Why do you write in ___ genre?

Ash-Ash — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:30:43 -0600

I'm just curious as to how other people came to gravitate toward one genre or another. I usually write fantasy, but the few people I know in real life who know about my writing are surprised because I'm a fairly logical, science-minded person. But there's a good reason: When I'm reading say, science fiction, I always want a good explanation for why something is the way it is, and I will automatically compare any given explanation with what I know from real life. For example, when I was reading a particular science-fiction series (I won't name it because I can't remember if this is a spoiler or not), I actually caught myself thinking "What kind of receptor is that virus binding to that lets it infect literally every species it comes in contact with? There's no way that could really happen. The aliens' cells would be so different from human cells...and then it also infects plants? What the heck?" And then I thought "Shut up, brain! I'm trying to enjoy the story!" but it was too late. I can usually set these feelings aside when I'm reading, but when I'm writing it's a lot harder to do. In fantasy, I don't have to worry about that. Things are allowed to not work in the real world, because the whole point is that it isn't the real world. And then I can just write. So what's your story? Why do you write what you write?

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Dennis Dunjinman — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:53:30 -0600

I have the story in me to tell. The genre tends to come later.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Catana — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:38:27 -0600

I don't think I'll ever be able to stick to one genre, but most of my stuff does wind up being some weird kind of science fiction. Like Dennis, I tell the story and then figure out the genre. My first two published novels (self-published) cross so many lines, I haven't been able to pin them down. That made it very hard to put them in categories that made sense. I write about social change, slavery, and power relationships, so my writing is very character-driven. A lot of that seems to work best as science fiction, but I'm giving a lot of thought to crossing some more boundaries.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Captain Lonewolf — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:11:45 -0600

I write fantasy stuff mostly because I'm the kind of person whose sort of bored by the "real" world. As a kid, I'd read fantasy books about witches, warlocks, magic, dragon etc and liked that kind of world compared to the boring, "real" one. So now, writing a contemporary story or a high school story or something like that set in our times, bores me.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Saspirilla — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:48:36 -0600

I write a cross between historical fiction or more fantasy-based historical fiction because that's what I like to read. I feel like I know how to write for that genre (ha! that makes me sound like a know-it-all but hey). I'd like to try writing something else, like a crime mystery or just something firmly in the real world. But the fantasy world keeps creeping in, bringing romance with it. And I don't even read purely romance novels! Agh! It keeps creeping into everything I write. Suppressed emotions maybe? I've yet to experience even a date and I'm 23 in March. This sucks.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Webgoji — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:35:26 -0600

I write sci-fi/horror because I'm twisted. I've usually got some question in mind and the sci-fi genre gives me the freedom to create the world around the characters. It keeps me from having to develop the characters around the setting. If I want Character X to be able to perform Action Y, then I can do it without having to worry about the reader thinking, "Yeah, but you couldn't do that in blabbity-th century country without getting caught immediately." Suspension of disbelief is nice . . . focus on the characters, not the environment. The horror part comes from suffering. I would have to quote from numerous books to explain it, but I'm bringing the condition of suffering to the forefront and demonstrating how the Story Mind deals with it. And that's all I got ta say about that.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Lady Pendragon — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:15:21 -0600

I write fantasy because I believe fantasy crosses more genre lines to reach more people. I believe it's a teaching device more than a genre. I'm actually quite passionate about it and it really, really bothers me when people diss fantasy or down it or try to have it banned. I wrote this about why I write fantasy a year or so ago: "Only be complete denying reality can we truly see it in all its wonder and glory. Through fantasy we can study our own characteristics, not only of our individual lives, but of society as a whole. We can dig at the truth, the real meat of things. You can cover hard topics with the label “fantasy:” death, revenge, retribution, redemption, morality, grief, love, torture, good versus evil, exploration of evil, the fall of goodness, the shadows in light. When you call something a fantasy, or create a fantasy, you are in truth taking everything you know about any given topic and stripping it of all protection before the keen eye of judgment. Nothing is barred through fantasy. You can literally do anything you like."

