Blogger: Mary Keeley
Location: Books & Such Midwest Office, IL
In the past weeks we have viewed the industry from the publisher’s, pre-production’s, and agent’s perspectives. The natural progression to complete the loop: the BOOKS. Is there any one of us who hasn’t stood back in amazement at the phenomenal, often surprising success of some books and the endurance of others? No doubt we all have daydreamed about participating in one of these serendipity publishing experiences. That’s okay; it keeps us stretching for excellence. At the same time, we’re well aware of near flawlessly crafted works that win awards . . . but don’t sell.
I can hear your groans now: This discussion has taken place ad nauseum over the years, but there’s no way to figure it out. I know, I know. However, there’s benefit in re-visiting this complex topic every once in a while to stay connected—or reconnect—with the atmosphere, felt needs, and demands of readers in our current culture. Of course God’s special blessing on a project for his purposes is primary. That said, no matter what genre you write in, as we do a few case studies this week, maybe we’ll all come away with one or two insights for our own writing.
In the mid-1800s, as Northerners were first learning about brutal beatings, rapes, inhumane workloads, and horrid living conditions slaves in the South were enduring, the abolitionist movement grew (culture and atmosphere of the times). Those slaves who were fortunate enough to be freed told their stories. One of the most powerful influences is Frederick Douglass’s, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, in which he refutes slaveholders’ positive claims about slavery. His book sold 30,000 copies, and he added to his “platform” by speaking throughout the North and Europe about his experiences.
However, the anti-slavery book that reached the broadest audience was a romance novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In my Google search, I discovered that Harriet Beecher Stowe began her writing career as a freelance journalist to supplement the family’s income. She started writing the book as a series of articles in a newspaper. (Never underestimate the valuable feedback to be had from writing magazine and newspaper articles.) The public’s overwhelming response demanded that she publish these articles in a book. In the first year 300,000 copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin were sold in the US and 200,000 in England. Keep in mind, this was the mid-1800s . . . what was the total population at that time? Foreign translations and theater adaptations followed.
What factors worked together in this case study to contribute to the book’s enormous success?
1) The timing was prime. Momentum for the abolitionist movement already had been generated.
2) Something in the content met readers’ felt needs: to learn and understand slaves’ deeply personal horrors and the faith, love, and heroism of the slaves in response to it. (Penetrates hearts on various emotional levels).
3) Harriet, a white woman, was less threatening to the white audience in the North. And her book was cheered by the slave audience in the South, as they heard about it (broad recognition).
4) Uncle Tom was a character of integrity and Christian values who was faithful unto death to his fellow slaves (a character readers could sympathize with, cheer for, and care about).
5) The book motivated readers. The abolitionist movement grew rapidly in response to this novel. Just imagine the word-of-mouth marketing engine—still the best marketing tool.
6) The book stirred controversy: Northerners loved it; Southerners (except for the slaves, of course) hated it. But everyone wanted to “be in the know” about it. Should we always avoid writing about controversial topics from a Christian perspective . . . really?
How can you apply the ingredients that made Uncle Tom’s Cabin such a success to your own writing?
Jill Kemerer
I’m ashamed to admit this but I haven’t read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It’s time to head to the library!
I like how you broke down why it became so popular. As you said, timing had a huge impact. If the book had been written in 1920, it might not have had the same effect. I also think people are interested in how other people live. I’m sure Northerners were fascinated by the southern way of life and vice-versa.
Sue Harrison
Such a very good example, Mary. I have Googled “bestsellers” a number of times, and have found that in this century, many of the books that are really selling (or sold extremely well in their day) gave the readers information about a place, time and/or a people who lived much differently than they did, as you mentioned in your point #2.
Caroline
I agree with what you and Jill said about that effect of timing. Certain topics will strike readers’ hearts at different times in their lives, or in societal/cultural times. And, then I think there are some topics that can be “timeless” and relevant in any era.
Your fifth point caught my attention, as well. Our writing needs to motivate our readers in some way – whether to make a change, to reflect, to love, to encourage. The words and topic have to stir emotions, needs, and activate thoughts.
Interesting case study today!
Peter DeHaan
Another possible consideration is non-fiction versus fiction. Although I have read neither book, I suspect that Douglass’s non-fiction work could have been too intense and direct for the masses to embrace, whereas Stowe’s fiction was safer and more accessible. Even though readers would know, or inherently suspect, it to be a realistic depiction, they could feel “safe” knowing it was fiction, all the while assimilating the pertinent information.
(Two more recent examples of effective teaching via fiction come to mind: “A New Kind of Christian” and “True Story.”)
Jennifer Fromke
I agree with Sue. As a reader, if I can sneak under the skin of someone I don’t yet understand, that fascinates me, I will be hooked. I just read a book with a character working her way up the ladder of success in the world of news anchors. I watch these people on TV every day, but to see them from “the inside” gave me a new perspective. I want to write characters that people WANT to know, but maybe don’t have the opportunity to meet.
Many people in the mid-1800s did not know a man like Uncle Tom, but understanding that men like him existed, served to embolden an entire worldwide movement against slavery.
Maybe my next manuscript won’t serve to build a movement like the abolitionists, but I hope to draw in my readers, giving them a fresh perspective and possibly give them hope for what seems impossible in their life.
Julie Surface Johnson
Should we always avoid writing about controversial topics from a Christian perspective . . . really?
Thanks, Mary, for asking this question. I’d given up writing about abortion thinking I wasn’t the one to do it. Maybe I’m not. Or maybe I just haven’t yet written the great story that will turn the hearts of people toward babies and women who feel they have no other choice. I’m going to give this some serious thought.
Cheryl Malandrinos
As someone who works in book promotion, I too am amazed at the popularity of some books or the lack of interest in others. There are often books I bet will be a big hit with reviewers, only to discover I struggle to find enough people to read it. The opposite also holds true.
When I think about Uncle Tom’s Cabin versus Douglass’ book, I have to agree with Peter that perhaps Stowe’s book was safer and more accessible. As a reader, I also enjoy exploring controversial topics through fiction more than non-fiction.
I’ll definitely need to give this topic some thought on how it applies to my writing, as I don’t believe we should avoid writing about controversial topics from a Christian perspective, but I don’t feel called to write that way at this point in my career.
Mary Keeley
Great input from everyone! Peter and Cheryl, I agree that controversial subjects can often be more safely and effectively addressed through fiction, where the reader can connect with the characters’ emotions and struggles on a personal level. Even if readers are “on the other side of the fence” regarding the controversy, they can hopefully gain some understanding.
Stacy
I had no idea the book was that popular when it first came out – thanks for those interesting details. I will have to add it to my list to read.
I like what Jill said about people being interested in how others live. That’s why I love historicals – the time period, situations, and day-to-day struggles may be different than mine, but in a good read, I can identify with the universal human emotions of the characters.