 | 2 Feb 09 |
Today I’m pleased to have the fabulous CJ Lyons as my special guest. As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a National Bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a “breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller.” The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is out now! Two lucky prize winners will be selected at the end of the day. 
Hi guys! Thanks to Debra for inviting me back to Murder She Writes!
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m CJ Lyons, a pediatric ER doc turned medical suspense author. My first book, LIFELINES, was published by Berkley in March, 2008 and my second book, WARNING SIGNS, was just released last week. For more info on me or my books feel free to visit my website http://www.cjlyons.net
I’m lucky enough that not only have I found two careers that I love (medicine and writing) and can make a living at, but also that I get to teach others about. I used to teach parents, kids, EMS professionals, nurses, doctors, firefighters, and even law enforcement officers. Now people pay me to travel across the country and teach about writing, and the most common question I get is: What is a thriller?
Good question. I’ve had the privilege of judging ITW’s Thriller Awards since their inception as well as judging their romantic counterparts the Ritas, Golden Heart, and Daphne awards. Up until this year, for the Thriller Awards alone that meant reading around 150 books, trying to determine not the best book, but the best thriller among them.
So what makes a thriller?
My first and favorite definition of a thriller comes from David Morrell: if a thriller doesn’t thrill, it isn’t a thriller.
I love this definition, it’s very intuitive and visceral. But most of my students want something more definitive. Now, anyone who knows me is laughing by now because both in medicine and writing, I’m known as a bit of a maverick. I don’t play by the rules, tend to think out of the box, ignoring convention, protocol, and boundaries.
In fact, my books are shelved in General Fiction and Literature (usually near Moby Dick!) because they’re medical suspense novels with thriller pacing, romantic elements, and told from the point of view of the women of Pittsburgh’s Angels of Mercy’s ER.
Hmmm….so how many genre boundaries do I cross? Medical drama, suspense, thriller, romance, women’s fiction?
Yeah, definitions are sooooo not my forte! So instead, I came up with a spectrum to describe my work and others–and to answer my students when they ask that pesky question.
What makes a thriller?
The best I’ve come up with is a way to look at the entire mystery genre as a spectrum, knowing that a book will fall somewhere in the range if not definitively in one absolute category.
Here’s my take on the whole mystery/suspense/thriller spectrum:
–mysteries: deal with “Who” as in “who did it”, “who will solve the case”, etc. Mainly focused on a past event that begins the action (usually a dead body <g>)
–suspense fiction: why? Why did the criminal act that way, why did the victim become the victim, why does the crime solver care and become involved. Mainly focused on the present–the impact of the crime on the psychology of those involved.
–romantic suspense: again focuses on “why” but with an additional “why should these two people be together” added. The romance is so intertwined that you can not remove it from the rest of the plot.
–thrillers: focus on “how” as in How will we save the world? (“world” being anything from the entire universe or planet to a country, town or other “larger” entity) How will we stop this terrible thing from happening? How will the hero find the courage, strength, tools, allies, etc necessary to overcome overwhelming odds? How will it all end?
The emphasis is on the future which, in my opinion, is what gives thrillers that wonderful free-fall feeling, that head rush of adrenalin as the stakes keep building and building.
Yes, you can have lots of action in mysteries and suspense, but the larger stakes and that constant forward momentum are what make thrillers, well, thrilling <g>
–”Thrillers with Heart” (a term I coined for my own work) have at their core an emotional relationship that adds another dimension to the action plot. Again, like romantic suspense, this essential relationship can not be dissected out. 
So, where do my books fit into all this? Let’s see…..LIFELINES was definitely a thriller. The stakes escalate tremendously until most of the city of Pittsburgh is at risk. And, as for that adrenalin rush? Well, Publishers Weekly called it a “breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller”
My second book, WARNING SIGNS (out now!) is more of a mystery. You don’t know it until the end of the book, but everything that has happened is driven by a crime that took place in the past. The book is an investigation, and while the pacing is thriller-like, the stakes don’t escalate tremendously from start to end. It’s definitely focused on solving the puzzle of a mysterious disease killing patients–before it kills the main character, a medical student.
