I’ve written 35 books. Many of them have been on the best-seller list. A number have won awards. And at least half are….romance.
When I get to that last sentence, whatever literary cred I’ve earned with the first three statements seems to vanish. “You write Romance?” someone will ask, (as if they haven’t heard me) and sometimes add an accompanying look of…disdain? Disappointment? As if writing romance is somehow less highbrow than general fiction. I hate the assumption that general fiction is better written. Hogwash.
Words are words, and the truth is, writing fabulous genre fiction is harder than general fiction. You have to stand out in a category with your words while delivering a plot that follows the genre constructs. General fiction can be wonderful…or it can be a “the emperor has no clothes” moment – everything thinking the same thing, but afraid to say it.
Here are some truths:
~ Genre fiction gives a writer framework that allows them to hone their wordsmithing. Because genre fiction comes with expectations about plot, the author must adhere to them – and then work diligently on emotional layering and wordsmithing to stand out.
~ Genre fiction gives an agent or editor a niche in which to sell the novel. It helps them find the right market or line, connects them to the right editors.
~ Genre fiction makes it easier for an author to find a following. If they can construct a story within the structure of genre, but with a winning, distinct voice, fans of the genre will champion them and their following will build….even over to other genres. Look at JD Robb, aka Nora Roberts.
Here’s how to make Genre fiction work for you.
1. Find a genre and stay in it long enough to master it. Work on one element of storycrafting or wordsmithing at a time. I would use each book as an opportunity to hone dialogue, or storyworld, or emotional layering, or the romantic elements…whatever. Eventually I felt confident in every area, and my books got better with each story.
2. Study the best-sellers in the genre and ask: what do they right? Keep a highlighter with you and mark up your stories with passages or techniques that stand out. How can you apply the principles you’ve learned from these best-sellers into your stories?
3. Look at the plot constructs and ask: what works, what doesn’t? If you are going to have a rogue agent that kidnaps his former handler in a romantic suspense, how does the author make that agent likeable? Or is he? Find the nuances that make a story powerful. Look at the rhythm of when these constructs occur. How do they add to the character’s emotional journey and make the story more satisfying?
4. Ask: How can you make your voice stand out? What unique element do you bring to the genre? I wrote six novels for Steeple Hill/Love Inspired…all of them with an international theme. But I lived overseas and could easily write stories set in an international – especially Russian (where I lived) setting. This became part of my voice.
5. Focus on character. Because you are writing inside genre, you’re plot will be a “repeat” to some extent. (let’s be honest – there are only 7 major plots in the world anyway!). So, it has to be your characters who make your stories powerful. Dive deep and create characters who live and breathe. (we have a few techniques here at MBT.)
Quick Skills Exercise: Read a genre novel (in your genre!) this week. Write down the genre constructs in the novel, and when they occur. How does the author make their voice or character stand out? Are there any techniques you can apply to your own writing?
Genre is an author’s friend. Make it work for you as you build your career and you’ll become a better writer.
Susie May
P.S. By the way, if you sign up for the daily Flashblog reminder in your email box, you receive the 5 Elements of a Best-Selling Novel. A quick class on those foundational elements ever editor is looking for! Sign up at: http://forms.aweber.com/form/35/866611135.htm
P. P.S. As you might already know, MBT is now offering an advanced membership! And, we have one more week of preview (expires Feb 10th.) Go to: http://teammemberpreview.mybooktherapy.com to find out more and sign up for your free trial membership. No obligation, you get to join in the fun, and you’ll get an invite at the end of the week to join at our reduced rate! Hope to see you on the team!