This round's question comes from the ever-talented Margie who asks:
How did you come to write your YA genre (e.g. contemp, fantasy, etc.)? AND (yep, it’s a 2 parter), if you weren’t writing that, what genre would you be interested in exploring?
Like my predecessor Sandra, I don't think I write YA (nor do I think I could). The biggest problem for me is that I don't really know what genre a particular tale might be in. If it's obviously sci-fi or fantasy or horror, I'd probably be able to tell. But despite reading many posts by other bloggers on the subject of genres, I still don't have a clue.
To answer the question however, it's probably safest to say I like to write thrillers with a paranormal twist set inside a horror background. Oh, and throw in a few mythological creatures for good measure. Okay, I have no idea what genre I am writing in, but I know what it isn't. I don't write romance or historical fiction. I don't think I have what it takes to write the former effectively (without it becoming sappy or turning into softcore porn), and the latter would scare the crap out of me because of all the required research. One of the best benefits of being a storyteller in a made up world is I get to make all the rules, make up all the background, and ignore reality (to some extent anyway).
As for the second part, I've gotten some really good ideas from some of the other chainers. I could see myself writing something in a Western setting, though like the Dark Tower style. I don't know if I could write it as a straight Western though - gotta have something out of the ordinary. I could also see myself composing a tale in a Steampunk reality, though the research devil rears its ugly head there. I haven't written any fantasy stories since I was much younger, so that would be fun too.
If you haven't checked out what the incredible Sandra has to say on the subject, get on over there. And the awesome Michelle Hickman will be presenting her thoughts tomorrow.
14 comments:
Yeah, romance is pretty much off my list, too.
Nice to know I'm not the only one who doesn't write YA! I suppose you could say your genre is interstitial.
I love a good thriller with a dash of paranormal! Nice!!! Keep me in mind when you need eyes on your story - k???
I didn't realize how many YA authors are on the chain until this round LOL It didn't start out that way - I think most of us were adult writers in the very beginning...then again, there are very few original members left LOL And ditto what Christine said! :D
Sounds like "speculative fiction" (as a broad term) may cover what you write. Speculative thrillers, maybe. Spec thrills.
I'm with you on Westerns. There needs to be an unusual story element for me to write it.
I'd love to write a western/historical set in the Black Hills, but the idea of research is overwhelming.
Alex - I guess it just takes a special kind of person to write that stuff, huh?
Sandra - I'll have to look up that word LOL.
Christine - Oh definitely. I would be honored to have you help me refine it.
Michelle - Same thing for you. I would be honored to have you read my stuff.
Nomadshan - Ahhh, now that is probably right. At least until I figure out more specifically what I want to write.
Kat - I was reading a book recently (sorry but I forget the name though I know I blogged about it) set in that exact area/era, but it was done so poorly that I put the book down without finishing it. If you write something like that though, please feel free to use me as a beta if you like.
LOVE the Dark Tower series. And I LOVE your description of what you write! :) It sounds awesome. Great post!
Couldn't do romance either. Your genre sounds good. Sounds like it has something for everyone!
Ha - I love that you don't know what genre you're in, but you know what it isn't! Sometimes the process of elimination is best!
I definitely think you could write YA. It's a really rewarding genre and I think you could do well at it.
B.J. - Thank you. I'm always happy to chat with another fan of the DT series. It's one of my favs.
Margie - Thank you. Here's hoping you're right.
Kate - Either that or I'll be lost until I find where I'm at LOL.
Shaun - Wow, coming from you that's high praise. Perhaps I'll have to try it sometime after all.
Paranormal and horrot--good stuff! Genre bending is fun, for sure! Great post! :D
Ooh - I love the Dark Tower series. Have you ever thought about writing something in the Weird West vein? (Steampunk but with cowboys.)
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