I just turned in the third book, URGENT CARE. It falls into the suspense category, although given the rising stakes and pacing, some might call it a thriller….I suspect this is where the term “psychological thriller” is used. But this book is definitely focused on the psychology and relationships rather than the investigation or stopping the killer.
It’s about why these victims, why this kind of crime, why this bad guy is the way he is, why we fall in love with one person and not another, why we get up in the morning and go to work and do the jobs we do, why we live the way we live…..It’s dark, and edgier than the other two books, I think, because it dares to delve more deeply into the murky realms of the human heart and mind.
Here’s my challenge to you all–and yes, there will be prizes! Take a look at your own work or those of your favorite MSW authors, past and present, and see where they fit in this spectrum.
Some will be easy to place, others not so much. What do you think about genre-blending in your mystery/suspense/thrillers? A good thing? Why or why not?
Thanks for reading!
CJ
© 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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CJ-
I loved LIFELINES and can’t wait to read WARNING SIGNS.
How do I feel about genre-blending? There are some books that are very difficult to ‘label’ just one genre. Just as there are books that I don’t believe would be as powerful had the author attempted to keep them in only one genre as he/she wrote the book. Most of the authors I read would be considered genre-blenders.
by Sarah Grimm February 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 amHi Sarah! Thanks for stopping by!
I agree–and that’s why my books are a bit hard to find–in that ocean of General Fiction/Literature, right near Moby Dick, lol!
But I think as a reader, I enjoy a good “stew” of a novel with blended elements, lets me savor a little bit of everything!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 5:55 amHi again, CJ! You’re getting around today, aren’t you?
I’ve addressed the restrictions of labels many times. My books are really more ‘mystery’, but they have the tradtional romance conventions. But the romance section of the store will call them ‘romantic suspense’ because that’s what the sub-genre is called, and they’re not really suspense at all.
My newest is more action adventure, although it’s definitely romance. But you’d never think that to look at the cover.
by Terry Odell February 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 amLOL! Hi again, Terry!
I think actually if your novels are true romances (mine aren’t–there are no guaranteed HEA’s in any one book, the romance and relationships build over the series, although the romantic relationships are the heart of each book) then being shelved in the romance section is a plus.
It lets readers know exactly where to find you and they can look at each book and decide if it’s their cuppatea or not.
The number one complaint I get from readers (actually, so far the only complaint, lol!) is that they have a hard time finding my books–they look in mystery/suspense, then they’ll try romance, and it’s a struggle to get them to wander into the Gen Fiction/Lit section of the store…..
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 amVery true, CJ — but readers who pick up a ‘romantic suspense’ are often expecting something entirely different from what I write. Same goes for contests — they call the category “romantic suspense” then say all mystery sub-genres fit the category, but the readers expect suspense, not mystery.
by Terry Odell February 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 amHmmm….I guess maybe that’s where branding comes into play (a whole other post, lol!)
To me branding means building reader expectations–making them a promise of what to expect when they pick up a book with your name on the cover.
I think that’s more important than the label on the spine. At least for me as a reader.
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 6:40 amSo glad you’re here, CJ! Excellent post!
by Debra Webb February 3rd, 2009 at 6:57 amThanks for having me, Deb!!!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 6:59 amI found your books in Borders under Romance. That section also includes Paranormal and Historical fiction.
by Albert Taylor February 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 amWow, Albert! That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of my books being shelved under romance.
Not that I mind, lol! I read a lot of romance and romance readers do seem to enjoy my books….but, and you guys tell me, would romance readers be turned off if they don’t get a traditional one book/one complete HEA romance???
Never want to disappoint the reader, of course!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 7:36 amSo great to read your guest blog today! I love thriller/suspense books and have added your books to my wish list at amazon.com! Looking forward to reading them.
