Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Genre and the Older Writer

Genre and the Older Writer

– Are you writing the right one?








With the advent of independent publishing upon us, Genre is no longer a slave to formulas established by large publishing houses and longtime editors.
You only have to look at titles offered on the Goodreads giveaway list to see that there is a new trend—mixed genre. Along with other favorites like Vampire, Sci-Fi, and Zombie, the mixed genre, often mingling romance or fantasy with the others, tends to be favored largely by the under 30 crowd.
And then there is YA, the Young Adult genre, whose main characters tend to be in the 15 to 25-year-old range and are written mainly for readers in the preteen to under 21 category. Lately there seems to be quite a flux of writers aiming to capture this audience.
            What does all this mean for the older writer? Think before you leap into a genre that is not for you. Considerations:

1.     It is probably best to stick with a subject you’re familiar with. Don’t try to write a Zombie/Vampire/Romance novel unless you are an avid reader of, and familiar with, the genre.

2.     Don’t pick a genre just because it’s one you believe is marketable. Older people read too, and often read mystery, thrillers, suspense, westerns, romance, and also some of the same genres the younger readers enjoy.

3.     When they say write what you know, this doesn’t mean strictly what you know in life experience. Reading a genre exclusively over many years gives you a measure of expertise invaluable when drafting your novel.

4.     If your goal is to become traditionally published, be aware that editors look for certain genre standards and will reject a book that doesn’t follow them. Do your homework and make sure your book follows the expected guidelines.

Dear Readers,
It is truly amazing how genres fluctuate. I read suspense almost exclusively, so deciding which genre to write has been an easy decision. Writing a genre you aren’t familiar with will not only be difficult, but it will be difficult for you to determine what is original and will entice the reader.
Happy writing,
Marla




12 comments:

  1. This is actually good advice for any writer, regardless of age.

    Followed your link here from twitter. :-)

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    1. You're right, it is! I think it all boils down to: write what you know, or write what you read. It amazes me sometimes when I read books by new authors that seem to know very little about their genre.
      Have a happy day, and thanks for stopping by.
      Marla

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  2. Excellent advice. There's even a new genre called Boomer Lit. They have a hashtag: #BoomerLit. I tried to write for teens but realized that needs to be done by teachers or parents who deal with them every day. My teen characters sounded too much like teens from my day. We need to write what we love to read.

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    1. HI Anne,
      I've never heard of Boomer Lit. Must be for the Boomer generation, which includes me, unfortunately.

      I agree with writing what you read. I have a hard time with doing teens. Try watching a teen based TV show for a while, that would help. Or ask a librarian, they meet everyone!

      Have a nice Sunday,
      Marla

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  3. I'm getting old(er) so I wrote about what getting old(er) is like in THE CHANEL CAPER. Basically, it's fun and adventure-filled (not necessarily the kind of adventure you're in the mood for, though), can be sexy sometimes but other times it's a pain in the butt. You know, just like the rest of life. ;-)

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    1. Good idea, Ruth! I've written short stories based on "mature" people, but most of my suspense characters are in the 30 to fifty range. You'll have to let us know how your book does. It seems like writing for older readers should be a good market, as many of us are unable to do things that are real physical. I'm grateful that I'm still able to walk every day!
      Thanks for your comment
      Marla

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  4. Write what you know!
    Yes, but there is such a thing as RESEARCH!
    You can research different subjects, and I'm not just talking about genres!
    Writer Dave

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    1. Yes, you always have to do research. What I refer to, for example, is my son's suggestion that I write a book about Zombies or Vampires. I've never read, or have an interest in those genres. To write them without being a maven of the genre seems like it would fall flat even with research.
      Hope you had a fun birthday!
      Marla

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    2. I too have a tendency to write about things I don't know about - but that's when I research. I wrote a thriller recently with a Tibetan Buddhist angle and now I'm doing a thriller with an Egyptian angle - my workspace is covered with books! I think it's the folks that write outside their genre or topic and don't bother to even know what it's about that is the main problem.

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    3. HI Elyse,
      You're right. We spend a lot of time researching those details we aren't familiar with. I just got a book in the mail that I ordered to help with some facts for me third suspense novel. I try to avoid overdoing it, but I think there are genres, especially in the historical vein, in which the reader expects more detail.
      Still thinking it's risky to write a genre you don't read. Reading is so important--probably the best research! (and what a super excuse to escape with a good book!)j
      Nice to see you here, have a great week,
      Marla

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  5. Very good advice, and I learned about Boomer Lit. I think I've been going about this all wrong...

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    1. How so? Don't think there is any "all" wrong when it comes to writing. We always have to learn a few things the hard way, that's just how any learning curve goes.
      Keep writing!
      Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend,
      Marla

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