Also, I read Twilight and watched Buffy and I don’t understand the comparison between the two either.

But this is what I really think about the whole trend-writing thing. I began my first book about two years ago, after I had been through an incident that very nearly took my life. The book I began was going to be a memoir, and I have no doubt that if I had chosen to finish it, it would have been a very popular story. However, I found that when I started to write it, I felt as though I was doing a forced, homework project. I think I began it as a way to help me cope with what I’d been through because writing has always been my emotional outlet. But then, I decided that even though my story was heart-wrenching and interesting, I was selling out by writing it. So, I discarded 20,000 words and started over. Instead, I wrote an urban fantasy novel about vampires. Needless to say that is not really a trend for me; I’ve always been a supernatural lover. I found that when I wrote what I enjoyed reading, the process was pratically painless. And I think it even helped me cope in some way. So, when I tell people that I wrote a book that has vampires in it, they always laugh and tell me that I sold out as a writer. I just smile, because that’s exactly what I didn’t do.

Maybe I’ve just negated myself with all that, but in the end I don’t really see it as the original commentor saw it. I think trends are just a trickle down effect that the rest of us have to deal with – or in most cases, ignore. I don’t doubt that agents love their job and get a kick out of landing a sweet deal with a big publisher for a brand new author. But trends are bothersome and even I worry from time to time about how it might effect the way an agent looks at my query letter.

Then again, it doesn’t seem to matter what I query – I worry about the way agents look at my letter no matter what. 😛

I think it’s a hard run when a human girl’s vamp BF doesn’t try to convince her she’s too good for him. I mean, there’s the whole you’re 17, I’m 147 thing, and the wicked awkward I used to eat people during Prohibition conversation. But I have to say, season 2 of Buffy is my absolute fav and I don’t see the connection between it and Twilight. Edward never attempted to murderer anyone in Forks that Bella cared about…

Second (and more on topic): Writing to a trend or audience (for me) is creative suicide. If I’m not writing for myself, it’s going to be a hair-pulling-out disaster that’s just not worth it. And I don’t think there’s an agent out there that would advice a writer to put themselves through that. At least I know mine wouldn’t. (Thanks, Stacey )

I know publishing is a business, but from my perspective, it’s an incredibly generous and community-driven one. And, I don’t think you can doubt the intentions of the professionals who make it their life’s work. I’ve been impressed by the wealth of information that folks are willing to share. From agents during the querying process to blogs and interviews, the enthusiasm for the art is undeniable.