Earlier this week Heather wrote a great post on Reading Your Genre. Heather say’s, “You don't have to write what sells, you can still write what's in your heart, but you must know what is selling. Knowledge is power.” She couldn’t be more right.
And then there are those of us—I can’t be the only one—that read many different genres.
The reasons are many why we should read our genre, and Heather validates them all in her post. But there are benefits of delving into other genres, too... besides being fun.
"Voice"
I’ve realized that when I read one author, one style, one genre, I can’t help it… but sometimes their favorite words and the tempo sneaks into my writing. Mixing it up, helps me to find my own voice, or a unique voice. YA, comedy, romance, thrillers, memoirs, etc., all together create a unique flavor. If I pick up something I love in a YA, or romance novel, and then sneak it into my thriller, the thriller reader says, “Wow, how fresh. I haven’t read that before!”
I attribute my diverse way of thinking to the core meaning of diversity— Taking the best from all cultures, and coming up with something unique and fresh. It’s all about thinking outside the box. And yes, you need to know the “rules” of your genre. But then I say… break them just a little, you might be surprised at the results.
But when the agents want comparables…read what Heather has to say by clicking here.
Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene
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ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate this post, Linda. I cannot read one single genre, and I cannot write exclusively in one genre. There are just too many wonderful ones out there. And, as you said, so much diversity in voice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather, I appreciate your comment. And, I'm so glad I read so many genres because I enjoy YA too!
ReplyDeleteSusan, Thank you so much! But... this one is Karlene. I think Heather threw you astray. lol. Yes, I love the diversity too.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent Karlene! Diversity is the spice of life after all. And it makes our 'voice' sound so much better. Love this!
ReplyDeleteFellow campaigner dropping by to say hello. Hello. PS - there are a few typos in the current blog. Oops. A malady we all suffer regularly.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate both this post and the one before it. First off...I never knew that agents ask for comparables. (One of the many reasons I'm glad to be learning about the business side of the craft well before I am ready to delve into it myself.) It makes complete sense now that I think of it that they would, just not something that had ever crossed my mind before. I write primarily YA and I need to get started reading it again. The problem is I so rarely have time for writing that reading tends to fall by the wayside. (Even though I love it dearly.) =( I just need to figure out how to make more time!
ReplyDeleteI just wish there were more hours in the day! How do we read as much as we want to? We can't! Diversity--excellent for keeping your mind nimble, and you do have a nimble mind, Karlene!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline. Those typos are my signature trademark compliments of 20 hours awake and flying international, with blogging after a 14 hour flight and a landing in 30 knot winds. Somethings... just gotta stay. :)
ReplyDeleteQuidforquill... what I do is read two places: in the bathtub before bed, and at the gym while on the elliptical. Multi-tasking at the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda... this nibble mind isn't as quick as it once was. Reminds me of a story named Jack...
ReplyDeleteOr something to the effect. Thanks for the comment!