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

harrypoter4ever — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:54:43 -0600

The genre comes after I write the story. It easier for me to write adventure, ya, fantasy, and realistic fiction be caue those are the types of novels I read.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Arya Svit-Kona — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:07:24 -0600

I mostly write fantasy because, like Captain Lonewolf, I am bored by the real world. I find books written about the real world incredibly boring and I couldn't write them to save my life. And in fantasy... anything can happen. There are no limitations. You can write whatever you please and you're not limited by our world. Even in science fiction you are limited by some constraints because it is closer to the real world, but fantasy is something completely different and it can be changed any way you wish.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Arlequin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:19:44 -0600

I write historical fiction because I love history, I love the vintage/antique aesthetic, and my plots are always based on historical events (such as World War I) or cultural phenomena (such as the Bright Young Things in 1920s London). I have a hard time coming up with original plots that could take place in the modern day.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Winterwind — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:59:12 -0600

I write fantasy because that's usually what the story calls for. Sometimes my stories dip into science fiction territory, and sometimes they'll turn out to be more horror than anything else. It completely depends on the story and the characters. Then again, whenever I ever get annoyed trying to figure out a genre for something I'm writing, I just call it interstitial to make my life easier. I take the easy way out. :P

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Earthsick — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:38:13 -0600

I write Fantasy because escaping the real world is utterly awesome to me. Exploring new worlds, adding creatures, doing magic. Man, that's awesome. I don't like real life drama because hence, I have enough of that already around here, mostly for no apparent reason whatsoever. Also, I'm the boss of my own fantasy world. Doesn't mean I'm doing absolutely unlogical things with it, but rather that society and everything works after my own rules. Plus, I get to have characters with magic abilities. That's awesome and fun to play around with. :D

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

MaddieMcMoomin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:52:57 -0600

I write fantasy (often with a hint of science fiction there) because I love having the freedom. You're not bound by the rules of the world - you can create a whole new world with its own rules that suit your story, and it's having that freedom that really helps my writing flow - otherwise I get bogged down in checking that this and that isn't illegal. Plus, if people read it, they can't say "Oh, this would never be possible", because you can just turn right back around and say "This is a fantasy novel, set in a fantasy world - how do you know it wouldn't be possible there?".

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Vespero. — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:05:29 -0600

I write Fantasy because I like Fantasy. What Sci-Fi I write is written because I want to include those elements into my work (usually for setting more than plot). I think of some story that I would like to tell and I hit magical little keys on my desk until words come out.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Vanyahiril — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:04:01 -0600

I write urban fantasy (or paranormal fiction, whatever floats your boat) because I started out writing straight up sword and sorcery fantasy when I was younger, because that's what I read a lot of. Within the last four or five years or so, I started picking up some urban fantasy stuff ( Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison) and I absolutely fell in love. I decided to give writing it a go and something just clicked. It was definitely a writing what you know thing, combined with a healthy seasoning of "what if" I've tried writing outside that, but everything just falls flat, I have no passion there. Now, I've written some mystery, some horror, some romance, but it's all fallen under the Urban fantasy feel. It's what I love, and I think it comes out on the page.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

EMT-TKJ — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:53:52 -0600

I write horror. I've discovered early on that I can't write well unless there's killing going on.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Vespero. — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:09:19 -0600

I've always wanted to write horror, but I've never done it. I'm awful at viewing a work from a reader's perspective and don't really get scared from movies or books (unless I have to go take a shower at 3:00 in the morning, in which case there may be Shoggoths about). Oddly enough, while I am (mostly) immune to the terrors of books and movies, video games absolutely terrify me.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Rubyfruit — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:35:24 -0600

I write romance because I love writing about people. I love writing about people in love. I add fantasy elements to the romance because I love magic, but I always come back to romance because that's the story I want to tell.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

aliaswriter — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:31:19 -0600

I don't have a particular genre. I write what I would read. So I would try my hand at anything but Sci-Fi or Fantasy. I need an element of reality.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Webgoji — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:24:28 -0600

