Comments on: Market Research (Creative Writing Exercise)

By: Aaron Pogue

Aaron Pogue — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:22:42 +0000

Y’know, I didn’t mention it explicitly in this article or in last week’s about Story Descriptions, but it’s a great idea to know the names of some major writers or books with similar style or structure to yours. You did a great job including that here.

Actually, that’s a great market description all around. It’s clear you’ve spent some time thinking about it, which is precisely the point of the exercise. When you decide to start sending out query letters for this project, you can look specifically for the agents marketing books that this audience is buying.

Awesome work! Thanks for sharing.

By: Aaron Pogue

Aaron Pogue — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:18:32 +0000

I think you did a fantastic job with that letter, babe. It takes nerve to sit down and write something like that (I know it well), but it will never happen if you don't ask. The nice thing about knowing some principles of good writing is that your letter is more likely to stand out (and will be more pleasant to read), so you've got a decent chance of getting heard. As far as the blogging goes...I know just how hard it is to make time to do something as huge as "become a blogger" (or, for that matter, "write a book"). The trick is always to break it into manageable tasks, and that's what the exercises and the Blog Posting Schedule are for. I actually just worked up a Google Docs template for that. If you haven't already started one, click here to check it out.

By: Rebecca Campbell

Rebecca Campbell — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:49:37 +0000

My current WIP, Empath (first book in the Flawed series) is smack-dab in the middle of my own specific interest segment (so, basically I am my own ideal reader). I consider it thriller/urban fantasy/sci fi, but more the female reader side of that genre. It will appeal to fans of Ted Dekker (primarily the female ones) and also non-YA fans of Stephenie Meyer, particularly women between the ages of 18 to 35 who have an interest in Christian fiction and/or just clean stories with non-explicit content. As far as I can tell this early on, my ideal reader is probably not male, although this may change during the rest of the series (book 2 will have a male protagonist). But I think I will learn more about that once I get feedback from test readers.

By: Trish Pogue

Trish Pogue — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:24:47 +0000

Well, I have a few things that I’m working on; none of them fiction.

First, I am planning a mission trip. I need to write letters to churches and individuals to raise money for the trip. I also just sent a letter to a big name school supplier requesting that they supply their product for free. I used some of you suggestions on how to write a letter while keeping in mind who I was writing to. I hope to hear back from this company soon. And I expect to get tons of free stuff and money to pay for my trip.

Second, I have a blog that I really enjoy but I don’t spend as much time on it as I really want to. I have a family and other hobbies that capture my time. My target audience is anyone who has children in their home and who values a well rounded education. This week I am going to make a spreadsheet for my blog posts, much like the one that you shared. I feel strongly that this spreadsheet will help me organize my thoughts and get me on the right path to producing a few articles a week. I’m also going to challenge myself with getting some prewriting done.

These two projects are enough to keep me busy let alone run a house and be a good wife, mom, and friend. I’m hoping that exercises like this can keep me focused and get me back on track if I wonder off. Thanks for the exercise.