The suspense/thriller is the type of book that I hope to one day pen myself.
by Lauren February 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 amThanks, Lauren! I appreciate the support–be sure to let me know what you think of LIFELINES and WARNING SIGNS!
As you can probably tell, I love suspense/thrillers–where else can you get your hands dirty with the dark side of the psyche but still give folks an inspiring, empowering read?!? Especially when you can weave in a romance that drives that triumphant ending! Best of all worlds, I say!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 amLauren! You are a lucky winner of a copy of LIFELINES! Please email me through my website, http://www.debrawebb.com, and collect your wonderful prize!
by Debra Webb February 3rd, 2009 at 8:42 pmHey CJ, glad you’re here today. And I cannot wait to read Warning Signs.
Bobbie Faye (book one) is caper — which is probably described best as a thriller with humor. Book two is probably more of a romantic suspense (with humor) and book three even moreso.
by Toni McGee Causey February 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 amHey Toni! And Bobbie Faye is the perfect example of blending the genres and still keeping your promise to the reader.
If you ever removed the humor and romance from her books, they just wouldn’t be BF books, now would they? A reader knows when she sees there’s a new Bobbie Faye book out (this summer!) that she’s in for a fun, free-wheeling ride!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 amGreat blog, I look forward to reading your books. Besides your background what appeals to me is that you jump boundries and can’t be pegged to one genre. That draws me to most of the writers I enjoy most. Don’t get me wrong, I love books that stick to one genre, but cross jumping seems more true to human nature.
by Cele February 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 amI totally agree, Cele. Us humans are a crazy mixed up bunch and our entertainment reflects that, lol!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 9:32 amWelcome back to MSW CJ! My mystery series was classified as Cozy, which worried me to no end because I had sex in there. Not a lot, but enough. Still, it seemed to be okay–readers are pretty darn smart! The genre blending isn’t really so hard for readers, it’s more of a problem for the publishers sales team, and for the booksellers to know where the shelve the books.
Of course, readers have to be able to find them!
Great blog!
by Jen Lyon February 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 amJen, you’re so right–if the publisher doesn’t know how to sell a book and the bookseller doesn’t know where to shelf it, no one can find it!
Great point!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 amG’morning, CJ. I’m a firm believer in cross-genre dressing. My paranormals have mysteries. My mysteries have paranormal elements. They all have romance. The first book in my trilogy, while a time-travel paranormal with faeries also deals with murder and kidnapping. The second book, which deals more with reincarnation (and the fae), includes an international terrorist out to murder a US Senator and his daughter. The third book (which isn’t written yet), has a SWAT sniper as the hero and a police psychologist caught up in a hostage situation. My mystery/suspense series (in progress) has ghosts. One of these days, I’ll figure out how and who to pitch that one to.
Thanks for some great insights into how to define what I write!
by Silver James February 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 amGlad to help, Silver! Your books sound intriguing–I love the world-building/universe blending!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 amThanks, CJ. I like to think they are intruiging, but then…I wrote them. LOL. But as you and Terry mentioned, branding and finding where “Tab A” fits into “Slot B” when pitching a proposal. Luckily, the first book in the paranormal trilogy has a home and the publisher has first right of refusal on the next two. My Delta Ghosts series is having a little bit harder time finding its place. But hanging around here and listening to the MSW denizens and guests, I’m learning. Glad you dropped by today.
FYI, I’ve now had to start another TBR list and it’s all your fault. *chuckle*
by Silver James February 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 pmHey, it’s all tax deductible, Silver! Can’t believe my stacks of TBR books anymore–friends’ books to keep up with (like all the MSW writers!), books for judging, books for cover quotes, books everywhere!!!