The video games "Requiem" and "Doom" were partial inspirations for the manuscript I'm almost done editing. (Just . . . about . . . ready . . . to pitch!) Horror is really a great medium for writing character-based prose (as opposed to plot-based . . . Detective Novels are normally plot-based). It's easy to turn it into plot-based, but you can really dig on the human psyche, investigate some of the "tougher" aspects of the "human condition" when writing in the horror genre.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Angryman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:50:58 -0600

That rather sounds like how it is with me. Yes, most of my stories tend to be on the fantasy side of things, but I have many different story ideas that are of many different genres. I just have a thought and run with it.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

larelmian — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:31:57 -0600

I could say a lot about fantasy -- the joy that comes from pure creation, the development of new societies and histories, being able to mix and match a variety of sub-genres (a dash of romance, a pinch of mystery, a dollop of adventure, a sprinkling of comedy), and being able to stick my tongue out at anyone who would dare to question the inclusion of potatoes or the exclusion of modern political issues. But the real reason I write fantasy is much shorter. Dragons.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

bookmonster — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:21:30 -0600

Young Adult for me. Though I suppose with YA you also have cross into other genre's. Science Fiction and Action then. What can I say, I just like a good explosion now and then.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

EMT-TKJ — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:27:02 -0600

This sounds brilliant. I think I may adopt this as why I write horror...I'm exploring the human Psyche instead of "Well, I was writing a normal romance, but then I killed off a character and it got so much better."

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

brianarants — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:12:25 -0600

I'm in the YA realm mostly because I think I'm writing for the age I'm in at the moment (my characters tend to get a a year older as I do). But most of my ideas are always realistic kinds of everyday stories. I'm just into average everyday lives. Thrive on that mess. And Paul Zindel is my hero. :] I've only had one fantasy story idea that I'm saving for the future. I'm hoping my writing will be beautiful (yeah right).

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

epguinn — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:04:32 -0600

I write a lot of fantasy for two reasons: One, it's a good escape from real life (better than realistic or historical fiction IMO), and Two, you can make up your own rules as you go. Because the story isn't based in reality, things can happen with little or no explaination other than "that's just how it is, here." I also love writing humor. Humor and parody let's you get away with things that you couldn't in other genres. You can drop people in a vat of acid and have it be funny! (In fact, that's what happened in the first chapter of my 2010 novel).

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Rubyfruit — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:40:31 -0600

I've always wanted to write straight fantasy, but I'm not a history buff, and there seems to be a "You Need To Know This Much About Medieval History To Write" line like you see near roller coasters, and the line is nine times taller than me. So I've been a little...intimidated by the genre.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Septimus Pfluger — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:46:52 -0600

I write mainly literary fiction, as it basically allows me to vent off whatever I'm feeling at the moment; it's very off-the-cuff writing for me, and feels natural. I love fantasy, but I can't ever get into writig it, because it just has to not be anything anyone's seen before, which is practically impossible. But I don't "gravitate " towards any particular genre; I write what I want, when I want, and how I want.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

IzzyRoxUrSox14 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:41:06 -0600

I write war novels because I've always been interested in the fighting. Explosions, guns, that kind off stuff interests me. (Just like every girl does.) My writer's mind is a dark place, and war is a good place to turn my thoughts into reality. (My current novel came to me while watching Transformers 3, no robots, it just sorta hit me, and it's really twisted idea. I can't go into too much detail, but let's just say most of us on here in the US would probably not be alive.) I also love getting that human emotion aspect, showing that through all the fighting, the characters are real people. They have hopes, dreams, emotions, (well, not really the other side, but you get the idea). They have families, friends, a mass of people that they care for and want to protect. So that's kind of a nice aspect for my novel/movie, I have the action/explosion stuff for the male side, and the emotion/sometimes love for the female side. But nothing for the kids, my stuff is pretty darn messed up and there's blood, and torture, and you know, death. Phew, that was a mouthful.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Flute71 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:49:22 -0600

