Greetings
readers! And thank you for having me,
Lee.
For
those of you who don’t know me, I’m Julianne MacLean and I’ve written 15
historical romance novels. I started at
Harlequin where I wrote two westerns and a colonial romance set in my home
province of Nova Scotia. I then moved to
Avon/HarperCollins where I wrote nine historicals set in the late-Victorian
period. Now I’m with St. Martin’s Press,
my dream publisher, and I have just released a Highlander trilogy that came out
last year.
Today
I’m going to tell you why an author who is successful in one genre might branch
out and try something completely different, which is what I did with my recent
novel THE COLOR OF HEAVEN, which I released hot on the heels of my first two
Highlander books.
It’s
a very different type of story compared to my sexy Highlander romances with
sword-wielding alpha males and *ahem* titillating love scenes.
The
obvious difference is that it’s a mainstream contemporary novel written in
first person rather than third.
Also,
it’s based on a few life-altering events in my own life. The first is a car accident, which I was very
fortunate to have survived. My car was
totaled, and only a bank of trees stopped me from rolling off the edge of a
steep cliff.
Ever
since that day, I have asked myself - what
if? What if I had not walked away
unscathed? What if I had died?
I
explore that issue in the novel when the main character skids off an icy road
and lands upside down on a frozen lake.
She’s not as lucky as I was, however, and has a near-death experience
that changes her world forever.
Sometimes,
as writers, we simply need to branch out and try something new. I had been writing historicals for more than
a decade, and I just needed a change of pace.
You know what they say: a change is as good as a rest. After writing THE COLOR OF HEAVEN, I did feel
rejuvenated because it was a nice departure from my usual research and
settings. When I finished it, I felt as
if I had refilled my creative well, and I was ready to dive in to a new
historical trilogy, which I am working on now and enjoying tremendously.
I
hope you will give THE COLOR OF HEAVEN a try, and if you do, please write to me
and let me know what you thought.
So
tell me - do you like it when an author writes something completely
different? Are you inclined to follow
that author into a genre you don’t normally read? Or not?
One
lucky commenter will win a $25 gift card from either Amazon or B&N –
winner’s choice. The winner will
be announced next Wednesday and I will also post the winner’s first name on my
website contest page,
which I hope you will visit anyway for another chance to win something - an
autographed print edition of ADAM’S PROMISE, one of my early Harlequins.
Julianne
www.juliannemaclean.com / www.evmitchell.com
***Ana is the winner of the $25.00 giftcard! Congratulations, Ana! Please send an email to totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and choice of eBook retailer (Amazon or B&N?) so we can get the card to you! Thanks to everyone else who commented!!***
***Ana is the winner of the $25.00 giftcard! Congratulations, Ana! Please send an email to totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and choice of eBook retailer (Amazon or B&N?) so we can get the card to you! Thanks to everyone else who commented!!***
110 comments:
If I love an author's work I often relish the change in genre. I know that I will be in for a different kind of read, but with the same heart behind it.
I enjoy when an author branches out to shows their talent is not just one genre. I follow many authors not just for their genre but their writing skills and how they pull me in from page one. Good luck and I plan on adding you to my list. :-)
If I enjoy an author's writing, I will read what they write no matter which genre it is. It is always refreshing when an author offers readers something different to read.
I love your books.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
I do enjoy reading something different! If I really enjoy an authors work I will try anything she writes even if its some genre that I don't normally read. Like I said I do like different! Thanks for sharing.
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
When I find an author whose writing I enjoy, I do follow if they explore other genre's. Sometimes I love those, too and sometimes I find it less successful.
little lamb lst at yahoo dot com
When I discover an author whose writing is unique and special, I am transported literally and figuratively to another realm. I am in awe of their talent and ability and know that I have found someone whose writing I appreciate and enjoy. The Color of heaven sounds memorable and special. Best wishes. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
I enjoyed your post today which introduced me to your new work, The Color of Heaven. If I am interested in an author whose work I enjoy then I am pleased and so glad that they have written in another genre or area which gives me even more books to discover. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
It depends. I've have good and bad luck when I go to read something different by the same author. I think it works if the author doesn't stray too far from their regular genre.
I would say that is depends on the Author... most are very good at writing a different genre... it can be nice to read outside of the author's comfort zone :)
I do like it sometimes when an author switches things up a bit and writes another genre. I will follow an author into another genre if 1. I like the authors writing style and 2. I like the new genre they are writing in.
miztik_rose@yahoo.com
If I like the author I am more likely to follow them when they change genre.
shelly@ledgetoplogistics.com
I read a lot of genres, so I'd definitely give an author's new work a try. If the blurb didn't really appeal to me, I'd try to get a copy at the library.
acm05atjuno.com
It is definitely the author that attracts me, not necessarily the genre. Very flexible about that.
