As a writer, I pay attention to genres because I’m supposed to. I don’t write to genre. I write the same way beloved author Taylor Caldwell did.
Taylor declined to talk about her creative process except once, in an interview with a persistent reporter, she snapped, “I write the same way everybody else does. I sit down at my desk and write what they tell me to.” That’s exactly how I do it.
Stories written this way can be hard to narrow into a single genre. Amazon doesn’t have a Shamanic Suspense category. My stories include shamanic romance and suspense, but neither is the focus, more part of the story. For the moment I’m using Paranormal Romance, which isn’t quite right either but draws a lot of attention. I’ll keep you posted if that changes. The problem with genres is the expectations and prejudices the labels create. Too often the “rules” of a genre seem to define the story – at least that’s my judgment. Genres are intended to give readers an idea of what to expect, but a story that sticks to the rules becomes predictable, which translates to boring.
On the flip side, I have found well-crafted and insightful books that are thoroughly entertaining in genres that stimulate a yawn when you hear the rules. I’m thinking of a wolf shifter romance I read that beautifully showcased the importance and power of choice.
In terms of genres as templates, here are a few currently big in the market that make me twitch:
One sexy-hot and unforgettable night… ending in an unexpected pregnancy that… a lovely child who looks like the unknowing father who then… the chance encounter years later reveals… This series of tropes reinforces an old and often repressive model of morality, double-standard, and definition of family.
The fake relationship that creates close proximity… Does anybody really do that?
Kings and other absolute authority structures ( the Patriarchy!) – Why in this time of fighting for human rights in our republic and to decentralize control on the planet in general are we still fascinated by this power-over structure? These are old fairy tales reworked. Is this conditioning us to continue giving away our power and our sovereignty?
Billionaires – I remember noticing when titles of romance books shifted from millionaires to billionaires. Sadly, inflation reigns even in love stories. Oh, and of course, money solves all problems. Someone once pulled out an old adage, “It’s just as easy to love a rich man as a poor one.” Maybe, maybe not. Did he earn it or inherit it, and what qualities does he demonstrate as a result. But then, as you have probably also heard, “It’s better to be miserable in a castle than a hovel.” Maybe, maybe not.
Ranchers And Cowboys – In a world where our food choices are in question and the beef industry has changed dramatically over the last hundred years, why do we treat a nearly extinct lifestyle as if it were still common?
Shifters of all kinds: Dragons, Bears, Wolves, Big cats. Is this either acknowledgment that we are all genetic hybrids? Notice that in the shifted state, the individual has “superhuman” powers. What effect does that have on our perception of what it means to be human?
Space wars – This one I totally get. Our imaginations are currently flooded with ideas and images of what is real, what can and needs to happen as more government and military secrets are being revealed.
Alien/human romance – Preparing us for something? Disclosing something? The relationships always end up being steamy-sexy and truly loving. Really?
Time Travel – Yeah, this fascinates me, too. No complaints here, just awareness of our increasing acknowledgment.
Then there are places, time. and events that are almost their own genre – a reflective sampling of the collective Consciousness – because there’s some principle, quality, or theme playing out now. I’m thinking of the fixation on Scotland of yore, with wild tribes of fierce warriors fighting for family and community against the oppressive British invaders. We don’t want the blue-faced Warriors to be mowed down by force of numbers or superior technology. We want that tribal sense of belonging and empowerment, of loyalty and protection. What are we trying to learn by reliving (and often romanticizing) the trauma of the battle of Culloden or the genocide of “conform/submit or die” ultimatum of British imperialism?
Language is powerful. Have you noticed that the word “spelling” that we think of as a memorizing issue derives from the word “spell,” used primarily in Magic? Story is equally or even more powerful. The stories we adopt define our perception of reality. It pays to notice the details and nuances of every-day life to be clear about what we are creating.
