 | 28 Oct 08 |
When I first started attempting to break into publishing, I did a lot of research. Mainly about who was buying what and who was doing it the most often. I didn’t care what genre I broke into—as long as I made the break. I felt as a writer, I could write anything. At the time, ten years ago, it appeared that romantic comedy was the hot ticket. So I dived in with both feet. I had been writing since I was a kid, some comedy—I fancied myself a sitcom writer before I’d even heard of the term—but mostly I wrote very dark stories about very desperate people. Still, I was convinced that the key to becoming a published author was the basic supply and demand scenario. The strategy worked. I penned a romantic comedy, Up Close, that Hilary Sares of Kensington wanted for their Precious Gems imprint. Yay! I had made it.
But the romantic comedy wasn’t enough to keep the beast inside me at bay. I needed to write those other stories. You know, those dark, creepy ones. Eventually I became an author for Harlequin’s Intrigue line where I honed my skills as a romantic suspense author. Still, in time, the beast roared for me to try something new, to do more. I ended up doing a few Harlequin Americans, a more family-driven story with a mystery element. Then the Bombshell line came into being and I couldn’t wait to create women’s action/adventure stories. I even wrote a Harlequin Next and a couple of the NASCAR romances. I love creating characters and writing their stories so this was just so exciting and so wonderful. The beast was happy and well fed.
But I noticed something as these different types of stories were published, the readers and reviewers seemed to prefer my suspense stories, the darker and the grittier the better. Admittedly, those were the stories that came most naturally for me. But, was I a failure since my success or the accolades in each genre was not equal? No, of course not. When readers purchased a Debra Webb book, did they prefer a certain kind of story? I decided the answer to that question was yes—at least to a degree. I had heard all the talk about branding and that seemed to confirm my suspicions. With some trepidation, I moved forward with the decision. Debra Webb would strictly be a suspense author.
That’s what I am pleased to write for St. Martin’s Press and for my Colby Agency series at Harlequin Intrigue. Suspense with a dose of romance. Occasionally the stories are called mysteries or thrillers, but the line between those three (suspense/mystery/thriller) is, I think, quite blurred. I am very happy with my decision. Suspense is my first love.
Still, occasionally the beast roars and I long to write a paranormal/supernatural thriller or a chick lit type suspense. Usually this occurs when I watch True Blood or a beloved old episode of Sex in the City. Many, many authors write in more than one genre and are very successful at both. As a reader, do you prefer a certain kind of story from an author? Does that author’s name evoke a certain expectation? (Beyond a darned good story, of course.) Is it ever really possible for an author to be as good at one genre as another?
© 2008 – 2009 Debra Webb. All rights reserved.
Debra Webb, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set.
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I think authors are capable of writing in many genres, Deb. Readers do come to expect a certain type story, and it’s harder for an author to build a career genre-hopping, but a good writer is a good storyteller, and a good storyteller can tell many, many types of stories.
Blessings,
by Vicki Hinze October 28th, 2008 at 5:14 amVicki
Thanks for stopping by, Vicki. I agree that a good storyteller can tell different types of stories. Choices! Choices!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 5:24 amMany authors that I read write in multiple genres, BUT as a reader, I seem to gravitate toward only one of the writer’s genre style. Does that make sense? Trust me, I rewrote this comment numerous times and this is the best I can do.
by Margaret A. Golla October 28th, 2008 at 5:32 amMargaret, from my experience I believe most readers feel that way. Or at least, that’s the way it worked for me. I got lots of comments like “Loved the book, but your suspense is still my favorite.”
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 5:34 amI admit I don’t always like some writer’s attempts to write either a new genre or new character. It didn’t work for me when Hillerman wrote a Viet Nam mystery, no Navajo ties or Patricia Cornwell’s Monk series. But at the same time, Barbara Michael/Elizabeth Peters does it well and Patricia Briggs “Cry Wolf” is very well done. Depends on the writer many times.
by carol shenold October 28th, 2008 at 6:52 amCarol, that may very well be the key. Some authors do appear to be very successful at multi-genre writing while others are not quite so. Excellent examples!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 6:57 amI think there are authors who can do it all (Jayne Ann Krentz springs to mind: romantic suspense, paranormals, and historicals, ye gods) but it’s no failure to be better at one genre than another. For most writers, there’s a certain style that suits the voice best, and the trick is to discover which it is. I personally love reading romantic suspense, but I can’t write it to save my life.
