Do You Know Your Genres?

Genres weren't created to dismiss artistic ability or to shove square pegs into round holes. They exist to let readers know what they're getting before they open the book.

Simple as that.

But with so many genres to choose from, many writers find it a difficult task to narrow down their work. Therefore when it comes time to write that ever-important query letter, they throw in so many genres, the agents or editors are left scratching their heads. Now what is it, exactly, you have?

Test your knowledge of genres, and then take a closer look at your stories. Are you writing in the one you thought you were?

1. Stories in the __________ genre focus on a protagonist who seeks to solve a puzzle. It contains oodles of suspense, red herrings and satisfying endings that answer all the questions.

2. Stories in the __________ genre focus on faraway lands, magical characters and great wars between good and evil that may affect the entire world. The protagonist, along with a few colorful characters, usually embark upon a quest. These stories defy the laws of our human world.

3. Stories in the __________ genre focus on the protagonist's survival, and edge-of-the-seat, heart-thumping action. Crime, corruption and supernatural elements may be present, but the overriding question remains, Will this person get out of this alive?

4. Stories in the __________ genre cover a broad canvas. This is the genre to use when your story doesn't easily fit into other genres. They're well-written and well-structured, contain a strong plot with protagonist and antagonist. This genre must appeal to the masses.

5. Stories in the __________ genre focus on the characters instead of the plot. Slower pace. Priority is not what the people do, but what they think. The prose is lyrical and usually digs deeper into controversial topics.

6. Stories in the __________ genre focus on investigators, federal agents, medical examiners or detectives who are unraveling a particularly gruesome or heinous case.

7. Stories in the __________ genre focus on the past. The plot might interweave actual people, places and events within the made-up world. Accuracy is key. Stories in this genre are held up to much scrutiny by readers who know the period.

8. Stories in the __________ genre focus on scaring the reader. Although many contain graphic, frightening and supernatural elements, this genre also includes psychological frights about murder and mayhem.

9. Stories in the __________ genre focus on love, loss, regret and sex. Usually set in exotic locales, these tales deal with tension and conflict between men and women who are caught in circumstances they cannot control.

10. Stories in the __________ genre focus on robots, aliens, futuristic societies or amazing scientific discoveries. Authors must have some understanding of science, physics and the laws of the universe to pull these off successfully. These stories could feasibly happen in the future.

1. Mystery

7. Historical Fiction

8. Horror

9. Romance

10. Science Fiction

There are also many sub-genres that branch out from the ones here, but if we cover all of them, our brains will summarily explode.

Suffice to say, when agents and editors see any of these genres on your query letter or manuscript, they have a good idea what sort of story you're submitting. And that's the point.

Orisinal

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