Pop culture references have always influenced society. Whether gleaned from politics, music, movies, sports, or literature, such references find their way into conversations, social media, and even our daily thoughts.
Each generation has had pop culture icons. Each decade has seen the ebb and flow of ideas. Each year has had its champion, a winning notion with multiple coattails for writers to grasp.
We’ve all heard joking references to the coming Zombie apocalypse. We’ve all been influenced by the notion of monsters invading our world. Vampires (the most popular monster) have always had their part in terror and in the sensual. But their roles are now largely changed.
The first Vampire tangent was through the writings of Anne Rice. The next shift was thanks to Joss Whedon, with his “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” movie and television series, and the series “Angel”. Add Stephenie Meyer, add dozens of “Me too” book and television series, and pop culture regarding Vampires has evolved.
Once horrific, Vampires have become heroic.
Many writers have found a good living in writing about Vampires. But, like all good things, success is often found in what the market will bear.
When a new writer decides to write popular fiction in a “Me too” genre, they should look at current trends in literature and film. They should be aware of pop culture. They should be aware of the current tastes of the everchanging public.
So, let’s look at the top genres of popular fiction with their market share.
#4 – Horror 2.25% of book sales
#3 – Sci Fi 16.5% of book sales
#2 – Crime/thriller 20.5% of book sales
#1 – Romance 40.5% of book sales
Is it any wonder that the notion of Vampires in love has become so popular?
Dividing these genres are books on Religion and Inspiration with 20.25% of book sales. Throw a bit of theology in the mix and you have wonderful works such as Showtime Entertainment’s “Penny Dreadful”.
What is the public hungry to read? What is the next thing to be popularized? What will be the topic of conversations in the coming months?
Perhaps we have too many foci in society of today. Politics, religion, nationalism, espionage, monsters – real and imagined – the little terrors in the night, the bright moments in the day, all can claim a share of our social media and entertainment.
The writer, in the end, must make a choice. Will they be a “Me too”? And if so, what will be the next popular subject?
That’s why in previous posts I’ve said I like to people-watch, and I recommend every writer do the same. Watch for the ebb and flow. Listen to the hustle and bustle. Keep an ear to the ground.
A stampede is coming.
Next month I’ll be posting “Elena Patrova”, a new short story I’ve added to my collection. And, with my next blog post, I will sample a portion of “My Dead”, my new novella.
Until then, find your center and comfort zone, find the wave that fits your style, and, whatever you do, never stop writing.