Published by deborah.woehr on 12 Feb 2006 at 07:41 am
Writing in Multi-Genres
John Evans of Syntagma Media once wrote that too many writers set their sights on writing the Great American Novel and don’t pursue anything else besides writing that novel. He’s right. How many of you have written books in different genres, published or not?
I’ve been writing horror stories since 1997 and didn’t deviate from that course until 2003, when I wrote an ebook about editing. Obviously this book didn’t see the light of day because the market is oversaturated with how-to-edit books. But this experience sparked my desire to write for the nonfiction market, particularly the how-to genre.
One of my Big Goals for 2006 is to write two nonfiction How-To books. Whether or not I’ll achieve that remains to be seen, depending upon how complex these projects are. I put the feelers out for the first one and got some great responses from my readers. I’m not going to tell you what it’s about just yet, but I will keep you posted.
How many of you consider blogging to be a genre in itself?
fredcq on 12 Feb 2006 at 8:15 am #
I am certainly not trying to write the Great American Novel, lol. I wouldn’t even know where to start!
My thing is combining genres that I like. I hate to be limited. I love mixing Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Horror together.
I’m not sure if blogging is a genre in itself but it is surely a new form of writing.
deborah.woehr on 12 Feb 2006 at 9:01 am #
Me, neither. I think the majority of us pound out what we hope to be a great story. Have you ever read any dark fantasy? Raymond Feist’s “Fairie Tale” was good.
Dean Koontz has always done a great job of blending Sci-Fi and horror together. There was one book of his that I read, where the protagonist was trying to outrun her “reanimated” husband after he was killed.
As for blogging being a genre, I’m trying to decide whether or not it is.
Chris Howard on 12 Feb 2006 at 9:41 am #
I haven’t thought in terms of “The Great American Novel” but I have put a lot of energy into writing a big four volume historic series on Aristotle. I’ve completed the first, but I don’t think it’s ready for publication. Since then, it’s been almost entirely fantasy, occasionally SF.
I hadn’t thought about blogging as being part of the composition/style side of things, but thought it more of a medium. I think you’re right. Maybe it’s something like the novels composed entirely of letters? I’m thinking of the historical novel by Emma Bull and Stephen Brust, but I can’t think of the title. I’ve heard of fiction blogging, where the posts are made up, and there are a couple SF’s I’ve read that have bloggers as characters. Interesting idea.
Deborah on 12 Feb 2006 at 3:05 pm #
It’s all how you use the medium.
I’ll have to look around, but I’ve seen several book blogs. I started one for the 2004 NaNoWriMo contest, but have since taken it down to rewrite it.
Writing a book on a blog was a challenge to write consistently (on a set time) and with limited space.
Benjamin Solah on 12 Feb 2006 at 4:57 pm #
The idea of the ‘Great American Novel’ doesn’t exactly apply to me, but I get what you’re saying. I write stories that I’d want to read. I find it very hard to write for the expectations of others. I can’t do it. I can’t put the same passion and emotion into a piece that I don’t like.
I’ve also mixed with genres because of my mood. Sometimes I feel like writing something twisted, and other times, I feel like writing something thoughtful. I do think blogging is a genre in its own right, it just hasn’t received the same attention.
Karen Lee Field on 12 Feb 2006 at 9:33 pm #
No, I don’t see blogging as a genre, or as “real” writing, because anyone can do it and it’s not always done well.
Anyway, I write in different age groups, more than genres. Although, I do have mostly fantasy stories under my belt, my next project will be mainstream.
Fredcq on 13 Feb 2006 at 5:11 am #
I read lots of Dark Fantasy. My novel probably would fall into that catagory even though there are Sci-fi elements.
I have never read Faerie Tale but I have read most of his other books in the Rift War series. I still think that George R.R. Martin writes the darkest fantasy. His Song of Fire and Ice series is so dark that it can be depressing at times. The good guys rarely ever come out on top.
deborah.woehr on 13 Feb 2006 at 8:23 am #
Ben: I feel the same way about fiction writing. Writing for the market (i.e., writing the umpteenth serial killer or vampire story) doesn’t appeal to me. On the other hand, I’d love to write a nonfiction piece that will help people achieve a goal.
Karen: I agree with you about the quality. I’m hoping this will change as blogging matures.
Fred: I read George R.R. Martin’s first book in the Song of Fire and Ice series. That was a long time ago, though, but I remember enjoying it. If I’m going to continue with the series, I’ll have to reread the first one.
pat kirby on 13 Feb 2006 at 9:00 am #
I write what I want to read, which means something with a fantasy, horror or SF element. I don’t set out with the intention to write any particular genre. I get an idea, the characters show up and I start writing.
Not entirely sure what the Great American Novel is, but I’m sure I don’t want to write it.
deborah.woehr on 13 Feb 2006 at 9:11 am #
It’s more of a cliche’ than anything else, meaning a literary masterpiece that will be enjoyed by the masses. I could be wrong, though.
melly on 13 Feb 2006 at 12:14 pm #
Can I settle for the greatest Canadian novel?
I don’t really think of it, but I have written mainstream, sci-fi, and slipstream. I think 3 is enough for me.
As for blogging - great question. There are bloggers who take on a persona, like Manolo for example. I know that All Kinds of Writing is a very tamed me as another example. But does that make blogging a genre?
Why not? If non-fiction articles are a genre (are they?) then blog posts are too.
John (Syntagma) on 13 Feb 2006 at 12:17 pm #
The Great American/British/Australian Novel is hard to write these days because few people are writing epics now. And nobody’s got time to read them. In terms of fiction, I’ve written plays which have been broadcast by the BBC and ABC (Australian) and which have been published in book form. It’s easier to get a play or script broadcast than a novel published, I believe. Also, short stories which can be published by small presses, and don’t need to sell many copies.
But nonfiction is what I really love writing, especially as I’m not a teenager anymore and don’t need to express all that angst. Besides, nonfiction is easier and more enjoyable to write, and easier to get published.
Is there a contest?
deborah.woehr on 13 Feb 2006 at 10:08 pm #
Yes, you may, Melly.
Three genres sounds like a good, manageable number.
I’m not a teenager, either, John. I take out what little angst I have on my characters.
A contest, as in best litblogger? If so, it will have to be run by someone else, as my schedule is full this year.