Guest article by Camille Cabrera
Experience
I recently became a bestselling mystery author. The achievement ushered in a tidal wave of questions. Predominantly, could I repeat such impressive success? The sudden attention on my first cozy mystery book overflowed to my other novels. While the engagement grew, I wanted to continue experimenting with different mystery subgenres. I knew trying something different was a risk, but I asked myself, what was the harm in trying? Tentatively, I expanded from cozy mystery to young adult mystery. The risk paid off. Below the Water reached the number one spot on two Amazon New Release charts.
Of course, my previous explorations into mystery subgenres haven’t always been so warmly received. My earlier ventures merited moderate rankings within a few charts. Perhaps I needed time to improve. As a young author, I’m aware of my swift success and now I’m focused on encouraging the momentum, one ambitious mystery at a time.
The stories were not an overnight success, although it might look like it from the condensed timeline. I wrote for years without gaining much attention.
Camille Cabrera
Strategy
I reached this milestone because I indulged my curiosity while simultaneously embracing feedback. I welcomed a mindset stubbornly committed to growth. I learned to navigate feedback from various virtual and in-person sources. While writing remains a personal artistic endeavor, I realized it also possessed a communal aspect. My stories drift around the world as curious fingers flip from one page to the next.
What I love most and like least are one and the same. I love using my art to connect with people. Of course, this joy requires facing public perception. Being vulnerable. Wondering, how will readers embrace my characters?
With time, I recognized the market expectations surrounding different mystery subgenres. I learned how cozy mystery varied from young adult. A process of discovery unfolded between myself and my readers. Once I learned how to better connect with my readers, I continued to craft a bond, one book at a time.
The stories were not an overnight success, although it might look like it from the condensed timeline. I wrote for years without gaining much attention. Still, I wrote and pondered the possibilities for my next tale. A tweak here and an improvement there to hone my craft. Nearly imperceptible daily growth eventually became visible when looking back over time.
Movement
Crafting an excellent story requires embracing my natural curiosity and eagerly exploring trends within the market while questioning how they might complement my artistic style. Questions like how can I prioritize the needs of my female protagonists or how can I improve my market share? After a few years, I’ve learned two key answers. If I can’t find an ideal response to a question, then I’m probably asking the wrong question. Second, art leaves room for open-ended inquiries.
What I once viewed as an individual game of tug-of-war has shifted into a communal game of questions. Going forward, I refuse to be stagnant. The questions flow like an ocean current, leading me down new, unexplored paths.
About the Author:
Camille Cabrera is a #1 bestselling author. She recently gained notoriety thanks to her first cozy mystery titled, The Mystery of Mistletoe Motel. Her latest cozy mystery, Lady Cavendish’s Christmas Caper, ranked within the top 10 on four Amazon charts. Cabrera’s expansion into young adult mystery and fantasy proved a great success. Below the Water ranked #1 on Amazon’s New Releases in Teen & Young Adult Alternative History chart and #1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Mythical Creatures eBooks chart. As a Los Angeles local, Cabrera enjoys visiting unique small eateries and coffee shops. She often takes walks with a black coffee in hand.
Waking Writer 