So Many Books, So Little Time
A Column by Dale Ketcham

One well-respected book on writing is William Zinsser’s On Writing Well: an informal guide to writing nonfiction. (He’s also written a “Classic Guide” to the same.) Yes, I know…romance is fiction, but have you ever noticed how many journalists dabble in romance and instantly sell their first book? Writing nonfiction is a solid springboard for publishing in romance.

Well, you say, romance has a totally unique readership. They have certain expectations about the genre. Yes, they deserve tender care and handling. Zinsser touches upon handling your audience from two different aspects, which I feel are worth mentioning here. The first is craft; the second is attitude.

Early in his book he describes the reader as “an impatient bird, perched on the thin edge of distraction or sleep.” If the reader drowses off in chapter two, you’ve got a problem with craft–sloppy workmanship. The fault is entirely yours!

But if the reader likes you, relates to what you’re saying and how you say it, chuckles at your humor and likes your take on life…made in the shade, babe! That breaks down to attitude. And attitude has to be developed, groomed, pampered.

Let’s take a step back. Have you ever asked yourself who you’re writing for? Who is your audience? Zinsser warns: Don’t try to visualize the great mass audience. There is no such audience–every reader is a different person. Don’t try to guess what sort of thing editors might want to publish or what you think the country is in a mood to read. Editors and readers don’t know what they want to read until they read it. Besides, they’re always looking for something new.

So who are you writing for? You’re writing for yourself!

“Don’t worry about whether the reader will ‘get it’ if you indulge a sudden impulse for humor or nonsense. If it amuses you in the act of writing, put it in. (It can always be taken out later, but only you can put it in.) You are writing primarily to entertain yourself, and if you go about it with confidence you will also entertain the readers who are worth writing for. If you lose the dullards back in the dust, that’s where they belong.”

See where the attitude comes in? Once you master sentence and story structure, turn your skill toward the creative act of expressing your personality. Be true to yourself and don’t give the reader a moment’s worry!

Definitely consider adding this book to your shelf. There are a couple of editions currently (and easily) available anywhere you shop for books.

About the Author
Dale Ketcham created this column while thinning out her collection of writing how-to books. Having recently become a”puppy walker” for the local Guide Dog Foundation, thanks to “Joe”–a black lab/golden mix who is at the peak of his chewing career and, at five months, can now reach the bookshelves–Dale has fewer books to go through than she started with.
So Many Books, So Little Time

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