by Louisa Edwards October 28th, 2008 at 7:09 amLouisa, I love Jayne Ann Krentz. She is remarkable and crosses genres with equal brilliance.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 7:14 amYou’ve asked some tough questions, Deb. As a writer I love the challenge of writing in different genres, of turning the characters loose to tell their own stories in their own way. As a reader, I DO have expectations, but they have little to with the genre and everything to do with the writing. From Pat Conroy I expect sprawling stories filled with lyric beauty. From Elizabeth Berg I expect quirky stories that are so tightly written each page is a piece of poetry. And of course, from Deb Webb, I expect page turners, no matter the genre. Thanks for always delivering!
by Peggy Webb October 28th, 2008 at 7:15 amI think there’s can be a tremendous creative boost from “genre hopping” but as (the ever wise and uber-talented) Vicki Hinze said, it’s not always the best *career* move. I hopped over to chick lit a few years ago because I had a story that just had to get out, regardless of the fact that it wasn’t romantic suspense or sexy short contemp, the two genres I’d been previously published in. It languished on the shelves (in fiction, next to Steinbeck, of all places) but that book (HIT REPLY) remains my personal favorite and I still get mail on it when someone unearths it in a used book store.
We’re storytellers, so sometimes genre “guidelines” constrain us in the type of story/premise we want to tell. That book (HIT REPLY) couldn’t have been written as a romance, nor could it have been written as a suspense. But it couldn’t NOT have been written, because the characters were so alive, I had to let them out or go crazy. Sometimes, I think, that’s why we genre-hop.
Great topic!
by Roxanne St. Claire October 28th, 2008 at 7:26 amYou’re too kind, Peggy! Whatever the genre, the writing IS the key.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 7:27 amI think a author’s name will bring images of certain quality or not. I will follow a favorite author into different genres, and sometimes I’m very pleasantly surprised at their ability to make the switch and other times I’m bitterly disappointed. Some authors make a smooth switch, others don’t.
by Lee October 28th, 2008 at 8:28 amI write in two different genres, and I find my writing in each is very different. It has to be considering. Hopefully in the future my bouncing back and forth will be equally successful.
Lee, great to hear from you. That’s a perfect way to put it. I very much believe an author’s name is associated with certain qualities.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 8:32 amThis was the biggest hurdle for me when I decided to sell my supernatural thriller series. I had the idea five years ago . . . in fact, I was going to write that book AFTER I wrote THE PREY, but after THE PREY sold I decided to focus solely on romantic suspense. Now, I’ll have 12 RS books out by the time the first supernatural thriller hits. I’m hoping that my current readers will follow me, and that I’ll gain new readers. But it’s a gamble, a risk, and I still love romantic suspense so plan on writing both. And my supernatural series isn’t a different voice. It’s still dark and scary. The two big differences is 1) there are strong supernatural elements (demons) and 2) it’s a traditional series, the same characters in all seven books. There are strong romantic elements–I have a primary romance that has a multi-book arc and a secondary romance that also has a multi-book arc–but this is not paranormal romance. I just hope it works.
by Allison Brennan October 28th, 2008 at 9:32 amAllison, I’m certain it will work beautifully! The new series sounds very exciting!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 9:36 amDeb, I am hooked on True Blood! I love those characters! As a writer I find what I write the strongest is a passionate love story regardless of genre. I seem to have a natural voice for historicals however, medievals to be specific. I doubt I could write a regency. I find myself overwhelmed by that time period. But I love writing my contemporary suspense too.
by Karin Tabke October 28th, 2008 at 9:37 amRoxanne! You nailed it, baby! There are some books that simply have to be written. In 2004 I wrote one of my all time favorite stories, KILLER SEX. A sexy chick thriller with a mid-forties protagonist. I love, love, love that story but I may never get it published because I’m so focused on RS. But, the story had to be written!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 9:40 amKarin, I love True Blood! I can’t imagine writing a historical novel. My hat is off to you!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 9:42 amRocki, I LOVED, HIT REPLY!
by Karin Tabke October 28th, 2008 at 9:50 amGreat topic, Debra! I think I’m pretty open to a writer switching genres as long as I can tell what genre it is from the cover (or a pseudonym) (though a pseudonym isn’t necessary, just helpful to note the switch). I know I’ve found new-to-me series like that. And I expect there to be a different voice / story-telling sensibility with a different genre. I’m pretty forgiving about that. [though I started off writing the dark, gritty stuff for my screenplays and switched into the comedy afterward.]
by toni mcgee causey October 28th, 2008 at 10:02 amAs a reader I don’t mind a genre switch by my favorite author as long as the genre is clear by cover art. As a writer I’m still learning where my skills send me. But, paranormal anything is still my fave. I’m soooo loving True Blood.
by Amanda October 28th, 2008 at 10:44 amToni & Amanda, that’s a good point. Packaging is very important. If an author is using the same name for two different genres, the book packaging should be distinctly different.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 10:53 amAs a reader, too often I’ve been disappointed when authors venture down different paths, although it’s not necessarily a new genre for them. I can understand that perhaps they’re tired of the same series and want to branch out. I, on the other hand, read series (especially mystery, where they’re much more common than romance) because I really want to follow the characters. So far, I haven’t found many where there are two “families” I can love.
