Many include authors interviewing other authors or fangirling including Bec McMaster interviewing Amanda Bouchet. Their maximum word count is 125,000, which is far higher than Harlequin HR. I suppose I just dont frame my preferences in historical romance through the lens of age. Publishers, too often, deal with it, by forcing authors to make alterations, theatrical apologies, or dropping them like a hot potato to make themselves look virtuous. BTW, I dont know what happened to the site, but its not rendering properly any more. Its not that I think Joanna Bourne, Anne Stuart, Loretta Chase, etc. Can be contacted via messenger pigeon, 1st cave on left. Im getting worried that Loretta Chase might be nearing retirement. I am not trying to start a flame war but I can be blunt at times and after 20 years of this I have enough. Its hard to say. She posts the most delightful vignettes weekly. Yes, its true feminist activism could be behind the trend, but it could also be completely inexplicable as popularity so often is. I loved her books. December 2010: I'm over the moon: The Duke of Shadows and Bound by Your Touch have both made All About Romance's Top 100 Romances 2010 poll. Longer doesnt always mean better or denser or more interesting or more critical, etc. Good luck! 546 Followers, 183 Following, 168 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Meredith Duran (@meredithduran) And how sad, yet understandable, if true. Youre definitely onto something when it comes to author mimicry and knockoffs. Cant stand them. Thanks for giving me some insight into how Audible works. Her website has been all but abandoned and nothing on Twitter since . ELIZABETH DIE AND LEAVE US WITH NO MORE See Photos. Meredith lives at 1219 North 31st Crt, Hollywood, FL 33021-5006 at present. So hopefully well have more from her. hill country elephant preserve promo code But mostly its because my tastes keep changing. I have never really deeply enjoyed any book by Barbara Metzger, they were always just ok to me, while Layton has a few amazing ones, her Love trilogy, her regencies she has this beautiful voice and I like her depiction of characters and motivations- though they tend to think a lot, you have to like that :-). They seem to be! I think a lot of books would not be published as easily today. Every year I discover at least 2-3 new favorites. Why has the dominant voice in HR become so modern? Would a 5,000 word erotic HR short receive the same treatment as a 120,000+ word inspirational tome? the ask@AAR: Are 50 Shades of Grey or Twilight dangerous? Now that Ive put this all down, it feels depressing. Since 2007 no full length book like the ones I mentioned has been released. Not much of what we do in this life can be associated with such a sentiment..for most of us our children. Havent read any of her books, but I thought her story about why she quit writing for Harlequin, even though she enjoyed it, was interesting. I used to look more at e-publisher but many of largest romance geared ones have gone out of bussiness and what is in the bookstores are a sea of ballgowns and simple plots that I can predict what is going to happen before I even open the book and it drives me crazy because I want to read a book and it seems that I can not get one that I can sink my teeth into. Thanks, Dabney. This trend is actually quite easy to observe if you look through the Harlequin Historical Romance online catalog. For me, unless its an auto-buy writer, I just wont pay $11 for a short novel or novella. I cant remember if anyone mentioned Connie Brockway but she was an author I used to enjoy reading. Jill Sorenson now writes as Jill Cliff. A self-publisher getting into a brick and mortar store would be extremely rare, which means non-internet shoppers have a limited selection of popular tropes, themes, and so forth. I even corresponded with her back in the day. We all do it. There is the book that will be out in December and one more after that. Plus some new to me authors to explore. the ask@AAR: What era had the best clothes? Many other I miss have been mentioned already. I dont know why I have to go through so much tsuris (I think thats the right word meaning a whole lot of shit) but after throwing out the last third of the book and rewriting it I finally got it to a state thats actually quite delightful. Which is crazy when you think about it considering someone else is using their characters without permission in the first place. Its my personal observation that the books publishers are choosing and pushing are more generic titles with lighter themes set in mostly 19th century England or Europe. The same with books for many a reader. Ive seen a lot of trends and authors come and go and my personal opinion is that lighter books- in historical romance, not necessarily in other genres like paranormal etc. She has a book out by the end of the year, but I just have the sense that it might be her final one, or that her output is going to drastically subside. $2.99 $ 2. In addition to the authors already mentioned, I miss Ruthie Knox. (Not saying impossible, just impractical.). But publishing eventually wore her down, as it does a lot of people. Their books typically incorporate a fair amount of historical research and a rich setting, as well as three-dimensional characters, and strong prose skills. I think publishing is pursuing a general trend, either rightly or wrongly, of pushing lighter, more ironic and sarcastic heroines because either the public wants it or they think the public wants it. Wednesday's column featured a 2009 interview with historical romance author Meredith Duran. Before Amazon separated Top 100 sales lists from Top 100 free books, the system was even crazier. But Id also love to see new books by Cecilia Grant, Laura Kinsale or Joanna Bourne. So this isnt a blanket condemnation by any means, but its an issue for romance listeners to be aware of I think. I picked this one up on a recommendation from a romance loving friend, Estelle! I just cant cope with the romance community as it is right now, and historical romance sales have gone right down since the Amazon scam authors moved in. I still have that one on the old keeper shelf. My miss list includes names already mentioned Meredith Duran (who I hope is merely on hiatus) Cecilia Grant, Laura Kinsale I miss Sherry Thomas historical romances ,(although Im enjoying Lady Sherlock) and I miss the days when Courtney Milans romances were actual romances rather than exercises in didactics. If done correctly, it could be a wonderful period mystery series. I read about half of book 2 with much the same reaction and I quit at that point. Drummond has to be very old by now (almost 90, I think). She is the author of twelve novels, all published by Pocket Books. Who knows, maybe . Although I hadnt read the Desert Dog series by McKenna because I couldnt get into them. I know this series is a success for her, so shes going to continue it for quite a while I imagine. Shes such a talented author, and it seems unlikely to me that she just quit writing altogether, so Im thinking maybe shes branched out to another genre. I remember when Chick Lit really burst into the contemporary book scene years ago and how much it was derided. But when I tried one of her contemporaries, it just didnt work for me. It's possible that no one writes him better than Meredith Duran, whose books are as dark and dangerous as the heroes they feature." The Washington Post "Meredith Duran unceasingly delights . And I REALLY miss Sherry Thomas historical romances. Kindle Edition. These two are Editors that were telling their authors how and what to write. There is no need to dumb things down for the audio audience; we can keep up just fine. I had been waiting and hoping for years that Judith Merkle Riley would publish again and was so saddened years ago when it was announced she had passed on. Her debut, The Duke of Shadows, has been translated into thirteen languages and together with her sophomore book, Bound by Your Touch, was ranked among the top 100 romances of all time in . And sometimes, an author just gets sick and tired of running on the treadmill- especially if she has been forced by multibook contracts or need of advances to crank out a book a month. Enjoys both carpe diem and the fish of the day. Patricia Rice doing contemporary books ugh, etc. Audible sets these prices, I know that. Happily, her newest effort really worked, and I . Who, for example, gets to define what it means to be a perky, bluestocking heroine (just as a random example)? See Photos. Since Regency is not a favorite historical period of mine, I tend to see it everywhere as in, Ugh, another Regency?. (No one is forcing this particular price point by decree, but a number of erotica authors have essentially made an unofficial pact to never charge less than $2.99 for smut lest customers start expecting $0.99 jollies that would only earn an author $0.35 per sale.) fatal car accident new milford, ct,
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