I'll be honest....I would. I hate not knowing if that one book I missed out on was AWESOME....
When you follow an author and you read most of their books, then they write something off the fork....well if that off the fork book is the one you don't read....what if that book is like the "killer" book that makes your day...I mean....really Blurbs aren't all they're cracked up to be....and everyone needs change...change is good...However I do draw the line at self-help books.....Then .....Yeah....LOL
beejee77(at)comcast(dot)net
I enjoy when an author branches out into a new genre for them. I am inclined to read the book to judge for myself whether I like the "new" area an author is writing.
I enjoy when an author branches out into a new genre for them. I am inclined to read the book to judge for myself whether I like the "new" area an author is writing.
If I enjoy an author's work I will give any new books of theirs a chance. I don't always become a fan of the different genre, but it's worth checking out if I already like the writer. I don't blame them for wanting to try something new. I probably would too if I wrote so I wouldn't get bored.
As long as a writer is a good story teller I'll at least try their dive into a different genre. If an author feels compelled to write something different, as apparently you did, then I think they should. Sounds like the experience was successful for you.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
If I enjoy the author's ability to "weave" a story I find entertaining and interesting, I will generally enjoy pieces written in other genres by that same author. It's the ability to create characters that come to life and events that readers can relate to that makes an author a reader's favorite.
If I am reading a book by an author and like it I will read their others books, even if it is a different genre. Linda Howard is a good example. I have read paranormal, romance, western, sci fi and historical stories, all which were different but good. Thanks for the giveaway.
your1chef at aol dot com
If I like that author I would read something new and different by them.
I enjoy reading many different genres of books. However, if I like an author, I'd be more than willing to follow her (or him) to another genre if I already like their writing style and give that work a chance.
I go by what the story line is, and the author second. There are just some lines I don't care for, but if I know the author, i probably will give it a shot, knowing the work has been good.
I'm always willing to try a book outside of the usual genre from an author I love. I've done this several times and now my reading wishlist has really expanded! It's the author's skill as a storyteller that really captures my interest!
I enjoy when an author changes the genre that they usually write. If it is an author I follow anyway, I am interested in seeing how they tell a story in a different genre.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
You are one of my favorite authors! No matter what time period it is! I'd love to read this one, going to be putting this on the to buy list.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
I enjoy reading different genres and have no problem following an author from one genre to another.
The Color Of Heaven is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.
Yes I love it when an author tries different genres and things! If I really and truly love the author I will follow them into what ever they want to write :) If an author writes something that I don't particularly care for in a particular genre, then I just wont buy that book, but I'd still read books by that author. Did that make sense at all? (lol)
Great post!!
Ashley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
Hi Julianne! I love your historicals and I really enjoyed The Color of Heaven as well. When I love an author, I will follow them even if it is into a different genre.
I enjoy when a author changes genres.
If am following a particular author I already know that I enjoy their style of writing that I don't mind reading something different.
I have been reading over 30 years and my taste have changed. Sometimes I think it might be from boredom. There are only so many Highlanders only so many dukes and Royalty that one can read about without needing a change.
I would think that would ring true for an author also.
looking forward tor reading The Color of Heaven. The sky on the cover is so pretty.
gigihicks(at)windstream.net
Sometimes you need a change, I know I do.
It's hard for me to go outside of a given genre. I like a certain type of books and I generally don't read outside those genres. i have on occasion strayed, but not to often. If a writer I will normally read their work, unless it is vampire or werewolf. Then I don't read them. Example I love Lynsay Sands historicals, but don't read her vampire ones
I have several favorite authors that I would follow to any genre to read. I also read multiple genres & I choose what I read by whether the plot sounds interesting to me. I've had your The Color of Heaven on my 'wish' list for a time now, ever since reading the review in RT Book Reviews. I too survived a nasty car wreck & had a close call related to an infection acquired during a surgery. Near death issues intrigue me due to some of my own experiences as well as those of others I know.
I do I do I do. For me it is the Journey the Author takes me on time & time again I adore ADORE Highlanders ( being Scotch) It is the Author that Takes me to the West South North east THE WORLD The Time so That would be YES I follow.
Once in a while I'll follow an author no matter what they write, but I must admit, I usually like whatever drew them to me in the first place.