This is my only novel, but it's a mystery/suspense. I love to think about the reasons "why" things are happening, and my writing tries to enable the reader to do the same. While reading I think it's important to really get involved with the story, to be an active thinker as the plot develops. I hope that as I grow as a writer, I can become successful in engaging my readers with myeterious plot twists! Incidentally, I prefer to read paranormal romance as well as mystery, but my writing mind does not work in the paranormal realm.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

DarkPassenger — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:38:31 -0600

Lit Fic is what I tend to gravitate towards. I have elements from many other genres, but my stories are very character-driven and deal a lot with psychology and emotion.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

golfgal08 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:51 -0600

I mostly read fantasy, but when I write, I end up writing things that are a lot more realistic. There's a lot of world-building that goes into fantasy, and I'd much rather be able to use established rules (though when I write fanfiction, I tend to write for fantasty/sci-fi shows/books because the rules are already established there, too). In 2010, I wrote a crime novel (that's probably the closest description for it, really). This past year, and what I'm still mostly working on, I wrote a military action/adventure novel. I enjoy taking a genre that's usually plot-driven, and making it character-driven, where the story isn't necessarily about good versus evil, but about the people fighting in the war and trying to do what they think is right. At the end of the day, the genre is not as important as the style, I think--as I said, I write character-driven stories. Whether it's fantasy or romance or YA, I'm going to make it about the characters.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Itzika — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:40:47 -0600

That's why I mostly write urban fantasy. *thumbs up*

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

emberwing — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:27:57 -0600

I don't tend to peg my work into one specific genre, but most, if not all, have sci-fi elements. They often take place sometime in the future, some involve space travel, and they're character driven. A lot of it is also just the wacky things that happen in everyday life for y characters, which slowly builds up to plot shenanigans. For instance, right now I'm in a scene where a nineteen yea old with a hoverboard and a twenty three year old with tech that can make him fly goofing around on the roof of their home (a carpet factory)

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

CaveatLector — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:05:57 -0600

I don't have a specific genre that I stick to, but there's always some humour and some horror in my stories. That and I can't write unless I get to be weird and postmodern, but that's not technically a genre.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

lionhuntermo — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:02:31 -0600

I think I'm usually Fantasy, because I like to make up my own rules, my own worlds, and my own names. I've got so many Fantasy-themed names stocked up... Usually there's a lot of dying, and a rather depressing ending, too. My latest project has no death during the actual period of the story (but there's quite a bit in the history), and I feel quite lost...

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

mycatduncan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:21:46 -0600

Fantasy is mine, usually, because: 1) I don't like doing research, so historical fiction would probably be a bad idea 2) I like making up stories, so non-fiction would also be a bad idea 3) I've not attempted at horror in a while, but it doesn't seem like my thing 4) I love mystery/crime/detective shows, but I don't come up with a very good mystery (attempting one during Screnzy 2012, but I haven't tried a mystery since I was nine, so…we'll see) 5) I dunno. If you make up an entire world, like I did for NaNo 2011, you can go by your own rules. I guess I like that.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Fraust — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:52:39 -0600

I don't purposely go for a specific genre, but every story I write has/will have violence in many many different forms. Anything I write, after you describe it with a genre, you could add "but it fits in horror too." after and be about right. As for why...I've always been attracted to violence, and conflict. Being that I'm not 12 I'm not too interested in gore and splatter punk without purpose, so don't take it as anything I write is just a how-to book on dismemberment. I like exploring what makes people really honestly snap and get that claw hammer out, not just the description of what they do with it.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

nijusjaanu — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:11:43 -0600

I write mysteries because otherwise I'm not sure how to end the story ;) Plus, just for my own enjoyment, mysteries are my favorite things to read and watch (TV, movies).

