What genre do you write?

[sterling]

In a recent discussion with a writing peer, the subject of genres came up. She asked me what genres I typically wrote, or would like to start writing.

My answer was a lengthy ramble that could have just been summarized by two words: Speculative Fiction. But of course, I wanted to get into more detail than that, so we talked about it for several hours. Almost everything I've written falls into this category (both fanfiction and original fiction), with specifics in: post-apocalyptic, dystopian, fantasy, steampunk, and/or urban fantasy worlds. With the rare exception of a few horror and sci-fi works, I was actually a little amazed that my writing focus was so easily defined.

Even the genres I'd like to start writing for are under the big "speculative fiction" umbrella (one specifically would be alternate history, but I just don't know if I have the patience to do the kind of research I would need to do to make it feel historically possible).

So, some questions for other writers here...

What genres do you usually write?

What genres would you like to write for if you decided to try something new?

Comments

[sterling]

A friend of mine is also heavily into folk tales and fairy tales. She's been sort of re-writing them with a dark, horrific, and sometimes erotic slant (which has disturbed me greatly on a few levels). I don't like the style, but it's interesting anyway. I think I'd probably like them better from the POV that you're doing it, as "crooked" appeals to me on some level. For an occasional horror writer, it amuses me that I tend to draw the line in the sand and don't like crossing over into hardcore horror when actually reading things. I think this preference keeps me from going there myself... and that said, I don't really mind. But my work never appeals to the hardcore horror fans.

Real world settings are definitely a challenge. For me, I don't really like setting stories in real world settings, which is why I lean toward fantasy themes, unless of course, we're talking about horror. In the case of horror, I want modern-day people (especially) to think that this scary lurking thing could actually be living next door to them... otherwise the idea might actually lose some of it's intended impact.

Mysteries are fun. When I first started experimenting with them, I started adding small mystery elements to my otherwise straightforward story. It's a good way to practice writing up an outline of what your characters discover and how they interpret it (and also how the reader interprets it). I have to admit, this is definitely fun for me. ^_^

[sweet_sparrow]

's how the stories started life out as, really. Lots of writers that rework the tales are going back to what they were, or might have been, before people decided to relegate them to the nursery and sanitise them to be suitable. I'm no good at giving the stories twists, so I'd rather focus on other things to make them interesting and their own little piece. People just have to look a little harder for it.

Does it matter that it doesn't appeal to them, though? Since it doesn't seem/sound like you're writing for them.

Real world settings are hard. I admire people who can do it well. I tried setting a story in my home town once (the times conveniently being about the 90s). I've lived most of my life here, know the place pretty well and all. Just to try and ease my way into the idea. You'd think that would make it easier to write a story setting, but nope.

Wouldn't psychological horror work in any setting, though, provided the writing's up to scratch? (I'm not a horror fan of any description, though I've read a little in the genre.)

Oooh, that sounds like a good idea! ^-^ Thank you! (Or it would if I could outline, anyway... Might learn that from mystery writing. ^-^ Hmm...)