A few years ago when I first started writing, I knew exactly what I wanted to write. Romantic suspense. What else is there? Aside from medieval, I’m not a huge history fan, nor do I have the time, inclination, or patience for the hours and hours of research I know historical authors go through to write their books. Historicals were out. I had no interest whatsoever in futuristic/sci-fi. Hadn’t read any, didn’t want to. Futuristics were out. I did read paranormals that consisted primarily of psychics. If my writing was ever going to go in any other direction, that’s where it would go. So contemporary romantic suspense was it. And then I read something called erotic.
Okay, I admit it. My first attempt at writing the genre I loved, sucked. Big time. It had very little sex and probably wasn’t even all that suspenseful, but darn it, that’s what I wanted to write. The erotic world opened my mind in a big way. After I read the first one, I read another and another and…well you get the picture. Suddenly I had a menage a trois in my hands and red cheeks. Where the heck had that come from? I couldn’t even tell my own mother! My sister read it and asked, “is this even legal?” My sister is now my biggest fan. vbg
Soon after Blackmailed, I found myself wanting to do this story about a set of twin werewolves and their mates. That idea evolved into two stories. Paranormal, shape-shifting, erotic, romantic suspense. Hmm. What the heck happened to my plain old vanilla romantic suspense? The genre I had once told myself I’d never write anything but?
As we speak, I have seven projects on my plate. A paranormal, a menage, a plain old contemporary, a menage with m/m elements (yikes), a dragon shifter, a strictly m/m, and a futuristic, space opera, menage series that I’m working on with a partner. Yes, I said futuristic. A genre I said I would never have any interest in. I even have this very stubborn group of vampires in my brain that won’t go away. Who knows when I’ll get the chance to make them come to life. Even so, everything in that list has suspense in it. I don’t think that aspect will ever go away, just as I don’t think I’m cut out to write sweet. Anyway, I found now that I’ve written all the sex, it’s hard not to write it. I shall just be red-cheeked for the rest of my life I guess.
What is your favorite genre? Do you read everything your favorite author puts out even if it might not be something you normally read? Do you want to choke them for deviating off their norm? My favorite author writes in two different time periods. Contemporary and historical. Her historicals are from the medieval, regency and 1800’s (see, I don’t even know what to call these, LOL). I love, love, love her contemporaries and medievals, have read and like her regencies and haven’t touched the 1800’s series. All right, I did touch them. I tried, I really did, but just couldn’t get into them. Didn’t make me not read the next book she put out though.
Let me know. I’d love to see what other reader’s thoughts are on reading across the genres.
Life is so interesting. We get it all planned out and then it takes its own path regardless. <lol> I, for one, am so happy you joined the ranks of erotic romance writers. If you hadn’t, I’d have one less wonderful author to occupy myself with.
I suppose fantasy is my favorite genre, although I read them all—it truly depends on my mood. Some of the first books I read (when I got to an age beyond Dr. Seuss, that is) were science fiction/fantasy and I didn’t stray out of the genre for … well, we won’t mention how long ‘cause it will definitely date me!
When I find an author I like, I read everything they write. Well, there have been one or two books come out by a favorite author written with a coauthor that deviated drastically from her norm, and I only got about halfway through the first one. Mea culpa. I do tend to be almost fanatically faithful to my authors, though. Did I want to choke her from deviating from her norm? Of course not! I want to try new things, why wouldn’t an author? It gives them new skills and vision and opens up their lives.
Great topic, AM! Now go back to writing those books…<VBG>
LOL! I know where you’re coming from, Annmarie. Went through the same thing. I had determined what I wanted to write, but once I found erotic romance everything changed. I’ve always had eclectic tastes in books so I don’t really have a favorite genre, although shifters are making a bid to be my favorites. <g>
Umm…now would you hurry up and write those stories! I need my fix.
When I find an author whose writing is really stellar, yes, I do want to read everything they’ve released. Sometimes, their bibliographies include genres that maybe push my limits a little, and that is a good thing…
Some of my favorite books have been those that I would not have chosen on my own, but a friend urged me to read it, or it was a book by an authore whose other work I loved. And I have to say, I LOVE expanding my horizons. My book budget may not love it, but I definitely do.
