My guest blogger today is Tim Marquitz, author of ARMAGEDDON BOUND, a story of demons, angels, and a man who was raised by the Devil, available now from Damnation Books. I've got my copy - looking forward to reading it now that work is nearly finished for the year :) Over to you, Tim:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Writers, Go Your Own Road
As a writer, it’s hard not to look at the high profile successes of authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyers and not think about creating a hybrid, sparkling vampire wizard who battles were-trolls and dates underage women. The movie options and lunchbox marketing deals are enticing lures, millions of readers clinging to every word as though they’ll be the last ever written. But besides the billions of dollars and the opportunity to buy small countries, there isn’t much in the way of creative satisfaction in treading the road over-traveled.
Now, I’m not saying ignore what’s going on out there, nor am I implying you should be contrary simply to be contrary, but writers should blaze their own trail, wherever it leads. Don’t get caught up in the frenzy to author the next big trend, rather write to satisfy your own creative desires. Readers can tell when you’re faking it and they’ll respond accordingly. For every record-breaking success, there are a million imitators who fall to the wayside dismissed.
Know the tropes of your chosen genre, but don’t be bound by them. Let your muse take you where it will, pulling it all together with good writing that is mindful of pace and plot. Don’t fret about going too far or worry about being too different, just write what comes to you. Explore your imagination and dredge its depths for hidden ideas, new concepts, and new ways to weave your story. Never leash your creativity.
While the world might not take notice right away, the million dollar advances and Oprah bookings slow to roll in, no whirlwind romance with the NY Times Bestseller List, there’s a heart warming satisfaction in being true to what you believe in, in not joining the queue to sell your inspiration. Trust in yourself, trust your ideas, and write from the heart. Success will find you in turn, and on your terms.
Raised on a diet of Heavy Metal and bad intentions, Tim Marquitz has always been interested in writing, but it wasn't until about 1995 the urge became a compulsion. However, it would be many years later before the ability matched the interest. Fortunately, the two have reconciled...mostly. Now, with six novels under his belt, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his inspirations: Clive Barker, Jim Butcher, and Stephen King. Writing a mix of the dark perverse, the horrific, and the tragic, tinged with sarcasm and biting humor, he looks to leave a gaping wound in the memories of his readers. A former grave digger, bouncer, and dedicated metalhead, Tim is a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts, and fighting in general. Involved in the Live Action Role Playing organization, Amtgard, since he was fifteen, he derives great pleasure from bashing people into submission. He lives in Texas with his beautiful wife and daughter, a neurotic dog and their finger-crippling cat. www.tmarquitz.com
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Thanks, Tim! Remember, if you want to be in with a chance of winning an AFTERLIFE Bag of Swag, just leave a comment on this post or any of the other guest blogs throughout December.
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