Writing in Genre
In a chat last night, someone complained that "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" had been categorized as sci-fi, and that people in general seem confused about a definition of science fiction writing. Equally confusing is the line of separation between horror and paranormal. And what about the space movies with monsters (one of my favorites)? If the monster in space is a blood-sucking demon, does that make it horror, paranormal, sci-fi, or even fantasy? Personally, I have difficulty with the latter, tending to consider most fantasy writing as creations for children. I know I'm wrong in this thinking, I hasten to add.
Wouldn't it be lovely if there were a Genre Court of Last Resort that issues clear definitions of genres? Of course, then there would have to be a Genre Court of Appeals for all those indignant litigants to follow. Alas, no such authority exists, not even the venerable Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
Sorry new fiction writers. We can't help you categorize your work. However, what is much more important is the description that applies to the publisher you are aiming for. Pick a publisher before writing? That seems so crass! It's also realistic. More than studying the guidelines for one publisher, I'd suggest you survey many publishers that you think you might submit to. If the general consensus is that vampires don't belong in their science fiction publications, adjust. Sure, you can be free and take a chance that your writing will fit somewhere. Just go into it with your eyes open. And don't come whining later that "no one will publish my work".
Wouldn't it be lovely if there were a Genre Court of Last Resort that issues clear definitions of genres? Of course, then there would have to be a Genre Court of Appeals for all those indignant litigants to follow. Alas, no such authority exists, not even the venerable Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.Sorry new fiction writers. We can't help you categorize your work. However, what is much more important is the description that applies to the publisher you are aiming for. Pick a publisher before writing? That seems so crass! It's also realistic. More than studying the guidelines for one publisher, I'd suggest you survey many publishers that you think you might submit to. If the general consensus is that vampires don't belong in their science fiction publications, adjust. Sure, you can be free and take a chance that your writing will fit somewhere. Just go into it with your eyes open. And don't come whining later that "no one will publish my work".
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 8:52 AM
2 Comments:
Sadly, the English language does not allow for much in the way of specificity or shades of meaning. This is a problem that runs through our language and culture, the more so, as our communication skills devolve!
When one says, for instance, "I feel a little sick," does that mean she feels malaise, mild horror, anxiety, a headache, disappointed...etc.?
I believe the Chinese language has words to differentiate shades of meaning of the same word.
But I have digressed--I apologize for that.
During the years that I wrote I did have concerns about both genre and point of view.
In the end, I suppose it doesn't really matter. Except for marketing purposes. But if a work is truly compelling, it will sell, eventually!
You have a wonderful blog. Will have to visit more often.
Thank you for your kind words, Lynda. Do come back and comment more often.
I feel that English is one of the richest languages for expressing meanings precisely. The problem is that most people use only about 200 of the words that they know (the "working vocabulary").
Instead of tonal nuances changing the meaning of a word as, I think, Chinese does, we have whole different words to denote differences.
As I'm fond of saying, I have a big vocabulary and I'm not afraid to use it. Unfortunately when I do, I am accused of being snobbish and pretentious or showing off my higher education. I have news: vocabulary lists peter out in grade school, as I recall. I learned all the big words on my own, and I'm still learning new ones.
My turn to apologize. I digressed.
Thanks for visiting!
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