Happy Insecure Writers Support Group day!
Once a month, writers from across the land set forth to shout their fears, concerns, insecurities, and joys into the Universe- come join us!
Today I'm talking about crossing lines. More importantly, crossing the great genre divide.
Knowing what genre you write in is fairly basic and something a writer really needs to understand. Many an agent or editor has bemoaned the "mystery/romance/SF/historical/adventure" manuscripts they end up getting. And sometimes it is difficult to narrow it down. If you have a classical romance story, with classical romance characters and plotting- you're pretty safe in knowing you have a Romance.
But there are books that subtly combine genres. Sort of like a Reece's Cup, they take elements of two genres (don't really know if more than two would work- never seen one, but you never know!) and combine them into something stronger.
Now, the traditional publishing world sometimes is ok with this as long as it's clear that one element is dominant (the chocolate let's say) and they know which side of the bookstore to go in. They will label that book in that genre and package it accordingly.
But what of those folks from the other genre (the peanut butters)who might really want a nice mixed genre book.
Here's where going Indie has an advantage- Indies can promote in both. Example- SF/Romance. An author may be in the SF section (Linnea Sinclair is a great example) BUT not only would SF fans like her books, but some romance fans might as well. However, they may not realize such a hybrid exists since they don't go to THAT (aka SF/F) side of the bookstore.
But an Indie can market it under both.
Which is very cool. But also, after years of hearing "one genre only!" from the traditional publishing world, a bit scary.
I write fantasy, space opera, and steampunk with romantic elements. What that last part means is that while my books wouldn't live in the romance isle, they all have romantic sub-plots that are really essential to the books. All of them.
I work character first- meaning, the people pop in my head then I start figuring out the story and how I can screw up my people. And couples are always there.
I love reading books like that- the ones with a great plot, fun adventure, awesome characters and romance. But, as I approach next year, and the launching of my fantasy with romantic elements series, I start to wonder if crossing the genres is going to work. Well, I'll keep writing them- but will others buy them? Love some peanut butter in their chocolate? I sure hope so.
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Indies have shaken up the traditional model a lot. It was time for new ways of handling publishing and think it will turn out to be a much more efficient business because of those changes. I already see it happening in the way the big houses are doing things.
ReplyDeleteVery true, C. Lee. I think the Indie book business is forcing the traditional publishers to re-evaluate how they run. Which I think is a win-win for authors and readers. :)
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
I think as long as the readers know which genre is supplying most of the energy for the main plot, I don't think you'll have any problems with mixed genres books.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Ken, I know for myself when it's clear for the start which is taking lead, I love mixed genres :).
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Write what you love and you love to read. It's amazing what the Big 5 don't know about readers.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Diane. The Big Five really don't think about readers. Thanks for coming by and commenting!
DeleteMarie- at day job can't log onto blogger
My one romance book has adventure elements, my two mysteries have romance elements. People like them so not going to change how I write...LOL!
ReplyDeleteD.B. McNicol
Romance & Mystery...writing my life
Hey, Donna, you sure better not! Sounds like your readers would be very disappointed. I think as readers realize there are more options out there, they will start looking for more crossovers.
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Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
That's a definite benefit of indie writing, no boundaries. I don't have a problem with my novels not fitting in a genre. GL!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Lucinda! Funny thing, I think readers agree that boundaries just slow things down ;). Thanks for coming by and commenting!
DeleteMarie- at day job can't log onto blogger
"I work character first- meaning, the people pop in my head then I start figuring out the story and how I can screw up my people." <--I love this line. Partly because I do it too, but mostly because I'm not the only one thinking about how I can screw up my characters. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks, M.J.! Yes, thinking up ways to mess with them is the best fun! ;)
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Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
It seems like "hybrid-styled-authors" are on the rise... and having the reputation as a writer who doesn't fit into one category can be liberating. These are the people who become trendsetters!
ReplyDeleteWriters live in exciting times! The "face" of the literary industry changes every week/month. Genre pigeon-holing is fading... or it should be...
Writer In Transit
I agree, Michelle! I think the more of us that bust through the genre lines, the less power they have (at least I keep telling myself that ;))
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Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
It seems traditional publishing is always a bit behind the times. Horror has been meshed with sci-fi and fantasy for quite some time, for instance, but how long did it take for them to catch on and make urban fantasy (for example) a thing? Paranormal romance? But being able to just be what you are, in terms of your story, is definitely liberating.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Shannon. I was at a convention over the week-end and hearing a few of the editors, it was clear they are behind on what's going on outside NY.
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Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
I've always had a bit of a hybrid in my writing. I feel some great books usually have a little of another element in them, at least a few of my favorites have.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, Debra. Some trad authors have been sneaking in other elements for a while. Hopefully it will become more full blown as the Indies really start moving forward :).
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Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
I know I like peanut butter with my chocolate--in terms of stories only though--and love that the indie world has embraced crossed genres. The only thing us writers can do is write the stories that call us.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Lynda. I keep telling myself that worrying about it, isn't going to change a thing. I write what I like so I have to have faith that others will like it too.
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger
Maybe it's just me, but what I love best about books, no matter what aisle I find them in, is the love story component. I think it deepens motives, heightens suspense and gives me something to hope for other than the successful conclusion of the main plot. I could be twisted but (using a movie example) I think of The Terminator as a love story set in a world of science fiction.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's twisted at all, Sharon. I'd never thought of it that way, but while the Terminator story could have survived without the love story part, that was what gave the move heart (and a broken one at that ;))
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
Marie- at day job can't log onto blogger