My cousin’s daughter was going through her “Barbie Phase.” 👱🏻♀️💅
Which might make it seem like buying her the perfect birthday present would be easy, Reader. But you’d be dead wrong. Because not every doll-loving little girl is the same. In much the same way, not every goth is the same.
Case in point, yours truly.
I’m what is typically referred to as a “Happy Goth.” 90% of my clothes are black, I have the complexion of a sparkly vampire, and I own enough mini plush to pack a sizable claw game.
And in much the same way, I had the sneaking suspicion the birthday girl in question skewed toward Mini Wednesday territory. Mainly because her favorite movie is Return to Oz. (Yes, that super creepy movie you’re thinking of.)
So, what did we gift her aside from the year’s seemingly impossible-to-acquire Barbie set? Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden by Christy Mandin, which she absolutely adored.
I’m not saying this to brag, BTW. Or to claim some magical gift-giving powers. But to make a point. Most people run into problems when gifting because they’re trying to please every child instead of just the child the gift is intended for.
It’s a lot like writing a book.
If you set out to write something to please everyone, you will instead end up pleasing no one.
Or if you try to write for a specific audience, but it’s not something you’re really into, the writing will inevitably become a grueling chore. And the editing process will be even worse. 😵💫
Instead, Reader, you should try writing the book that delights you first. Then find the people who adore exactly that.
Unique, genre-defining bestsellers don’t come about simply because the storyteller woke up one day and said, I think I’ll write something EVERYONE wants.
It’s more like the storyteller said, “Maybe I’ll write a book where 2 teen boys fight eldritch horrors in the woods and are too awkward to realize they’re into each other. Something with Crimson Peak and Pan’s Labyrinth vibes. Oh, and what if it was Boys Love?”
A book like that would become C.D. Drews’ bestselling Cottagecore Horror Don’t Let the Forest In. A story Drews wrote entirely for themselves. And something that not only went on to become a smashing success, but also helped sell all their future books to publishers as well.
As you can see, Reader, writing to delight yourself first is like selecting the perfect Barbie set for the birthday girl. And it’s the true secret to success. 👍
Well, I hope this inspires you to go out and write something that delights you. Until next time, Reader, this is your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend.
Your cohort in storytelling,
Kat Vancil
🐱
PS 👉 I’ve been working on putting together a book featuring all my best advice from The Storyteller’s Saga over the last 3 years. I’m hoping to release it this fall, so stay tuned for more info coming soon!
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Lee Strauss
USA Today Best-Selling Author
I'm an author, writer, and blogger who loves to talk about history, fiction, and publishing. I have a best-selling cozy historical mystery series called 'The Ginger Gold Mystery Series' which is largely set in 1920's England. I have written over 6 series across 4 genres. Subscribe and join over 5,000+ newsletter readers every week! |
