As a beginning writer, what would be good stories to write for today's readers; what would you like to read?
In answering the above question, plese consider the following related questions:
1. What kinds of stories would interest readers today? What genres are good to write in.
2. I'm considering horror as 1 genre that I'd like to write in; what kinds of horror stories would be good sellers? Also, short or novels?
3. Would stories, like the classic ones, work well with today's readers. (ex. Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Dracula, etc). Could a modernized story be told-without stealing the story of the classic- and if so, how?
4. What would be some ideas for a story, that would interest you as a reader?
5. Would a "Goosebumps" type of series do well, where the stories are more scary? If so, what could make them scarier?
Any other thoughts, suggestions, examples, ideas, would be greatly appreciated. Please give thought to this, and as detailed as possible with your answer. Any ideas related to the above questions, are welcomed. Thank you!
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March 16th, 2010 at 4:39 am
1. I think fantasy is really becoming popular. A lot of the movies in theaters now are based off of fantasy series (Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, Spiderwick…) and the idea of alternate universes is extremely appealing (like in The Merlin Conspiracy, Pendragon series, and Narnia books). But I’m rather biased in favor of fantasy.
2. I think most people start with short stories and move into novels. I think the best types of horror stories are the ones that are psychological. Personally, I don’t find get hacked to bits by some monster (relatively quick death) or being chased by zombies (I can do something) nearly as frightening as being buried alive. What we create in our minds is always a lot scarier than anything concrete.
3. Hmm. I think it depends on the copyright and whether it’s still valid. And probably on how closely you follow the original story. People do adaption of Romeo and Juliet all the time.
4. Stories that start out perfectly normal and then get weird. I love it when they’re extremely realistic and everything can be explained by coincidence/natural occurences or the characters’ growing madness. Never letting the reader know for sure if The Thing is really or imagined is always fun. To me, a really awesome horror story would have a fright/spook/beastie-thing that could be explained through both coincidence and by belief in the supernatural. The best ending would be a really subtle line that clearly picks one side. Like the ending of Troubles With Trolls.
5. I’ve never read them. Mainly because they looked stupid and really unrealistic. I’m not scared of them because I know they don’t exist.
Stories that make use of innocent seeming nursery rhymes are good. Like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Poe is also a good horror writer.
March 16th, 2010 at 4:39 am
1. I’d say mystery and horror and suspense. But hey, drama sells well too when it’s well written.
2. Any horror story that is imaginative and not overdone is good. Try reading some stephen king to get ideas on bestsellers.
3. Well, when classics where written they portrayed the society then. So whatever you write make sure that it somehow relates to the society where your audience belongs.
4. MMM…try reading dolores claibourne by stephen king.
5. Read some fear street. Its similar but more mature than goosebumps.
March 16th, 2010 at 4:39 am
I hate answering questions that show zero answers and when you get there, someone before you has written very good answers and you can’t elaborate on them. both of these answers are very good and said what I would have said.
but I agree with the person who said that fantasy seems popular right now. I personally like horror and vampire tales. But the best horror story I ever read was Cujo by Stephen King because it was about a very commonplace thing - a dog - and it could happen. Something like that would be a great thing to write about. I think one of the answerers also said that too. See, too little too late.
good luck on your writing.