Sometimes I may not agree with what I read, but if it is well-written, I find even alternate viewpoints and lifestyles interesting as a study of the human condition…
For instance, I love reading M/F/M menages. The reality, were it ever presented to me, would probably send me running in the opposite direction, but reading about it is interesting, and very titillating.
Same with BDSM. There are so many flavors of BDSM erotica, and the first few I every read were awful. Consequently, for quite a while I thought all BDSM literature was about forced acts, degradation, etc. But a favorite author of mine suggested I read a series she wrote that was BDSM-themed, and OMG was her story different from those others! While I still maybe couldn’t see myself doing some of those things in real life, her BDSM novels were much more palatable to me, and actually made me curious.
I never thought I’d read M/M, either. But a couple of my favorite authors have penned some fantastic and very sexy novels in this genre. It may not always be my first choice in reading material, but I definitely have a taste for the occasional M/M or M/M/F story.
I hope, in my verbose, rambling and longwinded way I’ve answered the question?
My favorite genre is romantic suspense. I also like paranormals, contemporaries, futuristics, sci fi, and historicals.
I can really relate to what you’re saying Annmarie. I started out writing contemporary romance and then I discovered erotic romance. LOL
After that the floodgates seemed to open and I’ve found myself writing in genres I’d never thought I’d attempt. I’ve done straight contemporary, erotica-contemporary, menage, paranormal, vampire, shape-shifter (dragons), fantasy and I even have a historical kicking around in my brain even though I swore I’d never write one.
As a reader, if it’s an author I love, I’ll try anything they write, although there are genres I don’t enjoy. Like you, I’ve tried them, but they just don’t interest me. I love historicals, but mainly Medieval and Regency. I don’t like Civil war books at all, although I have read some fairly good ones.
I guess the only thing we can say is, “Never say never,” whether it comes to writing or reading. I for one hope those vampires of yours find a way into a future book. I’d love to read it!
I love to read just about everything! Used to be I hated to read Romances because 1)I didn’t want to read a porno…..talking about the older ones from the ’80s and before and 2) I knew what was going to happen by the end of the second chapter………the couple would get together, break up and get back together……so I stuck with horror and thirllers, maybe a few suspences. Then Sean asked me to read Falcon’s Flight……..action/adventure-Sci-fi and I loved it! I met CJ England on line and read one of her books……….Now I’m hooked there too. After finding Samhain I am not only hooked on the various romance lines, but find myself preferring e-books to print (and I used to HATE reading on a screen). And then there is school—I am now addicted to research, so have to add non-fiction to the list
As to the writing, my books are as genre bending as my reading style—with one exception…I couldn’t write a good sex scene if someone offered me $1million to do it. I am working on a fantasy now….and a mystery….and a edit of a romance/horror/vampire…and a rewrite of another one…..anything to keep my mind off the l-o-n-g wait……..hehehe
So…..who’s already preordered the new Harry Potter?
Phew! wipes brow I am so glad I’m not the only one in this whirlwind of genres boat
Thanks for the comments ladies!
Hi AnnMarie,
I am a fan of romantic supsense,even tho westerns are top fav.I read alot of the contemps.another fav lately has been the Menage ones.
Jodi
I love all genres, but my favorite would be werewolf shifters. Hot Alpha males I just can’t resist. I also love wolves, think they are such a beautiful creature.
No matter who it is (whether favorite author or not), if the plot doesn’t interest me, I tend not to pick it up. I want something that is going to keep my attention all the way through the story.
There are a couple that I won’t touch because they don’t interest me and take me out of my comfort zone. BDSM and menages. I have a read a few in each, but they aren’t what I would normally enjoy. I can handle light bondage, no problem with that. But going further than that, I can’t handle. Menages are the same way. I can handle one scene, but anymore than that and I have issues. I want to read about an alpha male that just can’t share his baby more than once, either ‘cause it is necessary for whatever reason or he wants to fulfill her fantasy of what it would be like to have two men pleasure her at once. Now I have nothing bad to say about authors or readers who do enjoy both themes. They just aren’t for me.
Then there are the M/M and F/F. The excerpts that I’ve read are hot and more power to the author that can provide the heat behind the story, but I’ve never read one. I’m a M/F story kinda gal. I’ve never been interested in reading anything else.
