So here's a question I've been mulling over. What kind of writer am I? I'm not referring to genre. For the most part, I write historical adventure stuff, but I have a few contemporary suspense novels in the works as well.

I see spats on the lists break out all the time, and it's usually because some writer holds that she is a real writer because she writes her heart, and that someone who slants their writing at a certain market or formula is not. And then a fight breaks out as each sides start slinging barbs at which time I roll my eyes and click the delete button.

C'mon, you've seen them. Writers are so very different by nature and yet so very alike in many ways. We all want to think we are creative, original and the most brilliant thing since the invention of disposable diapers. But so many authors put blinders on and think if it's not done their way, it's not as good.

So what kind of writer are you? Do you plot (or not plot) a book with the idea of what is selling at the moment, or do you forge ahead and write whatever inspires you without concern to market?

I've dabbled a bit in all areas. I've written a "who gives a crap, I'm gonna write what I want to write and screw the detractors" book. Then I calmed down and wrote a book more in keeping with current market trends. Boy, you should have seen my requests skyrocket. I went from receiving TWO requests for partials on book A, to getting dozens of requests with half a dozen full requests from book B (the more marketable one) And yet, book B didn't quite cut it. Didn't quite get me there. It just wasn't distinctive enough to stand out in the crowds of submissions.

And then I wrote book C. In this book, I tried to combine the elements of what inspired me with a few of the more marketable elements and the direction I sensed the market might be going. And interestingly enough, this was the book that snagged an agent and an editor's interest. It remains to be seen whether or not book C will sell, but it's certainly gotten me a lot further along in the process than any of my previous efforts.

So what do you think? Is writing with the market in mind "selling out?" Or it being a savvy businessman?

I once had someone tell me that they would never try to sell their writing because it would cheapen it. LOL! (Translation, she didn't have a prayer of ever selling her writing) I understand writing is deeply personal, but if you aren't trying to sell it, then isn't it by definition a hobby and not a career? And if it's a career, isn't it smarter to try and have the best chance of selling your work? And sometimes making that sale means researching market trends, what's hot and what's not and deciding what to write based on those facts. Utilizing your voice and style is how you separate yourself from the masses.