In today’s world we’re very visually motivated. Because of savvy marketing gimmicks, we often make decisions based on eye appeal rather than performance. Bells and whistles and cross-the-heart promises sell us everything from dressed-up paperweights to lighter-than-air feather dusters–and usually, all for a mere $19.95.
From cleaning supplies, food, clothing, make-up, and countless everyday products to the more costly things such as cars, homes, and vacations, we are inundated with hundreds of attractive choices. Some of the marketed goods live up to our expectations (and the touted guarantees), but many do not.
Now, I like choices. I like the freedom to make an informed choice. I do have a bit of a problem with the wool being intentionally pulled over my eyes or when the “eye candy” is so sugary that it could make an aspirin seem sweet.
I’ve thought about the eye candy analogy a lot as I write. Sometimes, as writers we walk a fine line between the use of fancy adjectives and detailed description (eye candy) when what we really need to do is to concentrate on crafting a great story.
Many years ago, I was sitting in a writing class taught by a petite, gray-bunned matron who, I’m guessing, was about 80 or so at the time. I was young, green, and wondered what on earth I was thinking when I signed up for her class.
As it turned out, this woman was a wellspring of information. She was kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. She was also brilliant, detail-oriented, and had a genuine desire to share her knowledge of the craft she loved so much.
As she taught, she often repeated the obvious. I wondered why then, but now I realize it was because of the repetitive factor. The more we hear things, the more likely we are to remember them. (Kind of like when someone hears the Gospel initially. It may take many times before Christ’s message fully impacts.)
To this day, I recall much of what this instructor taught–seemingly common sense basics, but ones that we often think are for others and not us. To paraphrase:
When writing, think simple instead of “flowery.” Crafting a memorable story and penning a remarkable tale will always win hands down over that which is bogged down in catalog-like description.
Dressing a skunk in finery can’t disguise its scent. These creatures might seem cute in cartoons, but getting up close and personal with them often turns out to be a stinky experience. In other words, all the “eye candy” in the world won’t help a poorly plotted novel.
See our work as a comparison shopper might. Initially, the bells and whistles might garner attention, but when the product is opened, will it delight or disappoint? Will the inside be what the outside has promised?
Verbs are not restmats. Choose action words carefully and creatively. Constipation isn’t pleasant and certainly not in our stories. Strong verbs result in good movement (of the story.)
Create colorful characters, but don’t get carried away with the paintbrush. A little description goes a long way. Simply describe the pretty dress without revealing the petticoat.
Make your words be your “eye candy.” Let them stand on their own merit. Have your story show that the “proof is in the pudding.” Cursing should never carry a novel; to do so not only disrupts the flow of the book, it intimates ignorance for lack of a better vocabulary. (And, I might add here, since I write Christian fiction, foul language won’t be in my books. I know all the words–I just choose not to use them.)
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What do you think are positive ways that we might market Christian books? Do you think “eye candy” plays a significant role in how secular books are marketed?
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REMINDER…Blog drawing on Friday! Leave a comment by midnight Friday (on this week’s posts) for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Chili’s! (I’ll randomly draw from this week’s commenters and announce the winner on Monday.) 🙂
Comments 12
I think cover art plays a big role. I admit I’m drawn to a beautiful
cover, but I only buy the book if the description gives hints of a
powerful or interesting story. Is there a strong plot? That is one
of my biggest questions when considering whether to buy a book.
🙂
Author
Book covers are certainly influential in our purchasing decisions, Tanya. I think most of us are geared to at least open the book based on the cover art.
I’ve been an avid reader since I was old enough to read. I would much rather let the words of the book be my “eye candy.” I love imagining what the story “looks like.” I am so often disappointed when movies come out, based on my favorite books. The car wasn’t right…the wife wasn’t right…the house…so much is not only not how I imagined it, but even not how was described! Hollywood has ruined many books!
Covers definitely attract me, too. I know you’re not supposed to “judge a book by its cover,” but if the cover is boring, I might not even pick it up, unless it’s by an author I know I like.
Author
Bickley, of course, I love to read, too (almost as much as I enjoy writing!)
Yes, it’s sad when a favorite book doesn’t live up to our expectations on the big screen. I agree, our words should stand out as the “eye candy.” And when the words and covers seem to be in sync, that’s when the magic happens. Great writing + fantastic story + off-the-chart fabulous cover art = all around superb novel!
Author
And forgive me, I see from a previous comment that it’s “Jeff.” Great to officially meet you!
I remember a college English professor who spent the first half of the semester red inking our papers without the consequence of a bad grade. She didn’t start grading until the 2nd half because she wanted to give us a fair chance to modify our writing skills without the stress of a bad grade. Of course my red inking was to get rid of the flowery stuff….never forgot that teacher, learned so much from her!
Author
Yes, Becky, those are the types of teachers/professors I learned the most from, as well. I did have one professor that took a bit of a different tack–she gave the class a three strikes you’re out policy. Three mistakes on a writing assignment and that would lower the grade by an entire letter. I became a fast learner.
I feel a bit shallow saying this, but I’m really drawn to book covers. Since I’m not big on Amish novels or stories, if I see a woman in a white bonnet I generally pass it up. About a year ago, on FB, another writer friend recommended Karen Witemeyer’s book, Head in the Clouds. I saw the beautiful cover and heard it was on sale on Amazon, and bought it that night! I did respect the person recommending the story, but I was definitely sold by the gorgeous cover and the colors, etc… (And I loved the story and her other books, so I’m a big fan now, too.)
Anyway, my point is I buy based on my likes/dislikes, catchy cover art, and word of mouth by authors/friends I know or trust.
I love the advice you shared in your post, BTW! Very helpful. I will definitely tuck that info away! 🙂
Author
Oh, don’t “pass” on the Amish stories! There are so many wonderful authors that write these stories, and once you read their work, you realize that Amish fiction isn’t at all what folks imagine it to be. 🙂
“Eye candy” certainly does seem to play an important role in marketing approaches…
When I first began writing, my descriptions went beyond flowery. They rivaled those beautiful gardens surrounding European castles. I had to learn to use words carefully and with restraint. One well-chosen word can replace several lesser ones and have far greater impact.
Author
How “write” you are, Keli! Years ago, a dear friend and fellow writer told me, “Enough already with the sunsets. I know you can describe them in a thousand different ways. Paint a picture for your reader with one or two words versus ten.”
For me, word of mouth (recommended reading) is what usually draws my attention to a book, whether it’s a review, or someone who enjoyed it shares their thoughts.