Your new book sounds fantastic and I love the cover! I will follow an author I've enjoyed and loved reading before, if they choose a new genre. It shows their writing skills and style, when they dip their toes in the water to pursue something different. The author may be onto something very special (like a new series) that really takes off. I wouldn't want to miss out on something even better!!!
If I am a loyal fan of an author I would absolutely follow them if they decided to try their hand at a different genre.
I love the name of your latest book! THE COLOR OF HEAVEN just jumps out at you & screams READ ME! READ ME!. While I think your Highlander books are awesome, this is really coming from you & lifes' experiences! Does that make sense? Anyway...I'd love to win a copy! Thank you for sharing!
Robin in NC
RW620 AT aol DOT com
I like when they write something different. I will follow them.
greenduckie13 at gmail dot com
When I like an author usually I like their style and I do not mind at all when they write out of genre. I like many different genres so that is not a problem for me. I have on occasion read a author who stepped out of their usual genre and I did not like it as much as the usual stuff. But I love to see what authors can do and write.
Robin Blankenship
robinblankenship@gmail.com
HI JULIANNE!
I TOO WAS HIT BY A DUMP TRUCK AS I WAITED FOE A CAR TO TURN LEFT! NY PINTO HAD JUST HAD THE GAS TANK AS THERE WAS major recall! MY LIFE DIDN'T FLASH AS I WAS TOO SHOCKED TO BELIE IT AND I ONLY GOT A SCRATCH ON MY LEG WHEN THE SEAT COLLAPSED! CAR WAS TOTALED THOUGH.
lindarb49@hotmail.com
Just as a reader likes to read different types of books I can see why a Writer would want to write different types. Honestly to grow we all have to change things up a little but of course we can always keep our favorite.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
If I like an Author's writing, the genre is irrelevant. I'm happy to hop on the bus an go wherever it is the Author wants to take me.....lol
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Upon ascertaining that an author's writing style is to my taste and, more, to my liking, I follow wherever that author leads.....always in anticipation of a worthwhile and enjoyable read!
Write on, Ms. MacLean!
i look to see what other authors is on their page to be similar to ones i like
If I love the authors work, I will at the very least try any book that they write, no matter the genre. I read The Color of Heaven by the way and thought it was fantastic, hope that it is made into a movie soon:). Anyway, others who write in different genres, and I love all of their books, are James Patterson and Karen Marie Moning.
I don't like to read the same old story with different names so I would imagine an author would like to branch out and write different things too. So I love when my authors try new things and sometimes they don't work, but you don't know until you try!
musicalfrog at comcast.net
I understand why an author might like to write something in a different genre however, when they leave their original genre that made them so popular--that makes me felt "abandoned" by the author.
One author (not named here) was my favorite for over 10 yrs then she quit historical fiction comletely and went modern day never looking back! I felt betryed since we fans who love Historical fiction made her the write who "could" afford to try something new!
I feel she (they) should come back to the original genre now and again for their followers!
I think writing out of your normal Character is really a challenge, but I think that most authors can make it work. I think that's what makes authors bring us into discover what else is inside your writing skills and details. I like change and am all for it. I can only wish you the best. And just remember if it doesn't work, try try again.
I have followed many authors from historical to contemporary and vice versa; however, I don't think I could follow an author if she went to a genre that I just don't care for. For example, I like Lisa Kleypas' historicals and contemporaries, but if she starts writing about demons and vampires, count me out! :-)
castings at mindspring dot com
I like a change every now and again as long as the author doesnt completely abandon why i loved them in the first place
meandi09@yahoo.com
I do enjoy when an author writes something different. Keeps their writing fresh and current.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
If I like an author it's because of their writing style, so I will try any other genres they write in.
Robin D
robindpdx(at)yahoo(dot)com
It sounds like you have a personl connection to the story and I'm glad you wrote it. I happen to read from multiple genres so when authors write in more than one I'm happy to read them all :)
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a interesting idea.If like the style of writing from a writer, I would still give their new genres a
try. Just like the book "the Lovely Bones" it is so clever and something new
that I have ever read about.Like the art work on the book cover. Will check it our to. thanks for the link and great gc giveaway.
cheers dayle b at telus dot net
Nope, I have had many times where I really like an author and they switch genres and I didn’t follow them. For some reason I cant get enough of the historical romances that take place in Scotland and England in the 1800s or before. I am now to the point where I have nothing to read since I have been reading this particular genre for years and years. And to make it even worse I cant re-read books and I remember books I read 10 years ago :(
If I've enjoyed an author's other work, I'll follow them into a genre I don't normally read if the story sounds like it's going to be interesting to me.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
i love your book Julianne, and the most is love according to lily, really love this one ;)
eli_y83@yahoo.com
If an author is enjoyable in one genre it is quite likely they will be in another. Since readers rarely stay within one tiny little genre, why should authors?