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Goatfoot — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:02:12 -0600

I usually write fantasy/horror cross because horror is how my mind words and fantasy gives me a whole new playground to play in. I always find that there's something very freeing about fantasy, particularly when you love monsters like I do.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

CalicoRain — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:20:24 -0600

I tend to lean more towards fantasy/paranormal and drama. Fantasy/paranormal -- It's fun & my imagination can run free. Plain & simple. Characters which aren't "supposed" to exist become the only things that matter. Sometimes it's angry, dark & dirty, or sickeningly sweet. And I love it. Drama -- I seem to have a flair for writing it even though I try my darnedest to avoid it in RL. It's fun to be overly dramatic every now and then, especially when you're fairly rational and logical most of the time. It's also a great way to poke fun at my relatives. ;) I'd love to try my hand at writing a romance and/or a historical fiction at some point. ^.^

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

dancer_kirsten — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:22:01 -0600

I write Romance because I'm a big sap. And then it often turns into Erotica because my mind is too filthy for the gutter. So, Romantic Erotica, mixed with (for 2010 and 2011 NaNo) Agricultural Fantasy. For 2012 NaNo I'm planning on going for straight Action though (I have an awesome James Bond plot in mind).

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Garneth_Riparian — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:41:12 -0600

*metaphor mode engaged* Have you ever tried to paint a perfect picture of a face? I mean photo-perfect, as high-realism as you can get, so people can't tell whether it's a painting or a photograph? Well, it's really d*mn hard. Replicating reality exactly is almost impossible. It's for this reason that I let a little expressionism creep in. A little artistic license. Or, you know, a lot, because two dots and a curvy line can still look enough like a face that people get the idea. This is why I don't have a single story that doesn't have zombies in it, or dragons, or superheroes, or ghosts or whatever else creeps into my head. I've never written anything set entirely in the real world. The real world is too big and too complicated.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

neon.tigress — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:16:31 -0600

I write fantasy because it gives me the freedom to shape an entire world - its languages, its people, its creatures, its magic, its history and technology, the list goes on. I love creating brand new things, and using odd names for my characters. I love being limited only by my imagination and being swept away into a rich new universe that, prior to my writing it out, existed only in my mind. Sure, it requires a ton of detailed worldbuilding, but hey, it pays off in the end!

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

aarjw8921 — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:17:51 -0600

I found My ganre, fantasy, by accident. I was living in Wyoming at the time and was so bored because I couldn't go anywhere or buy anything. LOL thus the life of a student. LOL Anyway I went to the library to get some audiobooks because although i can read, my vision doesn't allow me to do it fast. I found Robert Jordan's Wheel of time series there and heard it was interesting if not good. So i rented the first book. then the 2nd. Then I rented the book, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and finished them all within two weeks. I devoured them wanting to read more and more. falling in love with the characters. Now all i read is fantasy and own 50 or so audiobooks in the ganre, from Tarry Goodkind, to Gail Z. Martin. I want to write story that gives me that same feeling as when I picked up those books.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Septadius — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:56:32 -0600

I write medieval fantasy because it's fun. I don't have limitations on what I can write, and I get to make up maps and 'fictional' places.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Jac Grove — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:34:11 -0600

I haven't actually finished anything when it comes to writing, but all my ideas and outlines and such are geared toward the paranormal/horror. It has to have some basis in the real world. When I was little, I never had much of an imagination. All of my imaginary friends were borrowed from cartoons (first ones I remember being the Ninja Turtles). Fantasy for me is like giving me a blank sheet of paper. No bloody clue what to do with it, but give me connect the dots and I at least get an idea of what to do with it. As for why I aim for the paranormal, well, except for when I was really little (read: Ninja Turtles) I'd always been interested in the paranormal. I loved vampires and telling my friends that the koolaid in the fridge was really blood. I always dressed up as a witch or a vampire for Halloween instead of a princess like my mom wanted. I had a phase where, even though they scared me, I loved horror movies and even started looking into Japanese horror. Documentaries on werewolves, vampires, ghosts and haunting and other such things. Add a bit of sociology with the Salem witch trials and some mystery with Jack the Ripper and that's kinda my genra. Sorry for the babbling XD TL:DR = Paranormal Fiction because I like some leeway with my reality

