This question could apply to reading as well, but I'd like to talk about genre as it relates to writing.
I write in two genres -- historical fiction (1840s) and art crime mysteries (21st Century). My fascination with history, art, culture, and what life was like back then creates an overlap between these two genres.
- Underlying theme: Pretty close to the same: My historical fiction characters generally struggle to find/make a better life, despite sometimes overwhelming obstacles, often created by the upper class. My art crime investigators work to try to resolve crime, restore what was lost, and find truth and justice along the way.
- Settings: Pretty much international -- Scotland, France, Australia, Canada for my historical fiction, and, so far, France, Scotland, and Egypt for art crime. I absolutely love to travel anywhere and happily love the adventure that pursuing a new story brings.
- Characters: My stories follow a family (brothers and sisters) for historical fiction (most likely, a family saga), and a pair of detectives (male and female couple) for art crime.
Although readers may expect certain scenes and actions (even style of dialogue) for the genres they read, I don't rely too heavily on genre outlines. I do use them to check the story has depth as it develops. For example, I'm still learning how to really outline with the goal to not need 3 years to write a novel! Genre outlines like the Journey of the Hero, or Savannah Gilbo, for example, her 6 Scenes Every Crime Story Needs (genre checklists), or Jessica Brody's Save the Cat Writes a Novel, are all helpful.
But I hope I avoid formulaic writing that may entertain but lead to stories that are too predictable. I still remember that meeting with literary critics on East Coast, where one potential agent asked, "You write genre fiction?" I swear she sniffed, her nose in the air, as if genre fiction were something with a horrible odor.
Maybe I'm like you, more of an intuitive writer, enjoying the process of sinking into a time and place with particular characters and setting them up with a nasty twist of fate to see what happens next!
More About IWSG:
Note that the first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Here's a chance to post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
And plan to visit those writers who are co-hosting this month: Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox!
I'd like to add a challenge: Why not celebrate the coming fall by reading maybe just one book written by one of the IWSG members? And review it on Amazon and/or GoodReads, knowing that writing a review is the best way to say thank you to other story writers!
Meme from AutoCrit
Art crime mysteries. That sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteYOU have a great one. Thanks for stopping by the blog.
And thank you for visiting right back!
DeleteAs writers, we get to travel all over the world.
ReplyDeleteCool you promoted reading an IWSG member's book.
I'll never understand why some people look down on genre fiction. Hey folks, it's what sells!
Thanks, Alex. C. Lee McKenzie reviewed one of my books, and she really wrote an amazing review, affirming another way of connecting with othe writers!
DeleteHi Beth, just dropped to check out your websites. I am so intrigued by your writing historical fiction and I saw some poetry too. I will be looking out for more gradually.
ReplyDeleteHello, Sonia. Thank you for visiting. The poetry doesn't come along as often as I'm now deep in drafting a book, but that was one of the reasons I really liked your blog!
DeleteGreat answer to the question. Your books sound intriguing. I also love to travel. Writing a story about a place gives you a wonderful excuse to hit the road, or sky!
ReplyDeleteHello, Mary. Thank you for stopping by. When I can't travel as much or as widely, writing gives me an excuse to revisit those wonderful places I've been. Write on!
DeleteYour blog is educational, sparks my own desire to write, and inspires me to get busy. I am impressed by your dedication, expertise, and willingness to help. Your books capture my interest from the first line, through twists, turns and surprises. They are hard to put down. I am a fan!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thank you, Sandy. I think you are my Number One Fan!!!!!
DeleteI really liked Save the Cat Writes a Novel and hope it helps me write a novel quicker next time too. I bookmarked the mystery link because I'd like write a mystery some day.
ReplyDeleteYes, Savannah Gilbo is a treasure of strategies and motivation. I was surprised by how much SAVE THE CAT brought me new twists on my current wip. Thank you for visiting and I hope you really do write that mystery! Maybe start with a short story?
DeleteWow, Beth! You write in fascinating time periods about fascinating subjects. Life in the 1840s and art crime mysteries in the 21st Century. More power to you! Have a beautiful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, for some weird reason, 19th Century history calls to me . . . as does art history. May your own writing go well!
DeleteI absolutely love to travel too, Beth! Your two writing genres sound fascinating. Happy writing in October!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fundy Blue. Sometimes I think the older we get, the more past journeys inspire us. May your journeys inspire your writing as well. Keep traveling!
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