Comments on: Does Genre Dumb it Down or Make it Rain?

By: Writing Links Round Up 8/22-8/27 – B. Shaun Smith

Writing Links Round Up 8/22-8/27 – B. Shaun Smith — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:11:33 +0000

[…] Does Genre Dumb it Down or Make it Rain? […]

By: Top Picks Thursday! For Readers and Writers 08-18-2016 | The Author Chronicles

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 17:02:58 +0000

[…] Do you wonder which genre to choose for your project? Leanne Sowul explains why creativity is essential for all genres and Kate Moretti wonders: does genre dumb it down or make it rain? […]

By: Kate Moretti

Kate Moretti — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:49:16 +0000

In reply to littlemissw. Good point, I also think it can change from one book to the next. I started out WF with mystery elements and I'm straight crime/suspense now. Your interests as a writer change I think! Thanks for the comments! Kate

By: Kate Moretti

Kate Moretti — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:44:00 +0000

In reply to Linda Lee. Yes, totally agree Linda! Stretching genre requires a ton of creativity! Thanks for commenting! Kate

By: Linda Lee

Linda Lee — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:29:02 +0000

Carole, there are multiple descriptions for "mainstream fiction." Essentially, the story does not strictly adhere to the rules of a particular genre. I'd classify my novels that way--romance with a paranormal twist. The term mainstream fiction also applies to bestselling novels in any category. Hope that helps!

By: Orly Konig-Lopez

Orly Konig-Lopez — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 02:17:16 +0000

I love this post, Kate!
The first draft is mine. Subsequent drafts are for selling. I never looked at the fact that I write genre fiction as a negative. I know who my target audience is.

By: Carole McKee

Carole McKee — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 18:10:07 +0000

Quite an interesting post. I search first for a favorite genre, but I will read other genres if the description sounds good. As for my own writing--a book critic told me I should use the genre "Mainstream" for a couple of my books. I've never really seen that genre anywhere. Loved this post. Thank you.

By: Kate Mallinger

Kate Mallinger — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 18:06:22 +0000

Great post! Personally, I like the confines of genre, maybe need them. I haven't yet felt as if it held me back. The challenge to write something really good within some parameters is something I love.

By: Sandy Richardson

Sandy Richardson — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 15:18:07 +0000

I definitely agree that genre is a writer's friend, as well as a reader's friend. I read across several genres and the classifications aide me in choosing great books. As a writer, the guidelines also assist in targeting my audience and in seeking out specific publishers, agents, etc. That's not to say we can't blur the lines a bit...for instance, several MG and YA books I've read would be perfectly suitable for both those ages and adults and might prove to be relegated to fantasy mainly, BUT can also eek over the lines into other genres. I think the method that works best for me as a writer is to first just write the story, then as I revise, I use the guidelines from specific genres to determine what the best FINISHED fit might be. Those guidelines are most helpful in "placing" my stories. Thanks for a great article!. Sandy

By: 22humbird

22humbird — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 12:04:33 +0000

I have happily expanded my repertoire of genre, to my surprise, because of Facebook, and other social media that brings recommendations that lure me in. I too, love the analogy above about genre's being like a recipe for meatloaf. Creativity is what I always find in your writing Kate...and oh my the suspense is compelling,