Weekend Writing: Defining Your Story's Genre

There are some genres we love to read over and over again, whether it's romance, science fiction, fantasy, historical, dramatic, comedies, etc. These genres often play along with our interests. We have our favorite genres; therefore, it's not surprising that we prefer to write in our favorite genre, as well. It's our comfort zone. After all, reading makes us a better writer (discussed in this blog post). So, if you grew up reading science fiction stories, then you might be more inclined to write books in that genre, as well. If you grew up fascinated by romance stories, then you will want to write similar stories.

But, sometimes you need help defining your story's genre. Below is a list of genres to help get you started in defining where your story falls.

• Crime/Detective: These are the classic Agatha Christie novels, in which the novel depicts a crime, the criminal is often caught, and the novel discusses the process of uncovering "who did it." Mystery novels are similar to crime novels, but mysteries focus more on uncovering secrets. 
• Fairy Tale: These are the stories you read as a kid--the Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm fairy tales. These are "make believe" stories, but they also are educational and teach children an important lesson. 
• Fantasy: These stories are similar to fairy tales, but the story elements are heightened. There are talking animals, magic, kings, queens, etc. The stories take place in their own fantastical world, but everything needs to be as believable as possible--as though these fantastical elements are "normal" in the story's setting. Think Game of Thrones. 
• Historical Fiction: Everyone has their favorite time period or historical era they love to study. These stories often take place in a historical era. Whether you love Ancient Rome, the 1950's, World War II, or more, writing about a different time period or a person who lived a long time ago is the essence of historical fiction. 
• Horror: You know these stories--the ones that make you scared. Monsters, ghosts, goblins, demons, etc. These stories are intended to give readers a good scare. 
• Humor: Comedies are hard to define because comedy can be found in any genre. But, if you love to make people laugh and want to write a story strictly determined to make readers laugh over and over again, then comedy is your best genre. 
• Realistic Fiction: These stories take place in the real world--with real people, realistic places, events, and more. These stories should feel as "real" as possible. 
• Romance: These are your classic love stories--guy and girl fall in love, often have conflicts along the way, and end up together. 
• Science Fiction: These stories take place in the real world, but something fantastical arrives here, whether it's aliens, new technology, etc. Think E.T. or Stranger Things. 
• Suspense/Thriller: These stories involve something thrilling that is about to happen. The main characters then try to prevent the inevitable event from happening. 

Now that you have these definitions, you might be wondering, "How do I really know my story fits into one of these genres?" You might think your story is a suspense, but how can you be sure? There's one strategy for helping you never second-guess your story's genre. 

After all, when you discuss your book with other writers--or eventually editors and publishers--you'll want to be confident. You won't want to say, "This story is kind of a suspense novel." You will want to be assertive and say, "This story is a suspense novel about (topic)." 

Find Your Focus 

(photo/College University)

What's your story about? What's your story focusing on and discussing? What are the main themes? Do these story elements fit into one of the above genres? Finding your story's focus--determining exactly what it's about--will help you figure out your story's genre. 

Reread your story. Look at it from a reader's perspective. Think about your story from an outsider's perspective. Focus on the world you have created and review your characters' journies. Find your story's focus and your genre will be there. 

If your story takes place in a different time period or involves time travel, then it fits into historical fiction. If your story has magical elements that also takes place in a world other than our own, then it's fantasy. On the other hand, if your story takes place in our world, but it includes technology, aliens, etc., then it's science fiction. 

Take the time to read your story--and I mean really read it--to determine your story's genre. Know your story inside and out. But most importantly, defining your story's genre will help you write it better, and also market it better! 

Good luck! 

Write on. 

-KJL-