JA Jance writes several series, but for me, JP Beaumont is the one I stick with. Robert B. Parker has several, but I still love Spenser best.
by Terry Odell October 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pmDeb, you’ve gotten some great answers! As a reader, I don’t mind when authors try new genres. I’m not too picky about what I’ll read. As an author, I’m moving around a bit too.
by Jen Apodaca October 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pmWhoops! I hit a wrong key and got booted into cyberspace!
Back to the subject…Terry’s comment about series is absolutely true. For readers, the bonus is following the characters’ lives from book to book. For writers, the perk is building a strong identity with fans. Deb, I know how wildly popular your Colby Series is. My sweet daughter-in-law would hunt you down if you stopped writing it. 
I LOVE writing my Southern Cousins Mystery Series because it forces me to focus on one genre, helps me build a strong identity and gives me a chance to revisit characters I love. Occasionally, though, I still enjoy writing books take me all over the map. 
by Peggy Webb October 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pmJen & Peggy, a good strong, longlasting series is something many readers love. It’s like coming home each time you read an installment.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pmTerry, this is true. Particularly with a series, readers do have certain expectations and will occasionally be disappointed when an author moves down a different path or creates a totally different character. I’m very glad to hear from my readers when they have misgivings about a choice I’ve made. I always keep those things in mind.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 1:43 pmJen, it is fun to stretch your wings occasionally. Whether readers or writers, we really are all unique and have such different boundaries and expectations. One of the things I love most about writing is watching people. Just doing everyday things. I’m always amazed at how unique each living being truly is. I have a friend who loves me but prefers not to read the sex in my books. Yet, she adores true crime, the more gruesome the better.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pmHey Deb,
I’ve published in both dark suspense, romantic suspense and cozy mystery. I have found my preference is lighter mysteries with a dash of dark, but my readers seem to like the dark suspense. At least that is what sold the most….
by Natalie October 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pmIsn’t that interesting, Natalie. Often what we like best or believe we do best is not what our readers like best. And it’s definitely about pleasing the readers!
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 5:17 pmWhere ever it is you ladies travel in your writing, we readers will follow. I’m looking forward to Jen’s new voyage in a few months.
I love to write contemporary romance, erotic, mystery, and some paranormal. These are also the types I read. Although I love the historicals, Karin does these very well, I can’t write in that genre. I also love suspense/thriller that many of our MSW ladies excel at, again not a genre that I do well.
Oh yeah, happy release day, Karin, what’s left of it anyway.
by HollyD October 28th, 2008 at 7:20 pmHey Holly! Thanks for stopping by. Thanks so much for the compliment as well.
by Debra Webb October 28th, 2008 at 7:27 pmHey, Deb! I’m a day late as usual, but I love the topic! When I wrote my entry for the Presents contest, it was a departure for me because I’d been concentrating on military romantic suspense. So now that I’ve sold to Presents, it IS an odd change for me in some ways — and not so much in others. Presents stories are still intense, and the heroes are simply warriors in custom suits as opposed to BDUs.
But I would loooooove to be able to write suspense too. And I have a dark paranormal series idea burning up the chambers of the brain as well. But there’s only one of me, and I’m so new at this publishing thing that I probably should concentrate on one area for a while.
Looking forward to seeing you in B’ham Sat!
by Lynn Raye Harris October 29th, 2008 at 12:54 pmAs a reader, I think that a good writer is usually a good writer despite what genre they choose.
I love Nora Roberts writing whether she’s Roberts or J.D. Robb. I really enjoyed Jennifer Apodaca’s Samantha Shaw books, but am also looking forward to reading Blood Magic. I’d say maybe I’m not that particular, but I think I am.
by Erika October 29th, 2008 at 1:16 pmHey Lynn!
by Debra Webb October 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pmI think focus in one area is good, particularly in the beginning. See ya in B’Ham!
Erika,
by Debra Webb October 29th, 2008 at 1:43 pmI haven’t read the Robb books but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. I’m sure you are absolutely right on target! Perhaps a good writer is a good writer in any genre but perhaps some readers who love that writer in one genre might not have a taste for the other genre. But those who do will love the author in both!