For time periods, love them all. I am partial to historicals though. Things were so much simplier back then, people weren’t as rushed as they are now and places were a lot less crowded then. You could see the countryside instead of into your next door neighbor’s bedroom. <g>
Just wanted you to know I enjoyed reading about Checkmate yesterday at Bianca’s yesterday. It sounds great! As for as genres, my favorite is fantasy but I also love paranormal, romantic suspense, regencies, etc. About the only historicals I am usually not into are the Civil War and pioneer tines and I have even made exceptions there because the story sounded really good. When a favorite author tries a new genre I may try it or not. It depends on how intrigued I am by the story. For example, I have a favorite writer whose books I really enjoy but I am not really into her m/m books. Their just not my cup of tea.
I write genre-benders myself. Sword and Shadow itself could be considered paranormal, futuristic, fantasy, and romance, all rolled into one.
I even coined a phrase for my work…“futuristic urban fantasy.”
As far as reading goes…I prefer urban fantasy and suspense, romantic and otherwise. I don’t generally like strict paranormal romances because, well…some of the concepts strike me as a bit…cliche. If I read one more blurb about a vampire who just needs to find his soulmate to be redeemed, I’m going to scream and leap off a tall milk crate. Or maybe not. But I will groan dramatically and find something else to do.
I’ve pretty much stopped reading epic fantasy for similar reasons. Most of the concepts there are as old and tired as a hundred year old unicorn, dragging his magical equine carcass around the forest and talking to himself.
I guess I desperately crave something new. Which is what I write. Something new. Something like nothing I’ve ever read.
Right now I’m reading Dean Koontz’s “Brother Odd” and just started listening to Diane Duane’s “A Wizard Abroad” (from her YA “Young Wizards” series) on audio-book. If you’ve never had the chance to peruse one of these novels, all I have to say is that they’re the pinnacle of the science fantasy sub-genre. Some of my favorite books ever.
Hi Annmarie,
I know what you’re saying about not being interested in reading certain geners. I won’t read anything that takes place in the civil war time period. I just don’t like it. I never thought I would like reading m/m stories but I seem to have developed a liken for them. I have to say though I don’t want every book I read to necessarily have m/m or m/m/f in it.
I’m not fond of ghost stories for some reason but if the book catches my attention then I will read it. Otherwise, I pretty much read everything.
I have to say your story Blackmailed was scorching hot. It’s the type of story that deserves repeat reading. Seeing Eye Mate was fantastic too and I am so looking forward to reading Checkmate.
I prefer stories that have a strong focus on romance. Used to read mostly historicals but after discovering erotic romance, I started to read across genres. Some authors I read anything they write and other authors only specific genres.
My favorite genre is first romantic suspense, but right now, I’ve been craving Were books :
) Which is why I’m desperately, impatiently, waiting for Checkmate ;)I do read books of other genres from authors I like and are on my auto-buy list, like you. No matter what they choose to write, I’ll buy books from them because of the way they’re able to tell a story and make me fall in love with it.
Saje~LOL at the Futuristic Urban Fantasy. I still haven’t caught on to the “urban” thing yet. I don’t get the whole “space opera” thing either but my writing partner tells me that’s what we’re writing. She knows more than me, so I’ll go with it.
Sandra~Heavy duty BDSM makes me a bit squeemish too. I can handle the light stuff, especially when there’s a good story behind it, but delve into a book for the sake of BDSM and I find myself shivering.
Jodi~ LOL, I know you like your cowboys, babe.
Cherie~M/M…I have to say is Ally Blue’s fault. I don’t think I would have ever tried to read or write it w/o her, but man there are some really good books out there that are all m/m. Emotional stuff too, not just HOT
Candy~How could I ever thank you enough for all you’ve said about Blackmailed? And ghost stories…brr. Another Ally reference. Ask her how I felt about Oleander House.
Jenny~So what do you think it is about the erotic genre that makes people branch out because that’s exactly what happened to me.
Ali~Mmm…there’s just something about an alpha Were, no kidding
It’s cool that you’re faithful to your favorite authors and willing to try anything they put out.
Thanks for the comments, everyone!
