This could just be me but when I pick a book that promises to focus on a particular "plot/theme type" which in effect would help indicate to the reader its genre, I expect that I should able to depend on that guideline to help me make the right decision. There is a trend I'm picking up as I read ARCs and some of the self published books which indicates that genre is not something that is always considered by the author.
I'm having a bit of a problem with this because when i read a book blurb and it indicates that the book is oriented towards crime fiction, i expect a read with crime as the major plot, this should go without saying. If its supposed to be about romance I certainly want love and gushiness and all related feelings floating out of the that story.
When I asked one author I interviewed a while back at my book review blog why his writing is difficult to pin to genre (please let me just say that this is not a rant against Joseph) he explained that "Authors who try to confine their books to a specific genre make their books too formulaic. Take for example romance novels. They all end with a tidy happy ending – not very suspenseful." Very strong opinions and I note that he said so again in a recent interview at Komz Reviews so as a writer and individual he clearly does believe in this.
I as a reader however (one who is all for writer's creativity) am finding it quite disconcerting and as with a self - pub I'm currently reading, misleading when a book promises to read like a Jonathan Kellerman only to find a Harlequin plot in there with a psychological thriller sub_subtheme thrown in intermittently. Quite frankly I find it quite painful to read such books because I keep hoping against hope that if I persevere what I imagined the book is about, will eventually come through and it becomes a "read two pages put down and pick it up again a week later when i'm bored" story.
So all I'm saying is, author I don't mean to prescribe your writing choices and i understand that you want to explore your writing vistas uninhibited but please do bear in mind that I, the reader (and I imagine you want me to buy and read your books after your labor) have interests and expectations. I buy books that promise to meet my reading interests, not because I have loads of cash that I have nothing to do with. Genre classification helps me in making those choices.
So can you confidently say that when I open the pages of your book I will get what you promised on the cover of your book that that I did NOT find in the general fiction section?
It's not easy sometimes to pick a genre but give me a clue as a reader.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do book trailers, I ask authors to tell me what the ONE question of their book is...that will clue you in on genre. Because I hate picking up a romance and getting a 13th Century historical drama (and vice versa). I have to be in the right mood for either.
When I want sexy bodice heaving fun, I buy a historical romance, when I want a historical drama, I watch the Tudors on television. :)
On the other hand, I'm writing my first ever comedy novel but I really hate calling it a comedy or humor novel because that's not really it either.
How do you describe the undescribable? It's not romance (I'm very sure). It's kind of chick lit with action adventure but written for humorous effect. Doesn't really work as a log line now does it?
I personally tell people it's a family novel involving tasers, duct tape and some tasteless nudity. Then they kind of understand. Sorta.
What do you think? It it easy?
Tirz
Hey, Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tirz that it's not always easy to classify a novel, but I think it has to be done to have the book fit somewhere.
Luckily for me, what I write novelwise is easily identified so I'm not crossing multiple genres. I do understand how reader confusion can occur if it's not exactly clear what kind of you book you have in your hand.
Tirz, I think i'd know exactly what I'm getting when I pick up your book. It's not a memoir disguised as something else or a national geographics historical work misrepresented as a crime novel which is really what made me blow my gasket this time. As you pointed out, you have to be in the mood to read certain genre's and when you get into it and find out its anything but, that really grates on me.
ReplyDeleteI agree J.L and I can see how this can be tricky and I think the note about the blurb that Tirz made is a good one. That should be clear enough to give the reader clear direction on what to expect.
I hate getting blindsided by a book. If I want a bloody tense thriller, I'm going to be angry if you give me a dry crime history lesson. Although I do like crime books---I also like thrillers and they are NOT the same thing.
ReplyDeleteMovies do the same thing. You see a movie trailer, think you are getting a comedy and end up watching a movie on a slow cancer death. Yeah hilarious.
Ah I'm grumpy.
Tirz
While I believe that authors should not have to stick their book in a confined genre and formula-- allowing creative expression with out the "fast food" affect,the description of the book should NOT mislead the reader. They want to know what to expect. Unmet expectations can ruin the experience for some readers and they could end up disliking a book they may otherwise have appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWanted to say something and Jo has said it already. Cross genres, but please tell me in the blurb or by the cover what to expect.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Jo and Myne. I pick books to read based on genres and that sets my expectations. If I read otherwise, I will be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if your blog page was always like this. Nevertheless, it stands out and looks good.
ReplyDeleteI had to pick a genre for my manuscript and it's good doing so because it helps to guide my writing.
Thanks for coming by Kiru and Peaches.
ReplyDeletePeaches the blog has changed, it was dark and grungy so i went more feminine this time. Glad you think so.