I love, love, love it! What a great job, paid to read and write!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pmMarket research. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! *nod* Just don’t tell the DH that a dozen more books walked in the door today. *looks sinnocent*
by Silver James February 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pmSilver, you are a lucky winner of a copy of LIFELINES. Please email me through my website, http://www.debrawebb.com, to collect your wonderful prize!
by Debra Webb February 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pmLucky is right! Thanks! (Info on it’s way.)
by Silver James February 4th, 2009 at 11:09 amI was fascinated with your post today. It gave me insight into your strength and abilities. Congratulations on your achievements in Med School and your great writing career. My son is a second year Peds Resident.
by pearl February 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 amThanks for stopping by Pearl! I hope your son has as much fun in pediatrics as I have!!!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 9:34 amHey CJ – welcome to MSW, my friend! And congrats on the second release. I absolutely love what your publisher is doing with the covers of your books, and I think the title and art work is doing much of the branding for you. They say “thriller” (by the titles); the group of female characters pictured (and the type of photography) says, to me, this is is a continuing story with multiple protagonists over several books. They definitely don’t look like romances, but character/relationship-driven medical thrillers.
IMO, the cover and titles need to do so much of that “categorizing” for us. I write romantic suspense that is heavy on the romance with more “adventure” and “danger” than the classic “suspense” that you describe. Within my series, the Bullet Catchers, I’ve had three “clinchy” covers with a h/h ghosted in the background and three straight “suspense” covers with atmospheric images that imply danger. This year, I’ll have two with bare-chested Hawt Guys (what I’ve wanted most all along). It will be interesting to see how/if readers respond to the three subtly different approaches to packaging.
So nice to have you here, CJ. I have great memories of our trip to Charleston!
by Roxanne St. Claire February 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 amHey Rocki!!!
I think you are absolutely right about the importance of cover art in branding. It’s that all valuable first impression!
The only thing I asked Berkley was that since the idea behind this series is a real life ER doc writing about real life stories, that we go with “real life” models on a real photograph rather than stock art.
Next thing I knew the art director was emailing me. She’d read LIFELINES and wanted to know more about my characters–their attitudes, hobbies, what they wore when off duty….all sorts of stuff beyond physical descriptions.
Then I saw the photos–have to say it is a little freaky to have the people in my mind come alive on the page like that!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 amThis mini-lesson reminds me of your session at the OWFI conference last year, CJ.
I agree that you don’t write inside the box, and I like that.
by Vivian Zabel February 3rd, 2009 at 10:29 amHi Vivian! You’re right, these ideas are more fully developed in my workshops on Thriller writing.
“Inside the box”–lol! Most days I can’t even find the box!
Thanks for dropping by!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 amHi CJ,
It’s great to know another physician who is also a novelist. I am a fulltime, male obstetrician/gynecologist practicing in Jackson, MS, and have written and published three novels: HOUSE CALL, POINTS OF ORIGIN, and most recently FRESH FROZEN. I found intriguing your definitions of the genres mystery,thriller,etc., in that we so often blend them to make a truly unique story. Thank you, Darden North
by Darden North February 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 amHi CJ, your class, Chasing the Muse, really helped me, especially with developing a brand that captures the essence of what I write rather than the specifics. Like you said, that allows my writing room to grow, morph, yet still fulfill the brand’s promise.
Right now, I write romantic suspense blended with mystery and set in the world of NASCAR that I love. However, my interests are varied, and I plan to explore many in the future.
I, too, am a firm believer of interweaving genres. For me, it heightens a story’s texture and enriches the emotional ride.
Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge and experience. Best of luck with both your careers.
by Sandy Crowley February 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 amWelcome back to MSW CJ! And I love a blended margarita ‘er mystery/suspense/thriller!
by Karin Tabke February 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pmHi Karin! I like that–blended margarita!!! Good one!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pmHi CJ – Great blog! You must be a wonderful teacher. And hey, you’re really getting around today!
Congratulations on the release of WARNING SIGNS. I’m intrigued by the mystery aspect you mentioned and love the idea of a mysterious disease. Can’t wait to read it!
My book’s definitely a mystery. It’s all about “whodunit” and I’m just hoping it leaves people guessing to the very end.
by Kate Carlisle February 3rd, 2009 at 12:54 pmHi Kate! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m not a good enough plotter to write a straight mystery–I get too involved with the characters and forget to leave red herrings and clues, lol!
