Robert Frost and Market Research

Since my last entry, I have not worked as much on my proposal package as I would like, but anyone who knows me is aware that I am one of those irritating people who gets obsessed over a project and works ceaselessly until it is complete. However, I have been back to work for two days, and so far, I have had lengthy conversations with my students about To Kill a Mockingbird and the poetry of Robert Frost. In my opinion, that’s much more enjoyable than a book proposal. 

As far as the proposal goes, I have been conducting market research, reading books in my target market and looking up statistics. Aside from the others I had already read, I have read four new books, which I must admit are fairly decent. If I was still a sixteen year- old girl, I would love them to the point of obsession.

Of course, I had already read the Twilight saga (at least four or five times each, being the “Twerd” that I am), and I highly recommend this series to anyone fourteen or older.  I have heard several of my students and even adults refuse to read the books or watch the movie because it couldn’t possibly be as good as all the hype, but actually, it is–and this is coming from one of the former naysayers who refused to read the first book for two years. The characters are memorable, moral, and well-developed; the plots are exciting and suspenseful; and the writing is excellent. The first time I read Twilight, I was so lost in Forks with Bella and Edward that when my phone rang,  I nearly jumped out of my skin as I came crashing back to reality. This series is excellent for everyone from their teens to their golden years.

I read Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz over my Christmas break, and I can definitely see why teens are so interested. I enjoyed the storyline immensely. However, the third person omniscient point of view left me wanting to know more about specific characters. I, personally, would have enjoyed the book more had it been told from Schuyler Van Alen’s point of view, but it’s a great teen read, especially for those who love vampires.

Marked, the first book in the House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast was also entertaining. I read this novel in a single sitting, and it only took me a couple of hours to read. The writing flows smoothly and the plot moves quickly, so needless to say, I kept turning the pages until I was finished. I was actually shocked that I read it so quickly, and I kept staring at it as if more pages would magically appear. I would not, however, recommend this book to anyone under sixteen, as some scenes, in my opinion, are a bit too explicit for young readers. Again, this book is great for teens who love vampires.

Also for teen vampire enthusiasts is Evernight by Claudia Gray.  When I picked out this book at the bookstore, I thought it was going to be yet another vampire book to flood an already-overcrowded market. However, when I sat down to read it on New Year’s Eve (Yes, I rang in the new year with my nose in a book. Like I said before, I can be obsessive), I was instantly drawn in, and when I looked up, it was 1:30 in the morning. The end of this book left me wondering what would become of Bianca and Lucas, and I immediately wanted to read the second book. Unfortunately, I will have to wait until March when it comes out.

The last book I managed to read was the second installment in the Night World series by L.J. Smith. These books each contain three novels, and at the end, all the characters in the first two come together, which I thought was an interesting concept. This book was an extremely quick read, which was actually the only thing I didn’t like. I found myself wishing the stories were longer and more developed so that I could see more and know more of the characters. Now that I think about it, this series would make for wonderful graphic novels.

Needless to say, I have been busy reading and writing and teaching, but for the most part, I am enjoying all three. I know that almost every book I have mentioned deals with vampires, but rest assured there are no vampires in my novel, though you’ll find your fair share of dark creatures and evil plots (that is, if my novel is ever published). In a market flooded with vampires, werewolves, and witches, I hope that I will be able to provide readers with a new obsession–and that my novel will entice vampire lovers everywhere to turn the pages, despite a lack of blood suckers.