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

I_Just_Want_To_Fly — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:57:43 -0500

Meh, usually turns out science fiction. I truly watch too much Doctor Who.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

I_Just_Want_To_Fly — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:03:51 -0500

Most of my writing has a little bit of basis from everyday life. Like how my characters listen to real bands (Muse and Coldplay are popular ones) and the characters usually visit real places on Earth, like Alcatraz and Oahu. Other than that, it's almost completely all Scifi-y, with aliens and time travel. I <3 Sci fi

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Margaret57 — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 02:31:39 -0500

I write historical fiction, influenced by my love of family history. It was during my research that I found massive amount of info on my family, real stuff, newsarticles that any genealogist would dream of. The details in the papers inspired me and then I kept looking at other old articles, mid 19th century and there is so much information out there I could be writing forever - hopefully. :)

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

-valkyrie- — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:56:42 -0500

I don't write in a particular genre. First comes a basic idea, and then a story that fits more or less in the one or other genre (my stories are often a mixture of two or more genres). Ok, there are some genres that I write in more frequently than others. Currently I'm kinda into crime (both when reading and writing) because I like all those riddles, considerations, conclusiond and unexpected turns. I also like fantasy, because of all the cool creatures and powers. Historial fiction is interesting, too - I learn a lot while reseaching. I also love trying out genres in which I never have written anything before. For example, I really want to write Sci-Fi once, but I somehow never come up with good Sci-Fi ideas.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

thrilleraddict — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:06:12 -0500

I find I tend to gravitate towards the Science Fiction and Thriller genres. I don't think it's on " purpose " that I mainly write in those two genres, but the stories I come up with in my head usually fall under one of those genres. But I like writing Science Fiction because there's a bit of imagination and speculation you can put into it. Thrillers? Because I like exciting stuff, adventure-type. Maybe one day I'll be able to write a spy novel from certain...er...experiences. ;)

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Bree L. — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:17:41 -0500

I just write whatever's in my head really... Fantasy is my favorite to write, but that's only if I have a superamazinglyoriginal idea. Otherwise it turns out as general fiction junk.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Elinde — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:45:19 -0500

I usually write fantasy-type stuff but that's because I'm such a Tolkien junkie and for most of the year I write Tolkien fanfiction, but for my original stories I get character bunnies first and the genre develops round them. I often write in the AU genre rather than full-blown fantasy because I can't seem to write magic DX. I have quite a few modern day ideas too. But yeah, I wouldn't say the genre is my consistant feature. Personally I think that's that all my ideas, original and fanfictions, are driven by how people think rather than action.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Lydia_Ember — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:34:14 -0500

I guess I drift towards soft sci fi since that's what I gravitated towards over the years. Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Trek TNG, Star Wars, various stuff on the Sci Fi Chanel (before they changed their name), The Time Machine, and some different anime or manga with a scif fi/supernatural twist. Plus, I always liked math and science growing up.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Bree L. — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:21:46 -0500

I usually write fantasy, which is unusual because, well, I'm one of those logical, scientific people who likes stuff to make sense. But that's also why I love fiction, because it's not really supposed to make sense, it can be a whole different universe.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

bekahgzm — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:07:51 -0500

I write scifi/fantasy/Christian books. All in one!

