So I remember posting a week or so ago about trends in the industry, and how frustrating they could be to writers and readers alike. I really started thinking about it today, while half watching Heroes, and had another thought. It’s just not books. It’s everything.
Some years back I was a huge Sex in the City fan, but only, I didn’t discover it until it made it to TBS (the watered down stuff). I watched every episode and was devastated when the series ended. All the talk of a movie didn’t really do it for me, it would be like watching one more –albeit long–episode. I just wanted it to continue. But as with books, no trend lasts forever. My friends stop thinking how fabulous the four ladies on the show had it, and started saying, “Jeez, it was a good show. But now that I think about it, they were kind of whorey.”
The show the industry thrust my way next–my replacement–was Desperate Housewives. It did nothing for me. It was Oil and Water. And remember when reality shows were huge, as in take over the world huge? Okay, they still are a little bit, but they’re on the way down. What’s big? Paranormal. Heroes. Lost. Medium. Ummm, don’t ask me to say more because, seriously, I only watch the news now. But I know what people are talking about.
Now look beyond television and books. Music? That’s changed. Remember boy bands? One minute they were huge, the next Justin Timberlake is like f*ck this, I’m jumping ship before this fad sinks. And then how as a kid I was heartbroken when Wham broke up, and Debbie Gibson decided not to do anymore albums.
The key in all this? Reinvent yourself. Look at Madonna. She’s like the freaking cockroach of the entertainment industry, nothing will stop her. And ER and Law and Order? Those shows are doing fabulous after all these years. The key with those? Changing out the actors. (Could be applied to writers: keep your voice, make your hero a vampire instead of a lawyer.)
So what do you think? Am I off my rocker? Did we all just assume Friends would be on forever and Nora Roberts would only write sweet romances? Change, people. We need to be able to adapt to our environment and change….
February 27th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Change is good. I like to try new things or I’d get in a rut and get bored with something I adore. Not good.
And: “She’s like the freaking cockroach of the entertainment industry.” Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha! You kill me, Shelli!
February 28th, 2007 at 12:13 am
LOL thanks Crys. I’m big no change too. I like to challenge myself.
February 28th, 2007 at 3:20 am
Challenge myself! Hmmmm…..I’m game. I got to figure out what that is. I love the “cockroach” comment. Hilarious!!!!
February 28th, 2007 at 4:26 am
I change my haircolor every month. Does that count?
February 28th, 2007 at 4:37 am
Funny you mention change. I’ve been thinking a lot about reinventing myself lately.
Although I think it’s stemming from a midlife crisis.
February 28th, 2007 at 5:02 am
ROFL!!! Can’t you just see Madonna’s face when she Googles herself and finds that comment?
Mr. Robin’s motto: Change is bad.
February 28th, 2007 at 6:25 am
Oh shit, I don’t want to piss off Madonna! I love her. I totally want to be her, riding a horse in England. *Grin*
I wrote this topic when I was sleepy, late at night. I always write crazy stuff at night. Sigh. But really, reinventing ourselves is key.
February 28th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Change is good. Yet I resist it. It’s like eating healthy. You know you should embrace it, and you feel better after you do, but it’s hard to give up the chocolate covered carbs…
February 28th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
I have gotten much worse about change as I’ve gotten older.
Then again, I write in many subgenres, so maybe not so much.
But I think change is necessary, yeah. I have this argument with people who cry over tv shows going off the air after ten year runs. Let them move on, people!
February 28th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Madonna as a cockroach. You slay me!