Question:
What do you love about the genre you write in most often?
Short Answer: What's not to love? ;-)
Long Answer:
I write Women's Fiction. And before you groan, I'll ask if you've ever read Jodi Picoult, or Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre? Truly, all books could be classified under this genre if one of the MCs is a woman. The Women's Fiction Writers Association defines the genre as "layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character's emotional journey." Many classics fall under this definition. Nearly all of the book club choices do, too. So, again, I ask, what's not to love? I enjoy the twists of fate, choice, and connections that fill the pages of much of publishing today. So if you haven't sampled one of these books (and they include Christian, SF, Fantasy, Suspense, and elements of Romance), check out these lists on Goodreads or Pinterest.
Links: (er...make that one link...Real Life has been real. lately.)
- "Radical Freedom: Writing, Walking--and Exploring the Wilderness Within" is a fabulous article that says truth that we all know
Next post: The Book Pusher, of course!
And just because I have a recent picture from Jamaica, I'll leave you with a sunset in Negril. ;-)
And just because I have a recent picture from Jamaica, I'll leave you with a sunset in Negril. ;-)
I get so annoyed when people look down their noses at certain genres, especially because they're traditionally considered to be "girlie."
ReplyDeleteJust as much effort goes into a woman's lit book as any other genre. Sometimes more, depending on the story and the writer. :-/
Exactly! I've learned to explain the genre instead of getting upset by the sniggers. In fact, that works for all genres considered "not serious" by snobs. ;-)
DeleteWell said! I write stories for Women's magazines, and I know lots of people cringe at that genre title, but in the end you have to use it so people know what you're talking about. But as you say - it's not just fluff (although let's not discount a bit of fluff ;) )it's an umbrella term that covers any number of subjects.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Say it again, Angela! Nothing is fluff unless the author intends it to be. Just don't ever let the "cringers" turn you from what you want to write.
DeleteMy author wrote a book decades ago "When the Bough Breaks" and has had the darnedest time trying to 'describe' it. Maybe that's what it should be called, "Women's Fiction". It starts when the MC, Darlene, is in the 1960's and sees her through to becoming a young woman into the 1970's. Author felt it necessary to class it as "romance", but it's more ROMANTIC than plain ol' romance, you know? Huh. Women's fiction...maybe?
ReplyDeleteIf the main story line is about the growth and not the romance. If the romance is only one facet, it might be WF. Check out the books at WFWA to compare.
DeleteThanks for posting the link to the WF lists. I have a number of WF book ideas, and really need to expand my knowledge of that genre. May life treat you more gently in the coming month.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes, Rhonda! Reading the genre is one of those writer to-do's.
DeleteFor some reason, women's fiction gets a bad rap, but it's great. So much can happen in women's fiction and it's true to life.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! WF *is* life. That's why I don't apologize. I educate. Happy reading/writing!
DeleteYou were recently in Jamaica? Nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I've read quite a few books that could be classified as such.
Exactly, more books are WF than people realize. And yes, we spent a week in Negril in late January. It was heavenly!
DeleteThe only thing worse (in many people's eyes) than women's fiction is romance fiction. I happen to love both and it's no big deal to me if others turn their noses up at it.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Cathy, you tell the truth. Be true to the stories you write and let the naysayers go.
DeleteHope real life calms down for you soon.
ReplyDeleteI had to get over the romance stigma and the whole "you write about heaving bosoms?" point of view...
ReplyDeleteLove sunsets!