I will follow an author to another genre and at least try the new book. I am happy to find new reads, but I cross my fingers that the author wont abandon the genre that first made me a fan.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Happy New Year!
If I love the author I will try their books. Especially if it is something different. I love to read and love when authors go away from the norm. I love the Julianne historical series and am sure this one will just as good.
christinebails@yahoo.com
Great comments everyone! I have read each one and really appreciate all the kind words. Good luck in the draw!
I much prefer that an author branch out and remain "fresh" rather than continue a series until it is sooo dead, there isn't a spark of life left. Or the author has no choice but to tell the same story over and over.
I think it's great that an author can branch out. It seems like a normal process--and fun!
It depends on the author although I certainly will try the new genre. For example, I love the Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle books, but I don't like Lisa Kleypas' contemps nearly as much as I love her historicals. The same is true for Christina Dodd's books - love the historicals but only like the paranormals. I'm all for authors mixing it up and trying new genres. Who knows? Maybe that new genre will become my favorite genre.
I'll often follow the author and find a new to me genre to enjoy.
Well, it depends. I don't, usually, like reading books with a sad ending. I want a HEA! If I find out the book ends sadly, I'll give it a wide berth.
Hi, Julia:
I read the first Highlander book so far and I loved it! I think it's very courageous for authors who have been writing in a certain genre switch it up and try something different. I think it can also bring the author new readers who might not have read about about super hot highlanders in kilts, but rather a contemporary novel.
I hope I win the GC then I can buy the rest of the Highlander books!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
Many of my fav authors who write in one genre and move to another genre have not disappointed me...
Thanks for the giveaway
I think as a writer, you have to expand or become stale. I don't always like where an author goes, but sometimes, I even like it better. I think it just depends on the writer.
I will follow an author to their new genre. Sometimes I like the new genre and will continue reading other authors in the same vein. Sometimes I don't. But if I like the author I am more than willing to see what they are writing.
I will be reading your new release sometime later this month.
If I like an author enough, I'll read anything they've written. It's always nice to see authors branch out as well, because it demonstrates their range, and shows they aren't afraid to take risks.
If I love an author's work, then I will try anything they write in any genre.
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I usually find the author's voice follows the change in genres, so if I love the author, I love wherever he or she takes me.
And I'm certainly glad you stretched your creative muscles with THE COLOR OF HEAVEN - I love it!
If I like an author I will read anything they write. I can't wait to read The Color of Heaven.
I am open to all kinds of writing. The author is the author and can do what they want to do. I have no preconceived ideas and don't expect any certain way of writing. It is like a painting and the artist is in charge of the picture. Rita Spratlen rjspratlen@gmail.com
If I enjoy the author and her voice I definitely will follow her. I like variety and if I find an author I enjoy, I usually enjoy whatever they write. I really think an author needs to write what she wants for it to be a great story.
I will read anything an author writes if I like that author, regardless if its a different genre or a different name. I keep a list of authors that I buy everything from. I will add names if I discover a new author that writes well.
An author has to lay several bombs in a row in order for me to not follow them and I'm glad to say that none have ever been removed from my list.
orelukjp0 at gmail dot com
I have no problem with author's jumping genres. I would read the new work because what do I have to lose but some time! Hey it might even lead to more books for me to love!
It depends exactly what genre. There are some types of books I don't & won't read no matter who the author is; horror for one. If it's a subgenre then it might be possible.
thumbelinda03@yaho0.com
Stretching one's literary muscles is
a way of exhibiting growth. I like to
feel that I'm also growing as I follow
the author into a new genre. Good luck,
Julianne, let's grow!!
Julianne, I think it is great that you try and branch out into other genres. I would follow the author as long as my No. 1 criteria is met, always a HEA at the end of the book!
tamsyn5@yahoo.com
It depends on what the change in genre is, it may "not be my cup of tea". I'll still like the author but I may not like every book they write! Some authors have wide ranges & alter egos.
{jaydonco1}aT{aOl}dOt{cOm}
WOW! How scary! I can't even imagine the fear you experienced while you waited to be rescued!
I'd love to read your story THE COLOR OF HEAVEN!
Best wishes for a healthy , happy, safe 2012!
A lot depends upon if I think I would enjoy the new genre. But if it is a favorite author I will give it a try. And sometimes I am pleasently surprised.
