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Originally Posted by David910
Interesting points, thank you for the thoughtful reply. I just see a fundamental difference in opinion between how you and I see things regarding the unconventional style. I see the unconventional style as something to set me apart, when readers want something different, something that might not be like every other ebook in the bunch, but still on the level of those ebooks. I figure if they read the description saying that it has stream-of-consciousness elements and an unconventional style, then they know it will take a little bit of time to settle in, and are ok with that.
And I believe that I don't have to prove I can do anything else. I have a free novelette on smashwords with a more traditional writing style, but it has been years and my writing style, I guess, has evolved to the style it is in the novella. Therefore, it's my style, and I don't feel I have to prove I can be just another nameless member of the "pack" on amazon today. Just my thoughts.
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Sure, there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to be (or naturally being) different. It may work. It may help you to stand out ... or it may help you get ignored. Time will tell, and this stuff can take a long time.
Understand that I am not trying to suggest you should have changed anything at all about what you have written, I am just pointing out that being different can be another hurdle in the path of getting people to pick up your book.
The opening chapters of my first novel have been described, quite bluntly, as "depressing". In some respects this is flattering, it's supposed to be (though, I hope, not so depressing they won't read on). But, since the early chapters are what people get to see in a preview online, this is not ideal situation for enticing new readers. I knew this when I published and I accept that some potential readers are probably going to be put off by how the story opens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by David910
I really do challenge you to read "Silent and Abandoned". It's not your typical, every-day read, but I think it can really give context to what I am saying, and I really do think that you will enjoy it. - David
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It's always impressive to see such confidence in a writer (it's not something that comes naturally to me), and I'm not trying to put a dent in that - just a modicum of reality. Unless you have researched my reading preferences you don't know what sort of things I read and enjoy, so you have no reason to assume I will enjoy it. I am not aware of any book that is universally liked, so it doesn't seem likely that yours will be the first. (I am also one of those people put off by what I interpret as high pressure sales tactics, so phrases like "I challenge you" tend not to have the desired effect.)