Great topic Annmarie!
Man those are some great answers you all gave. ?
Had you asked me last week what my favorite genre was I would’ve said a nice sweet romance with hot sex. This week, it’s contemporary shifters with hot sex, lol. Honestly my favorites seem to change with my moods, but the one I come back to over and over are shifter contemporaries. No wait…maybe it’s vamps, paranormals, or bdsm… oh jeez I don’t know.
One thing I do not read is historical, unless they are highly recommended by a few people I know. It’s funny because back when I read print books historical was my favorite, so I’m not sure what the difference is between today’s e-books to the print books I used to read. The one thing about historicals… if even one thing is off in the book it throws me.
Paranormal books you can really go with the flow because anything is possible, futuristics are the same. Contemporaries of course it can be anything goes, but it does have to be somewhat believable. Historicals… eh, I think too many authors fail to do their research. That’s just my opinion.
I will follow an author… as long as they come in e-book format that can be converted to my ebookwise. I’ll admit I’m an e-book junkie, and I absolutely love my ebookwise gasp the though of loosing my baby… perish the thought!
I find it sad that some authors go away from the e-book publishers, although I do understand why to a degree. For some it’s about success, for some it’s about pure pleasure. ducking the rotten tomatoes
I am extremely happy with your choice of writing genres vbg. Keep those ménages and wolfies coming… then bring on some vamps!
Christine
I love futuristic/scifi, paranormal, and fantasy. Those are my fav but I will read just about anything. Don’t like a lot of historicals but do read some authors. Usually if I read an author that I love I will try just about anything they write with the exception of m/m or m/m/f books. I have read them and personally for me this doesn’t do it lol. Kind of squicks me out.
LMAO @ squicks me out… I gotta remember that saying.
Christine~I feel the same way about historicals, feeling bogged down by the research, but I tell you what, Beth Williamson’s got a pretty good series over here. Yummm. LOL on the vamps, you know how I feel about them. I’m not to happy that ya’ll got me stuck on them
Pam~I thought m/m would squick me out too, now, I’m writing a couple. Oops. After I started reading them, there are some really good m/m authors out there, I kinda got hooked. I find it pretty erotic. And squick is a good word
I love paranormals, Annmarie … primarily futuristics/space operas, hence the reason I write them. LOL. I enjoy reading about vamps but have had a bellyfull of angsty “I hate what I am” types of vamp books. If its so bloody awful, just walk into the sunlight already!
I enjoy well-written historicals and will read romantic suspense if its by a favorite author. My time is pretty limited, so I tend to stick with authors that I know I’ll enjoy. Upon occasion I take a chance with a new author and am usually pleasantly surprised.
I love paranormals because of all the fabulous storyline potential, but will read just about anything for a favorite author. My least favorite genre are historicals, mostly because that was all I read for about 20 years.
I’ve always read everything I could get my hands on, so it’s not surprising to me that my writing spans a lot of territory. g Like the song, “Don’t fence me in”. I really love having a lot of choices as a reader, and I love the creative freedom as a writer to blend genres and to write every flavor of erotic romance.
I started out literary, went cozy mystery, then suspense, then romantic suspense, then romantic comedy,and then thought WOW, EROTIC! All my books have comedy, but I know what you mean about finding erotic romance. When I stopped putting a hold on the heat, my writing just took off.
So I definitely know where you are coming from with the genres and discovering erotic:)
Annmarie, this is actually hard to pick just one, cuz I really love to read a variety. I do say tho, that historicals would be one of my favorites. I love the beauty of the culture then, like Regency and Victorian time periods. And too how could I miss one set in Medieval with a MIK, the castles and so much m ore.
Too I got into paranormal romance about a year ago and I love the uniqueness of the vampire ‘worlds’ that authors develop for their books.
No put them two together, Regency Vampires! I’m starting to find more and from thos I read so far, they are great!! Here’s hoping more of these come and even more varieties like werewolves in medieval times and so on!
I love to talk about the genres!!
Annmarie, I have read some very good authors that write m/m. Some of them have series that I absolutely love that started out as m/f or m/f/m and then went into that area. Those I will read just to keep up with the series and the books are great as long as I fast forward through the m/m scenes lol.