Thursday, April 16, 2015

Uniquely Similar by Donna Michaels

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. ~ Margaret Mead

I’m a firm believer that we are all unique, so doesn’t that, in itself, make us similar? 

As authors, we have an ‘idea’ that turns into a plot, that turns into a book, regardless of the genre, publisher, or ranking. We are all authors with published books. 

As readers, we love to read, doesn’t matter the genre, publisher, or author. We are all readers who enjoy a good book. 

And because I enjoy writing contemporary cowboys and military heroes, does not mean I don’t love to write sci-fi or suspense or time travel, because I do. Just like thousands of other authors.

Publishers, editors, and even readers encourage us to write out-side-the box, looking for that unique, fresh voice with a new and different plot. And yet, we are asked, or told, what author we write similar to. 

Uniquely similar. 

One of my cowboys is being translated into Japanese, and what’s even cooler, is that it’s being hand drawn into a MANGA, which is a graphic novel. I can’t wait! I won’t be able to read it, but I can look at it! Unique, I know, but so are a few other titles from The Wild Rose Press.
 
Again, I’m uniquely similar. 

You know what? I’m quite all right with that label because all of my favorite authors, actors, inspirational figures from history, they all fall into that category as well.  

So, go on, tell me what makes you uniquely similar. J 

I currently have a cowboy on sale for .99 cents…along with 7 other authors. See? The theme even fits this sale. lol

 

 
**Giveaway**

In conjunction with the sale, we’re running a Rafflecopter with the prize of a $50 GC to Amazon or BN!! Here’s the link to enter:

 

Have a great April, and thanks for reading, 

~Donna

8 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

You're in with one of my local author friends Melissa Keir. How cool. Don't blame you for being excited about the MANGA. Also very cool! We really aren't as different as we think we are, are we?

Jannine Gallant said...

As for publishers...I don't think they want unique. They want you to fit into their established niches because that's what they think will sell. Just look at the tried and true tropes out there readers so love. I don't think they want unique, either. So maybe trying to be unique isn't the path to sales...even if it does feel like success to produce something new and different. You certainly made me think this morning, Donna! The MANGA sounds awesome. Congrats on that!

Alison Henderson said...

How cool, Donna! Be sure to share photos of your MANGA when it comes out.

Donna Michaels said...

Thanks, Margo! Yes, it's great to have Melissa in the corral with us this time!

Donna Michaels said...

True, Jannine! They say they want something fresh, but worry about it not fitting into their mold. You need to be unique but similar to what they think the readers want. lol Thanks for the congrats!

Donna Michaels said...

Thanks, Alison! I will, but it's not scheduled for release until October of 2016. It takes 4 months to hand draw one and I'm 4th on the list, I believe. Still, I look forward to seeing it. How interesting to know that the Japanese like to read their romance Manga style.

Leah St. James said...

How cool about the MANGA thing, Donna! Congratulations. Love the "Harland County Christmas" cover. The book must have been fun to write, and I'll bet it's fun to promo, too. Best of luck with it!

Unknown said...

I am uniquely similar in that I have read & enjoyed classics, historical romances (beginning when I was about 12, with Victoria Holt), Sci-fi & Fantasy. I now read a mixture of contempory, fantasy & historical romance. I grew up reading Marvel comics and even finally got to attend my first Comic Con. My children introduced me to modern manga & anime. I live in cowboy country, where girls get exited that boys will clean their boots & wear new jeans to homecoming. We have a dairy across from the high school.