Shying Away From Writing Certain Genres?
It’s that time again to gather together as writers and blog about our writing insecurities. The following post was written for the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly blogging event created by author Alex J Cavanaugh.
Alex's awesome co-hosts for this month are Kim Lajevardi, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguirre, Olga Godim, Michelle Wallace, and Louise - Fundy Blue! Be sure to visit them. The IWSG website holds the list of other bloggers participating and awesome content.Optional question: What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why?
By now, I think I’ve tried writing most genres. If I’ve read it, I want to try it. Exceptions are horror and erotica. I don’t read horror or erotica.
My most favorite reading includes the literary style, mystery and psychological thrillers.
Now to the question. Love stories. I don’t feel that I’m the greatest at writing the typical love story. However, most books and movies include some kind of a love story. If it isn't the main plot, then we might find it used as the "B" story (a minor plot line with its own conflict. Must include the protagonist).
Random things about love stories that popped into my brain as I wrote this post.
- I am reminded of the tragic movie (and book) Love Story, 1970, written by Erich Segal and starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. I didn’t get to see the movie until I was out of high school, but I did read the book. “Love means never having to say your sorry.” (By the way, I didn’t buy into that line then or now. We definitely need to say were sorry when we’ve wronged someone.)
- I was also reminded that I read every Harlequin Romance that I could get my hands on as a young adult. After that, I moved on to Historical Fiction with love stories.
Optional questions for you: What genre do you prefer reading? If you’re a writer, is the genre you write the genre you read? What’s your favorite love story? Have you ever read or seen the movie Love Story?
Now, go show some love to our host and cohosts (links above.)
T.
Comments
I am a romantic at heart and I like writing romance because I cross genres in my stories. I also devoured Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, Phyliss Witney, and Georgette Heyer as well as Harlequin. The Harlequin romance energized me to write more realistic and diverse love stories.
I read in all genres except horror and I love sitting down and reading a good non-fiction book.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat
Excellent point that so many stories include elements/subplots of love. As humans, most of us want that close companionship, so it makes sense that our stories should showcase that!
Oh yes, I saw the unforgettable "Love Story" And yes, sorry does seem to be the hardest word - besides goodbye. I loved Nancy Drew mysteries and Harlequin romance stories. It was a book by Zilpha Keatley Snyder called "The Velvet Room" that shaped my early YA ideas. But I read Stephen King, John Grisham, James Patterson, and Dean Koontz which might explain why there are often supernatural elements sprinkled in my stories. Happy Writing!
So many love stories that I know I've enjoyed and so many I can't think of at the moment.
Erotica is a genre I likely would never attempt to write. I don't think I'd make it very convincing.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out