I’m in awe of anyone like you who can!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pmKate! I have a picture for you. Well…two. One with your book on the shelf at the B&N and the other of the blank spot where your book *WAS* at Borders. They’d sold out! (And yes, Homicide in Hardcover was one of the 12 that mysteriously appeared in my TBR pile today.)
by Silver James February 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pmYeah, Kate!!! And everyone should check out her wonderful (ahem) profile in the Big Thrill–done by you-know-who, lol!
http://www.thrillerwriters.org/2009/01/homicide-in-hardcover-by-kate-carlisle.html
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 1:50 pmLOL Silver! You’re so cute to take a picture of the empty shelf!! I’ve got to see that!
Very mysterious how HIH appeared in your TBR file. Maybe it had something to do with all those apple martinis…..just sayin’……
Thanks so much!!
by Kate Carlisle February 3rd, 2009 at 5:37 pmI love cross genre, I have to. I write cozy paranormal mysteries with a touch of urban fantasy. So it’s who did it, how did they do it and how do we stop it, with a ghost and werewolf thrown in. Thank goodness for e-pubs who aren’t as heavy into labels.
Good to see you again, so to speak. Hope you visit us in OKC again soon. Carol
by Carol Shenold February 3rd, 2009 at 1:11 pmHi Carol! Wow, tons of OKC folks around today!
I would love to come back any time–I had a blast with all of you guys!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pmOkay, from reading your definitions, which were the most clear I’ve seen, I am definately cross genre! Just not sure what to call it yet! Great post CJ!
by Debbie February 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pmGlad to help, Debbie! Thanks for stopping by!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 3:02 pmHappy release week!
I love blended genres. I don’t think my books fit “romantic suspense” or “suspense/thriller” — maybe I created something new, the “romantic suspense thriller” LOL. In all honesty, you can take out the romance (though I never would) and still have a full suspense in most of my books. But sexual tension, and the belief that there is someone for everyone–even those dedicated professionals who work 24/7–drive my romance. These people deserve a happily ever after, even when they’re not looking for one.
Frankly, I think a romance in ANY genre raises a good story to a higher level.
But then again, I also think that DIE HARD is a great example of a romantic thriller, even if they don’t have sex “on the page.”
by Allison Brennan February 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pmLOL! Just watched Die Hard again (for the like 11,000th time) this weekend–definitely would call it a Thriller with Heart, all about the relationship driving the motivation for the action.
Great example, Allison!
by cj lyons February 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pmI love books that blend genre, and even more I love books that blend sub-genres. I think blending only makes the read more delicious.
by Ellen Breen February 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pmLate to the party. Somehow, I’m old enough that my first born will start high school next year. So I had to attend a parent meeting.
Allison – OMG the kids were annoyed over the weekend ’cause I turned off the Wii and watched the complete Die Hard collection. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t write, so it had to be Die Hard.
CJ – welcome back. Any of the combinations sound wonderful to me. In my own writing I always end up w/ a romance even in the thriller/mystery.
We wouldn’t have soo many wonderful, exciting books to read if they all fit nicely into a handful of genres.
by HollyD February 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 pmReally like your common sense definitions CJ…starting off by quoting David Morrel’s a thriller thrills…congrats on your second launch. See you at Love is Murder in Chicago.
by Julie Kramer February 4th, 2009 at 5:04 amThanks for defining the difference between the genres, C.J. I thought my Logan & Cafferty series was mystery but have since found that it also qualifies suspense as well as the thriller category. Now I’m at odds as to how to categorize it.
by Jean Henry Mead February 4th, 2009 at 11:08 amCJ- Great definitions! My current work is definitely Mystery/Suspense/Romantic elements. Love crossing those genres. Allison Brennan and I discussed this same topic, so it’s nice to know I’m not the only one diving back into definitions.
by Jean Willett February 4th, 2009 at 1:27 pmLifelines is on my TBR pile! I’ll have to go find Warning Signs.
Thanks for posting.
Jean