#WritersCoffeeClub 24-11-28 Do you try to give readers what they want or strive for originality?
What readers [say they] want is another book just like the last one they really liked.
What they need is not that: what they need is something different that nevertheless makes them feel the same way.
So I aim to give my readers what they need, not what they expect.
I totally agree with you, but there is an issue here: each reader needs a different thing. And a reader needs change over time.
And there is the matter of expectations. When I start to watch something they sold me as a comedy, I want a comedy. Maybe if it ends up being a drama I will accept it, but feeling cheated doesn't help.
It worked with Million Dollar Baby; but it was so darn good and the feeling of being cheated mixed so well with the feelings of the main character that it worked.
But don't throw at me a coming of age real life drama when I want action packed hard scifi, please.
(I know you know it. It is for the other people, I don't want them getting the wrong idea).
