Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

So every year the psychics make their predictions ast to what will happen during the upcoming new year. So I thought it'd be fun to see if anyone can predict what new trends will take off, what trends will lose popularity, and/or what authors will gain popularity. Do you think more meaningful covers will be a trend? Do you think self publishing will take over? Come on, let your inner psychic out and tell us what you think.

Interesting! Lemme give this a try.

I think that from an author standpoint, self publishing is going to see a really big boon this year. Especially after the Amanda Hocking and EL James situations. But from a reader standpoint, I think self publishing will start to see a decline in popularity. With the rush of new self published authors, readers will find that the majority of them just aren't any good and will shy away from it in general.

For covers, I am thinking that we'll see a lot of landscape covers in adult fiction. I dunno why, but I just get the feeling. In YA, I am sensing a big year in unconscious girls on the covers. Last year the big trend seemed to be girls underwater/potentially drowning...this year I am predicting unconscious/dead girls for YA covers.

Interesting predictions Stefani. I never paid attention, but you are correct on the girls under water.

I think we will continue to see dystopian fiction as popular for YA as well as Sci-Fi.

I think going along with Stefani's earlier comment, we will see a lot of flowers on the cover of adult books. I am thinking in YA we will continue to see a lot of flowing dresses.

Ahhh, the dystopian one is a good one. That does seem to be the "it" thing right now...and since it's selling it would make sense that it continues.

I know this has nothing to do with books but, I heard on the radio the other day that for 2013 some babies will have Tech inspired names, like Hashtag and Tweet...I'd hate to be the poor kid that ends up with a handle like that...lol :D

Oh my! That would really suck!

I've been hearing the expression, "Enough with the vampires." Does that mean that genre is on the way out?

Lisa Kay wrote: "I've been hearing the expression, "Enough with the vampires." Does that mean that genre is on the way out?"

Um, LK, Vampires never die. *Whispers* Haven't you heard?

Lisa Kay wrote: "I've been hearing the expression, "Enough with the vampires." Does that mean that genre is on the way out?"

I think it just means that fad is waning. So we'll start seeing a definitely uptick in other creatures and monsters. We've seen a lot of shapeshifters lately, then angels....perhaps mermaids are next? Or witches?

Stefani wrote: "Lisa Kay wrote: "I've been hearing the expression, "Enough with the vampires." Does that mean that genre is on the way out?"

I think it just means that fad is waning. So we'll start seeing a def..."

True, they'e been saying that for a couple of years and while they may lose popularity they always seem to stick around.

I don't think Vampire books will ever get old to me. Well, honestly, I don't think any Paranormal book will ever get old for me. I am quickly finding Paranormal and Fantasy to be two of my favorite genres.

I'm a little late but here is what I think will happen this year:

The popularity of dystopian novels will decrease by the end of the year (not completely go away!) and the YA community/book world will be waiting for the next big thing.

Romance books WILL have more BSDM. Not necessarily as explicit as Fifty Shades of Grey, but we'll be seeing more submissive behavior from women/dominant men.

Lisarenee wrote: "Um, LK, Vampires never die. *Whispers* Haven't you heard?"

You are cute, you know that LR?

Sashana wrote: "...but we'll be seeing more submissive behavior for women/dominant men."

Agree with you completely, Sashana. Much to my dismay. Hope they keep it to the bedroom, and fun and games only, because I don't want to weed through that in my romance books.

I couldn't resist. You left yourself wide open for that one. Also, I kind of like the LR LK thing. lol I know I'm getting lazy. I once told Sans if anyone called me anything shorter than Lisa they were lazy because Lisa is so short and here I go and do it. I think at one time someone proposed to call me Li.

Hey, it is a fast-paced world we live in. And, yes, I left myself wide open. ☺

A Sealed Fate


Since we're talking about predictions - I just finished this terrific read by a new author. The book's plot centres around an astrology prediction made by an astrologer for the protagonist Valda. The author has studied astrology and philosophy and so apart from being a pacey, contemporary read it gives the reader an insight into fate and freewill and the trade off between the two. I highly recommend it and I think the reviews on goodreads speak for themselves.
Clive.