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| All Creatures Movie Poster from pbs.org |
I attended a few webinars recently about what types of books are selling right now. For a writer (like me) who is working on a contemporary, quieter story, the news is never good.
Horror, romantasy and mystery/thriller are selling well according to most sources. One presenter explained that scary stories are popular because they are a safe way for kids to deal with their fears and anxiety.
May I present another choice? One that won’t give kids more things to be afraid of.
My family loves All Creatures Great and Small. Due to its incredible popularity (six seasons so far have been planned), it seems we are not the only ones.
Strangely enough, nothing of significance happens in the show. The stakes are low. Usually there’s a problem with an animal or personal relationship that is resolved by the end of the episode. James and Helen—a married couple on the show—get along and work as a team. It seems a given that no important characters will die.
All Creatures Great and Small Season 5 Preview from pbs.org
Recently I read an inspiring post on Facebook by Karen Andreola, author of the novel, Michael’s Gentle Wife and nonfiction books about parenting.
She talked about having a glimmer of sunshine in your stories instead of filling it with things that might trigger your reader.
If you do add those glimmers of goodness, she says, you might have to write outside the norm.
It seems every writing book I’ve read says, “Make it darker, darker, darker.” That’s what makes people turn the page. It’s like watching a car accident on repeat.
Is that the only thing that makes people turn the page?
I’m not saying that all books or stories need to be quiet, because I also enjoy fantasy and mysteries. But if you are writing a quiet, everyday story, remember that there is a long legacy of popular books in this genre, especially for children and teens.
Books that people come back to again and again. Because they feel like friends.
Here are a few of my favorite quiet reads, both old and new:
Anything by Kate diCamillo
Anne of Green Gables (of course!)
Nancy Cavanaugh's books
Maud Lovelace (Athough I love her Betsy, Tacy series, Emily of Deep Valley is my favorite.)
The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall
The Vanderbeekers series by Karina Van Glaser
Wonderland by Barbara O'Connor
Coincidentally as I was drafting this post, I came across this substack analysis by Sam Subity of middle grade books.
In 2024 34% of middle grades sold were contemporary (compared to 37% fantasy). The rest were smaller percentages of other genres.
Your Turn:
Are you drawn to more quiet stories or action-packed or does it depend on your mood? What types of books would you like to see more of? Do you have any quiet books you love? I'm always looking for new gems!
If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.
I always enjoy a quiet story with well defined characters and believable plots. Many of the titles you recommended are also some of my favorites ( Haven't read Anne of Green Gables or Emily of Deep Valley but know a few young readers who have). I'm getting overwhelmed with fantasy titles and would like to see a better balance. It's all a money issue as to what type of books are currently selling. Thanks for your thought provoking post on this week's MMGM.
ReplyDeleteYes, money is always an issue. But I was encouraged to see more contemporaries were bought last year. It'd be nice to see more balance, especially for kids who like realistic fiction.
DeleteI never thought of myself as someone who likes quiet stories. But I really like All Creatures Great and Small so I guess I do. Thanks for the middle grade book recommendations. And I agree with you and Greg about the need for balance in publishing books.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that you discovered you do like quiet stories. Perhaps it just needs to be the right one
DeleteQuiet, or so-called, are the stories that stir me most and stay with me the longest. All your favorites up on the post are shining pearls. I also love "quiet" movies and "subtle" plays. When it comes to paintings, it's the inner light and hint of drama of Vermeer that leaves me dreaming long after I look away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful comment, Mirka! I'm also a fan of Vermeer. He was so good at portraying light in his paintings. I agree about these staying with you. I think it's because of the wonderful characters.
DeleteI like almost all kinds of stories -- no horror, little fantasy. I do like quiet stories, but I also like mysteries and thrillers. It all depends on my mood. You have some great books on your list. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rosi! I know what you mean. I tend to read mysteries in the fall.
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