I remember reading an interview with an adult author some years ago in
which he mentioned that he switched to a pen name mid-career. It seems
his initial books hadn’t sold well, and bookstore buyers and librarians
weren’t buying many copies of newer (better?) books based on the
performance of his older works. In other words, he felt he could be
more successful as an unknown entity then an experienced, but mediocre talent.
Like it or not, authors of series books are often looked at as “mediocre talents.” For every Ann M. Martin, who created the Babysitter’s Club and went on to write many well-reviewed books, there are others who toil in seriesdom.
This year’s National Book Award winner for young people, Judy Blundell, is a wonderful example of an author who has made her career in series fiction and is now getting recognized for her own talent. Under such pen names as Jude Watson, Blundell wrote suspense series’ books for teens and Star Wars novelizations. Her first book published under her own name, What I Saw and How I Lied , is a historical fiction book set in post World War II America. It’s a time when South Florida was considered an exotic vacation destination, where it is easy to see a girl falling under the spell of first love.
As a reader who doesn’t care for historical fiction, this is a title in the genre I’d recommend to those who “have” to read a historical fiction title. Blundell has the talent needed to write a quick read, something that she undoubtedly perfected in her series writing, but something that you also don’t often find in historical fiction, which can tend to be overly descriptive to help set the scene. The book has plot twists and turns, a satisfying surprise ending, and wonderful characters (and a wonderful cover!)
Like it or not, authors of series books are often looked at as “mediocre talents.” For every Ann M. Martin, who created the Babysitter’s Club and went on to write many well-reviewed books, there are others who toil in seriesdom.
This year’s National Book Award winner for young people, Judy Blundell, is a wonderful example of an author who has made her career in series fiction and is now getting recognized for her own talent. Under such pen names as Jude Watson, Blundell wrote suspense series’ books for teens and Star Wars novelizations. Her first book published under her own name, What I Saw and How I Lied , is a historical fiction book set in post World War II America. It’s a time when South Florida was considered an exotic vacation destination, where it is easy to see a girl falling under the spell of first love.
As a reader who doesn’t care for historical fiction, this is a title in the genre I’d recommend to those who “have” to read a historical fiction title. Blundell has the talent needed to write a quick read, something that she undoubtedly perfected in her series writing, but something that you also don’t often find in historical fiction, which can tend to be overly descriptive to help set the scene. The book has plot twists and turns, a satisfying surprise ending, and wonderful characters (and a wonderful cover!)