I tend to think of my books spanning a spectrum of stylism. There are narratively simplistic books running on linear timelines (like Witch Hunt), a middle point of style balanced with clarity (like Atop the Trees, Beneath the Mountains), and then the rare all-style bonanza where style is substance (like Insomniac Cafe).
When I’m planning a project, I consciously place my book on this spectrum. I consider myself restrained if I can write linearly, clearly, without theme overtaking plot. These are surface-level books where what happens is what matters the most, in a very intuitive way. These are usually more commercially appealing.
The further along the spectrum I move in the other direction, the narrower its potential audience becomes. High style requires high engagement to intuit meaning.
Whenever I’ve stayed on the safer end of the style spectrum, they have sold fairly well. Preternatural Affairs, led by Witch Hunt, became one of my most popular series. Writing them was frustrating sometimes. They didn’t scratch a particular creative itch.
On the other hand, I had a fantastic time making Insomniac Cafe–which nearly nobody has read.
I’ve rationalized writing the low-style books because I need books to pay bills, but at this point, I find it so difficult to reach readers that income isn’t much of a consideration. I need to enjoy the process of creating a book because that’s most of the good I’ll get from it now.
I don’t feel the whim to go as far off the deep end as I did with Insomniac Cafe, so I thought I would try to write The Liar’s Throne on the low-style end of the spectrums. Events are unfolding in order. Mysteries may be held between the characters, but not between plot and reader. The focus is the plot rather than the themes.
I’ve gotten quite far through the book writing like this–probably around sixty thousand words, although I haven’t typed up everything in my journals. Unfortunately, it’s also made me quite unhappy. I’m finding it difficult drag my feet through the back half.
The other night, while I was meditating, I got a few ideas for livening up the format and jacking up the stylism. I’m going to use a lot of what I’ve already written. But it’s going to get remixed.
Since this will demand major edits, I won’t be continuing to serialize The Liar’s Throne on Royal Road and AO3. I’ll leave what I already published for now. I’ve got plans for a book I can definitely serialize in its entirety, so I’ll have a replacement soon.
