I was going to put “Asian fantasy” in the title, but then I had visions of people coming here searching for a XXX site—ugh.
I got a note from a reader who told me they’ve been searching for this sort of book forever and there’s not much out there. She had been going through search engines looking for Asian fantasy stories. It’s not the first letter I’ve gotten like that either. Each one makes me hopeful. For an unpublished writer to start getting fan mail, and not from friends who love me, that must mean something right? 🙂
It was a big boost when I found an agent who was excited to go to bat for me. We’re still on that search for the editor who believes that these stories will sell. Funny how much of an uphill battle it is to get into English language genre fiction when there’s a flood of movies, manga, anime and centuries of Asian language literature on the same themes.
Once in a while when I’m feeling blue and lonely, I do go googling for Asian fantasy fiction or wuxia. But that’s okay. I knew this was going to be hard when I started. I just have to keep improving the writing.
So if you’re out there. If you’re searching too and you’ve found me. Say hello. *waves*
I truly believe there is a market and I love these stories. I’m very stubborn and somewhat patient and there’s enough stories in this genre to last another couple centuries.
Jun 02, 2009 @ 11:17:50
I’ve been seeing a lot of recs/reviews of Cindy Pon’s Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia. It’s young adult, and looks really good.
Jun 02, 2009 @ 13:23:39
I’ve been pimping Cindy’s book here on my blog. YA readers will grow up eventually. 🙂
I’ve actually read the book and it is quite good. Can easily be for YA or adult readers.
Jun 03, 2009 @ 10:04:46
I think you’re right–the genre is just begging for representation! I’m actually surprised there really isn’t much out there considering that it seems there’s a bit of a trend towards things Asian.
I just hope I’ll be able to find that agent (when the time comes) to represent me like yours 🙂 I’m sure there’s an editor out there who will see the promise of your book and what the genre in general has to offer.
Jun 03, 2009 @ 13:44:52
Good luck! I know there are plenty of editors out there who may realize our Asian stories are worth the investment. Even my paranormal that’s being shopped around is having difficulties. The editors want fresh, but when it comes down to it they are afraid it won’t be well received. I guess it’s a double-edged sword…but your writing is totally Asian fantasy so I can bet you’ll get picked up before me 🙂
Jun 07, 2009 @ 19:46:17
you are writing adult romance / fantasy, jeannie? i found there was a bit more resistance in the adult industry. i queried straight fantasy agents first before someone suggested i try young adult. i think it’s great you got an agent. just keep writing what you love and believe. sending lots of /bootay shakes! and debut dust your way. =D thank you for your support of my debut!
Jun 07, 2009 @ 22:18:44
Cindy – I considered straight fantasy at one point, but it really is romance. Thanks for the encouraging words! Your story is an inspiration. Young adults grow up fast and will be looking for something to read, won’t they? 😉
Jun 07, 2009 @ 22:48:17
jeannie, oh definitely! and so yours is “different”, but it only takes one editor with vision to fall in love and back it! so cheers to you!! a love story is a love story, imo! good luck! i’d love to read an asian based romance! have you read dream of the red chamber? that’s family saga with a touch of romance as well as “fantasy”.