Why is it agents love to use the word quirky? They love quirky picture books or quirky characters. I feel like it's becoming cliche. I always thought it meant weird, different, funny, odd, fun, goofy, eccentric, and unique. According to RhymeZone's definition, quirky means: strikingly unconventional. That's a lot more specific than my definition. Or is it? And the synonyms are: far-out, kinky, offbeat, unconventional, way-out. According to Webster, quirk (as a noun here) means a sudden twist or turn, and a peculiarity. I think more than anything, it's a feeling. Like beautiful. We all have our own opinions on what makes something beautiful. Same thing goes for quirky. I think it's: very unconventional, different, fun, unique.
So, what does quirky mean to you? Read any good quirky books lately (picture books or otherwise)?
Keep on keepin' on...
I'm SO glad you called this out. Quirky is thrown around for picture books about as much as high-concept or voice-driven is for novels. It would be far better to give examples, as you have done, or to specify the "kind" of quirky - odd friendships, fantastic characters, goofy personality traits, etc.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie,
ReplyDeleteSorry it's been so long since I popped by, I can't seem to comment on your blog from my netbook and the whole point of getting one was to read blogs in the gaps in the day - dash! After a super busy summer with overseas family and WriteOnCon I've made it over here and I feel very quirky lol. :)
I agree with all your descriptions, they all fit the image I have of quirky. And I have to say my son would love that Fartiste book and I would love the chicken one. Take care
Hi Christie, I do think the term quirky is overused, just as I think in YA edgy is ridiculously overused. To me, quirky brings to mind the Wallace & Gromit books and videos. I think quirky is more about characterization than anything else. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the above, but I'd be pretty psyched if I could come up with the next quirky character that an editor wanted to buy! :)
ReplyDeleteChristie - I'm with you! Quirky does seem to be a general adjective that is overly used. It is just like the above commenters said - YA edgy or voice driven. I do like the definition, "strikingly unconventional," but even that is subjective.
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