At Deep Genre, Sherwood Smith discusses Mary Sue, with references to Lymond for Dunnett fans.
That’s how Dunnett makes Lymond seem more of a hero than a Mary Sue–she puts him through hell before the end. That hell is what makes the story work so well, and makes one forget the fact that he starts out prettier and smarter than anyone else, more talented, more graceful, more everything…and yes, everybody is always talking about him, from kings down to commoners!
May asks where all the lesbian romances are. All she can find is M/M. Drop by and make a F/F recommendation.
HelenKay Dimon has asked some interesting questions about promo. From her final post:
Let me start with the second part of the question first. I call this the Shannon McKenna phenomenon. Shannon writes for Brava. She lives in Italy. She doesn’t go to conferences, or do online chats or do a great deal of promo as far as I can tell. She has a website, but it’s usually not updated (notice how her News blurb is from February). She’s on the Brava author website, but I don’t think she’s all around the internet as many other authors are. She writes for one publisher and doesn’t write 10 books a year – more like 1 or 2. She’s also wildly popular and her books hit bestseller lists and Bookscan. She’s doing something right and not doing promo. So, what’s the explanation for that?
In the comments, Booksellerchick answers:
Shannon McKenna is an excellent example of how some books don’t need any help to support them beyond their own merit. I also think she’s an example of what word of mouth can do. She’s heavily recommended by customers to other customers and her name comes up when people ask for people who “write like” Linda Howard and others.
Interesting! I’m a McKenna fan, though I haven’t read her latest.
I’ll admit to hoping I fall into a Shannon Mckenna or Lisa Valdez or J.R. Ward category. Just write the books that catches on with readers with minium online presence or promoting. The one book a year works for me too. :-P
This is certainly my dream!
Thanks for the link, Jorrie!
And like Jaq, I too hope to be in the Shannon McKenna/JR Ward category.
Wouldn’t that be dreamy?
I’d even be willing to strain myself–TWO books a year. ;-)
Haven’t read McKenna, but I’ve heard of her. Her fans are like disciples.
I’m thinking, too, of others…Emma Holly, for example, doesn’t do much in the way of promo, but she’s considered top-of-the-line.
You’re welcome, May.
My current theory is that a minimal amount of promo is good just to get you on the level playing field of having your existence noticed. After that, promo is a total crap shoot.
I remember hearing about just how much promo Suzanne Brockmann did—I’m not even sure that’s true now—and voila, she became hugely popular. But I think she would have been popular anyway. I think the writing carries her.
Emma Holly, yes, she’s another good example of a non-promoing author, although she’s got numerous publishers who perhaps promo for her? Not sure.
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Thank God. You mean I can stop promoting now and rest on my laurels?
Oh wait. Crap. I don’t have any laurels yet.
Off to update my website!