Novel Marketing How to Write Stories Readers Will Love by Knowing the Zeitgeist
Oct 30, 2024
Alexander Macris, a multi-talented author, publisher, and game designer, dives deep into the forces shaping literature today. He discusses how understanding historical patterns can help predict future reader preferences. Macris explores the cultural shift towards hopeful narratives, the impact of societal changes on character archetypes, and the decline of antiheroes. He urges writers to reflect on complex narratives and themes of individuality while reconnecting with audience desires for authentic storytelling.
01:08:22
Child's Anticipation Predicts Outcome
- Thomas Umstattd Jr. shares how his daughter anticipated a loud noise and protected her ears before a metal plate hit the floor.
- This example illustrates understanding past patterns to predict immediate future events effectively.
Cultural Shift Causes Media Flops
- Major video game and Hollywood flops reveal a cultural shift as the zeitgeist changes.
- Publishers mainly profit from classics now because new works struggle to resonate amid cultural upheaval.
The Four Turnings Cycle Explained
- Society cycles through four turnings: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis roughly every 20 years.
- These cyclical patterns explain social fragmentation, distrust, and rising chaos before societal renewal.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Cultural Shifts in Storytelling
02:02 • 26min
Reflections on Dystopia and Individualism
27:52 • 13min
A Shift Towards Hopeful Storytelling
40:29 • 17min
The Evolution of Complexity in Solutions and Stories
57:14 • 3min
The Power of Storytelling in Culture
01:00:25 • 4min
Shifting Trends in Romance Literature and Gender Roles
01:04:47 • 4min
The Grey Champion
The Grey Champion
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Murder on the Orient Express
Fran�ois Rivi�re
This graphic adaptation brings to life Agatha Christie's famous detective novel, where Hercule Poirot investigates a murder on the luxurious Orient Express.
The story unfolds with intricate clues and surprising twists, keeping readers engaged until the end.
The original novel, first published in 1934, is a masterpiece of the whodunit genre.
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
Gone with the Wind
Margaret Mitchell
Published in 1936, 'Gone with the Wind' is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the complexities of human passions during the American Civil War and Reconstruction.
The story revolves around Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled and manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia, as she navigates through heartbreak, ambition, and survival.
The novel vividly depicts the dramatic changes and social upheaval of the time, featuring a cast of unforgettable characters including Rhett Butler, Melanie Hamilton, and Ashley Wilkes.
It is a sweeping narrative filled with intricate character relationships, emotional depth, and a striking commentary on resilience in the face of adversity.
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.
The Fourth Turning Is Here
Neil Howe
In 'The Fourth Turning Is Here,' Neil Howe expands on his earlier theory of historical cycles, which posits that modern history moves in cycles lasting roughly 80 to 100 years, each cycle composed of four eras or 'turnings.
' The current era, the fourth turning, is characterized by polarization, civil conflict, and global tensions, but also holds the promise of a new golden age for America.
The book delves into the collective personality of each living generation to make sense of the current crisis and explores how different generations will be affected by the upcoming political, social, and economic challenges.
It also provides insights on how the country, communities, and families can prepare to meet these challenges.
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury
In this classic dystopian novel, Ray Bradbury depicts a future American society where books are outlawed and 'firemen' are tasked with burning any discovered.
The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who starts to question his role after encountering Clarisse, a young girl who loves nature and reading.
As Montag delves deeper into the world of books, he begins to see the emptiness of his life and the dangers of a society that values entertainment over critical thinking and intellectual freedom.
With the help of Faber, a retired English professor, Montag rebels against the system, leading to a confrontation with his fire chief, Captain Beatty, and ultimately joining a group of intellectuals who have memorized books to preserve knowledge for a post-apocalyptic future.
We the living
Ayn Rand
Published in 1936, 'We the Living' is Ayn Rand's first novel and is set in Soviet Russia.
The story revolves around three main characters: Kira Argounova, a fiercely independent young woman; Leo Kovalensky, the man she loves who is marked as an enemy of the state due to his bourgeois origins; and Andrei Taganov, an officer of the Soviet Secret police.
The novel critiques the collectivist state and its impact on individual lives, highlighting themes of personal freedom, individualism, and the sanctity of human life.
Rand's work is a powerful commentary on the oppressive nature of totalitarian regimes and the human spirit's struggle for survival and self-determination under such conditions.
The Fountainhead
Ayn Rand
Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society.
The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers').
It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas.
The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy.
The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom.
The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State.
The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.
Animal Farm
George Orwell
Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism.
The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones.
After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism.
However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against.
The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.
The grapes of wrath
John Steinbeck
Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck.
It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless.
Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society.
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
As Yoda says, “Difficult to see the future is.” But difficult is not impossible. Causes have effects, and the more you have a sense of the rhythms of the past, the better you can sense the future.
If it takes you two years to write a book, you owe it to yourself to ask, “What kinds of books will be popular in two years?” Reader preferences change over time, but sometimes they change rapidly. If you don’t keep up, you may get stuck writing a book people no longer want to read.
So, how can you determine what will be popular in a few years?
In this week’s episode, I speak with Alexander Macris about how history’s cyclical patterns can give us clues about what types of literature will resonate in the future. You’ll learn
- Why certain themes and plots are failing miserably in our current moment
- Where to find past ideas that are likely to resonate in the future
- Why certain themes resonate at different times in history
Listen in or read the blog version of this episode to get a head start on writing a book with themes that will resonate with readers in the future.