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

ArtsyGal — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:27:44 -0500

I write fantasy because. . . . . well, there are a few reasons:) One of them being that I'm too lazy to actually figure out proper geography placement, so I throw it all out and create my own! :D Other than that I think it's because I grew up with fairy tales, and I still love them dearly, they allow a person to 'get lost' in a manner of speaking, in the middle of a world that isn't real. I mean really, who doesn't like a story with knights, dragons, horses, balls, etc, now and again? :) That and you can do anything you want and don't have to explain anything if you don't want to. *How did they suddenly find themselves in the middle of an angry pack of wolves, in a snowstorm, in the middle of Spring Rise? It was because of the stew they ate for lunch? Yes, it was, and don't ask me why, because I said so, so accept it and keep going!*

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Mackenzi. — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:59:55 -0500

I write supernatural and horror and fantasy and the occasional sci-fi because I think a lot of it could happen. I both fear and am obsessed with the unexplained. Anything is possible and it's got some very exciting possibilities. Basically... as long as it's something that makes me feel strongly (fear or hope or excitement or love or anything) then I wanna write about it, and write about other people feeling strongly too.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

MrDithers — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:22:06 -0500

Well, that's not necessarily true, about being limited to Medieval history that is. I like what it says in Wikipedia here: " In its broadest sense, however, fantasy comprises works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today." You don't have to limit yourself to that particular era of fantasy. Lets take Harry Potter for instance. A lot of it is based in fairy tales and general stories about magic that reach back to the ancient Greeks and Romans and runs the course through to the modern day. Yes there are some key themes about the magical world that hail from the medieval period, but there's so much that happens later on and sooner that it's practically impossible to claim it's a medieval type of fantasy. Then there's Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series that doesn't talk about medieval history at all, relying entirely on Greek mythology to set its stage for the reader. There's a myriad of other types of fantasy out there that isn't based on the medieval period, it's just not many people are really writing it much because a lot of writers have been so gobsmacked (to borrow the British term) by Lord of the Rings they want to try their hands at writing something like it. Fantasy can mean a lot of things, the most crucial aspect lies with what's important to you as a reader and a writer. Go out, have fun, and dream big if you want to try it. And don't let the fear or intimidation of the genre frighten you; the medieval fantasy is only a slice, and by far not the biggest slice mind you, that exists in the genre. Who knows, maybe you'll develop a new one.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

MrDithers — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:37:58 -0500

I like what C.S. Lewis said about the reasons why he wrote Chronicles of Narnia, because it was the genre that worked for what he wanted to say. I think that's the best any one of us can hope to achieve, just write the story that works for what we want to say. At least, that's it for me. I've taken that advice to heart and now I'm closer to finishing something on such a grand scale as a novel than I ever have been before. I write whatever genre works for what I want to say.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Se'punto — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:59:55 -0500

I write Sci-Fi/Christian books because I find it fascinating (the Sci-Fi part), and really spritual and meaningful (the Christian part). And in Sci-Fi you get to create creatures that are bizarre, realistic (what I usually do), maybe both, but you get to let your mind wander and go free; wherever it pleases. And even if I do not completely understand why, I have to include a Christian theme. I grew up with Christianity, and while I even though still growing in that Faith, Christianity tends to show up in my writing. For some reason, I cannot successfully write a book without Christianity being thrown in. Anything else... I just cannot do well. Then again, God has been a massive part of my life, and He has influenced me greatly. <3

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

Wonder — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:36:08 -0500

I've tapped in many genres since I started novelling, but all of them were for the middle grade or upper middle-grade age group. I don't know why but I just love writing for/writing characters that age. :) And I also always include an element of mystery in my novels. I just love the intrigue and how it all comes together at the end.

Re: Why do you write in ___ genre?

KellyinCA — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:39:24 -0500

I write in the mystery/killer genre more than anything else because it's the only thing that provides enough twists for my twisted mind. Also because I have more books on serial killers, evil and tragedy than most normal people so it helps to justify by saying it's "research" ;) For me what makes my creativity come alive is the single question "why are some people *$#%!ed up?" I want to know what their childhood was like, who influenced their life and what actions, inactions, thoughts and beliefs took them from a normal place to depravity. So I write characters who are on that journey and discovering the many faces of evil. Yes, I'm aware that it's quite twisted. I've actually avoided reading my own NaNo from 2010/2011 because it would give me nightmares.