The Joys of Genre-blending
Blame it on psychology. According to all the personality tests I’ve taken over the years, and I’ve taken quite a few, I don’t fit neatly into any one category. I’m neither, I’m both, and only rarely do I achieve a balance between any two extremes. I even blur the line between introvert and extrovert. Perhaps that’s why I’m never completely happy with a book that isn’t just a little bit edgy or twisted or bent; one that doesn’t stretch or straddle the boundaries between genres; that doesn’t seek to blend disparate elements into one, unique whole.
The subject of genre-blending puts me in mind of the Thanksgiving episode of Friends where Rachel unintentionally combined parts of two different recipes—for English trifle and Shepherd’s pie—resulting in a dish that only Joey could appreciate: “Custard—good. Jam—good. Meat—gooood!”
Sometimes I feel that’s a lot like my own approach to story-crafting. A case in point would be my newest release, Iron, which combined several of my favorite sub-genres into what could be categorized as either a historical and/or a paranormal erotic romance. Is it more one than the other? I think I’m too close to the subject to know. Could it have worked as either a “straight” historical, or a “simple” paranormal, or even as a “non-erotic” historic-paranormal romance? Not for me, it couldn’t!Which makes me all the more fervently thankful for epubs and their willingness to accept a book on its own merit, and not its easy shelveability, so to speak. *g*
It’s not really the fault of traditional publishers, however, and I understand the problems they face. After all, a physical book must be shelved in an actual location—it can’t really occupy two places at once. A virtual book doesn’t have that limitation, it can exist in several sub-genres all at the same time.
I suspect that, as ebooks gain in popularity, we’ll see the rise of even more blended books until, someday, combinations such as sci-fi romantic suspense, comedic paranormal contemporaries, or cozy steampunk mysteries will be the norm.
And why not? Fantasy—good. Suspense—good. Erotic romance—gooood! Put ‘em all together and really…where’s the bad?
So what about you? Do you like your romance blended, or straight up? And what new combinations might you be eager to try?
PG Forte
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Love without Limits, Romance without Rules!
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A blacksmith with a tragic past, a faery princess with an uncertain future and a love that burns like iron.
When an immortal, shape-shifting fae arrives on his doorstep seeking shelter, Gavin O’Malley knows he’s in luck. For Aislinn can give him everything his life’s been missing. Now, all he has to do is find a way to keep her—without losing his soul in the process.
Iron sounds like a fantastic read P.G. will definitely be picking it up!
I like all romance genres and welcome the blending – the more the merrier ;). I’m willing to try any combo when it comes to romance.
Hi, PG,
It’s funny because I like to read the mixed genre stories but also love the traditional straight forward romance. And that’s what I write! Just like sometimes I love ice cream with a bunch of stuff mixed in– nuts, candy, caramel– but sometimes I’m just in the mood for good old vanilla! The best thing, by far, is having all the great ‘mix-ins’ to choose from in the first place so you can find just what fits at the moment! *g*
Erin
Great post PG! As an author who has also been told I blend genres and therefore make the books not sellable to traditional publishers, I totally relate!
I loved Iron and the combination of paranormal/historical/erotic elements and I enjoy reading things that are a little different. Why do we have to fit into a particular slot in the genre categories?
Depends on what genre’s are in the mix.. I usually read mostly comtempory, historical or western genre’s with a little bit of murder, mayhem thrillers, adventure and maybe paranormal.. but only certain kinds of paranormal.. Maybe some ESP and other mediums like that.. I guess I am an introvert, with just a little bit of extrovert when it comes to what I like to read..
Great post! Thank you for sharing it with us today!
[…] Romance Junkies Blog | The Joys of Genre-blending http://www.romancejunkies.com/?p=694 – view page – cached Blame it on psychology. According to all the personality tests I’ve taken over the years, and I’ve taken quite a few, I don’t fit neatly into any one category. I’m neither, I’m both, and… Read moreBlame it on psychology. According to all the personality tests I’ve taken over the years, and I’ve taken quite a few, I don’t fit neatly into any one category. I’m neither, I’m both, and only rarely do I achieve a balance between any two extremes. I even blur the line between introvert and extrovert. Perhaps that’s why I’m never completely happy with a book that isn’t just a little bit edgy or twisted or bent; one that doesn’t stretch or straddle the boundaries between genres; that doesn’t seek to blend disparate elements into one, unique whole. Read less […]
Pam — Thank you! I’ve been really lucky with my cover artists–they amaze me every time! Iron was a story that could never have come to life if any of its genre-parts were missing. I dedicated it to my grandparents although what they’d think of the ‘erotic’ aspect is more than I care to imagine. lol!
Meg — I couldn’t agree more. I usually depend on my CPs to tell me whether or not my story is erotic. *g*
Sydney — I liked the part where everyone was blurting out confessions. “I love Jacques Cousteau!” And I totally agree. The freedom to read and write fabulous books that defy labels is an awesome thing.
That episode of Friends was hilarious. And with Ross’s, “It tastes like feet.” LOL Somedays I really miss that show. As for genre blending, I’m with you all the way. Most of my paranormal romances are also erotic and have a strong suspense thread running through them, or have a twist. I’m not sure I could write a book without overlapping everything anymore. 🙂
And I’m with you on the awesome freedom that comes with writing for electronic publishers. And I think I’d have missed out on reading some really fantastic genre-blended books if not for them.
Neat post! And you’re right, electronic indexing means we can all play cross-the-genres whenever we want. The problems come when somebody wants to pin us down and play the “is she or isn’t she erotic” game!
Wow I love the blurb of Iron. I would have never thought of mixing genres but I bet it makes for great storytelling.
The cover is also amazing.Love & Hugs,
Pam Keener