So many of my favorite authors have branched out into other genres or have plans to do so in the future. I'm pretty much stuck in the historical genre and that's probably where I will stay. I did follow one of my favorite authors to her debut contemporary and I was a bit disappointed in it and haven't stepped outside my preferred genre again. I could be missing something, but with the number of books I have on my TBR shelves, I'm not looking to add more right now.
kareninnc at gmail dot com
I will follow an author to another genre IF it's a genre I like or haven't tried yet. After all, that's how I got into reading historicals when I'm engrained in the contemporary romances! There are certain genres, though, that keep me awake all night, and with diminished sleeping ability during my menopausal years, I don't want to lose any of my 3.5 to 6 hours of nightly sleep (when I need 7.5) - whether by staying up to finish a book or because I have negative thoughts racing through my brain.
Happy New Year, Julianne. Thank GOD you survived that car accident. That's so scary.
I will follow an author into a new genre. By doing so I have made the decision to keep reading in the new genre or stick with his/her books in the genre they usually write.
Have a wonderful day!
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com
I read many different types of books and authors-if I like an author's writing I will follow them into another genre.
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
if an author writes dif its like a new author which I like
thanks
Dina
dlsmilad (at) yahoo (dot) com
I have no problem if a favorite author of mine writes a different genre. I would happy read it too. I like lots of different genres anyways :)
If I enjoy the author's work, I'll try anything she writes in a different genre. I love your historicals, Julianne, and can't wait to read this book!
If I like an author enough, I will probably read a book that is different from their usual genre. There have been times in the past when I have read something different from an author and enjoyed it quite well.
If I like an author I will follow them to a different genre. I know I like their writing and how they tell a story. I may end up not liking the story as much in the other genre but I know Ill still get some enjoyment out of it since I do like the writing styles.
If I really like the author and their writing, I will follow them into different genres. A good example is Jude Devereux. I love her medieval stories about the Montgomery brothers, so when she took the family into modern times, I had to follow - and I'm glad I did!
I think a writer has to do what they feel led to do. I have liked some authors books no matter what section they write in. Others aren't as good in some sections as others. As a reviewer, I have noticed this.
Please enter me to win.
jrs362 at hotmail dot com
Looking back I see that I didn't really answer your question...Will I follow an author in to a genre I usually don't read?
My answer is yes I will try new genres out . I did this in the 90's when several contemporary authors went into suspense: Eliz Lowell, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown,Heather Graham, Merline Lovelace, Brenda Novak just to name a few. I love all of Jayne Anne Krenz's work contemp, historical and futuristic ( this was totally different for me). Even though I might prefer contemps and historicals today I have broaden my tastes by trying different genres.
johnslake at usa dot com
one of the best books I have read is call Eris and its seriously different and I was actually quite surprised that I liked it so much and that I won't give the book up (borrow out to read LOL)
When I love an author I love the author - no matter what books they write and I will always finish the book!!
Yes, when I find an author I like, I will read everything they have written even if it is a genre I don't normally read.
Even if the genre changes, I still read the books written by my favorite authors
When I find an author I like, I follow them from one genre to another. This is base on how well they tell the story.
So tell me - do you like it when an author writes something completely different? Are you inclined to follow that author into a genre you don’t normally read? Or not?
Ironically or not, my answer is "YES" and just tonight my author example tied into my tv viewing. John Grisham's - The Firm - premiered as a series on television and I love his lawyers and trials based genre. However,I really enjoy his other books like "Skipping Christmas" too. I purchase and collect his main genre and I found myself incorporating his outside genre books as well.
Thanks for your thought provoking question.
Looking forward to a win :)
Happy New Year!!
LOL it goes as follows: I read any book any of my favourite author writes or refers me to take a peep on some other author ... so I'm basically reading everything and anything *grin*
Thank you for the opportunity of winning - hope it is opened internationally ;o)
Ciao,
Rita from South Africa
bitemeash(at)gmail(dot)com
Compliments of the Season to all
Hello, I do enjoy when an author
writes different from their usual
book type! Also, I definitely
follow authors that I enjoy
reading their other styles of
writings...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Yes when authors try their hand at a different subject matter it is always fun to see the author's vision on it. Like a lot of author's have written romance then branched out into paranormal romance. It was fun to see how they all handled it. Awesome contest!
I will try an author I like when they change genres. Often I do enjoy their work just as much in the new genre.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I have read several authors who changed genres and I liked their writing and continue to read their books. I don't think an author has to stay with just one genre if they feel they can write in more than one.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I followed you and read THE COLOR OF HEAVEN because I like contempory romance also. But I would list this as paranormal romance not contempory. I thought the writing was good but the paranorormal aspect left me cold.
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