Genre at a Glance
The Elements Chapter of Romance Writers of America celebrates love in every story. All stories, not matter how young, old, sweet, bittersweet, happy, gruesome, scary, mysterious, heart warming, pulse pounding, fact finding, soul searching, or tear jerking has love in it one way or another.
As aspiring writers we carefully craft the stories that call to us. As avid readers we devour the tales that inspire us. There are so many books to read and write, 'tis hard to put them all in one category.
There are many websites that breakdown the various types of genre: Writer's Digest has a free download, Agent Query, Dummies.com, and Absolute Write has great forums on the various genres.
Here we will explore the genres that move us. We've decided to list them in alphabetical order as to remain unbiased. Each genre has its own page if you click on the title. They remain empty because we are looking to you to fill their pages. If you feel there is a genre unrepsented or would like to write reviews or articles for any of them, please contact us.
As aspiring writers we carefully craft the stories that call to us. As avid readers we devour the tales that inspire us. There are so many books to read and write, 'tis hard to put them all in one category.
There are many websites that breakdown the various types of genre: Writer's Digest has a free download, Agent Query, Dummies.com, and Absolute Write has great forums on the various genres.
Here we will explore the genres that move us. We've decided to list them in alphabetical order as to remain unbiased. Each genre has its own page if you click on the title. They remain empty because we are looking to you to fill their pages. If you feel there is a genre unrepsented or would like to write reviews or articles for any of them, please contact us.
Mainstream
Contemporary love stories continue to captivate the masses. Authors like Nicholas Sparks have reminded readers that great emotional tales will always have a place in our hearts. Call in Mainstream, Commercial, or Contemporary, these tales are about everyday Janes and Joes.
Erotica
Take your average love story and kick it up a notch. A couple of notches more likely. Erotic tales go beyond the bedroom and get in between the sheets. They focus on the sexual relationship of the lead characters and often use the physical aspect of it to move the plot forward. It's usually sexually explicit in nature. Fifty Shades of Grey is the most recent NYT Bestelling Ha cha cha read!
Fantasy
Whether its Middle Earth or The Seven Kingdoms fantasy continues to be a pop culture phenonmenom. Do you like reading about new worlds and alternate universes? Chances are, you're a fantasy fan. The Game of Thrones, The Lord of The Rings, The Princess Bride, and the Daggerspell series are well known and well loved. They often include mysticism, paranormal aspects, medevial, and futurustic tones.
Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender
These novels involve GLBT plot lines and its main characters identify themselves as Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, or Transgender. These beautiful tales often deal with the varying social issues regarding the GLBT community. There are many popular sub-genres that include Romance, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Historical.
Historical
Fictional tales set upon past events have been some of the most beloved stories in all of literature. Most create new characters and place them amidst the backdrops of various points in history. The Roman Empire, The Tudor Era, The Great Depression, and World War II just to name a few. Some re-create history or speculate like The Other Boleyn Girl.
Inspirational
Novels considered inspirational have many varying definitions, depending on the audience. Many have Christian Themes or are religous in nature. Some have the main characters embarking on journeys that transform the human soul. Tuesdays with Morrie to The Five People You Meet In Heaven, and The Shack are some of the most commercially successful titles. A more recent popular genre includes Amish Romance.
Multicultural
Contemporary to historical books that center around varying ethnic and cultural groups. Alice Walker, Terry McMillan, and Isabel Allende are just a few authors of note . Their novels posses racial and ethnic diversity and the plot pften mirrors the various struggles of those groups. Some literary circles believe it is the American experience from a minority point of view.
Paranormal/Horror
From ghosts, ghouls, and goblins; to vamps, weres, and shapeshifters- the paranormal genre exploded onto the New York Times Best Selling list with books like Twilight, Rot & Ruin, Dead Until Dark (the True Blood Series) and The Black Dagger Brotherhood. The most popular include Vampire themes but many other undead have risen to take over. They include ghosts, zombies, even angels and demons.
Science Fiction
The basic plot of any great Sci-Fi read is where science and its application or expermimentation fuels the plot. It can be set on Earth in various eras - The Time Traveller's, or ressurect past earthly creatures-Jurassic Park, have a machine try to take over the Earth- I, Robot and make us question our future after an apocolyptic event- 1984. Read long and Prosper...
Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
It was Agatha Christie in the library with a novel! Or it could've been Dan Brown in a conspiracy involving the church. No, it was John Grisham with a legal brief somewhere down south! Haven't figured it out yet? Are you going mad trying to find out? If you like this sort of thing you love the thrilling myteries of suspense. They can be cozy, heartpounding, political, or gruseome. Cops, robbers, court rooms, and fast paced chase scenes are a must!
Women's Fiction
Women's Fiction is not just a book that a women would read. The genre is more complex, delicate, and engaging...like woman naturally are. Take a woman about to embark on a life changing emotional journey whether it be divorce, cancer, an empty nest, or parenthood and you've got a solid plot for Women's Fiction. Emily Giffin, Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jodi Piccoult are just a few of the ladies at the popular table.
Young Adult
Romeo and Juliet were the first victims of angst. Now we have The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Duff, Twilight, The Chronicles of Narnia, Anna & the French Kiss, Falling Under, and so many more. The genre is as popular today, if not more. Adults and teens alike are devouring the tales regaling the days of sullen stares, backstabbing girlfriends, and the ever so important date to prom.
