Genre — Huh?

Genre – What’s Yours?

There’s genre, and there’s categories. They’re the same but completely different.

Category is who it is written for. Who is the person enjoying your story? Is it an adult or a juvenile? A man or a woman? Is it a child or young adult?

Genre is the form, subject matter, or style that it is written in.

Such as:

• Fiction
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Mystery

• Nonfiction
  • How-to
  • History
  • Biography

Then there are subgenres. Two subgenres would be ‘Cozy’ or ‘Erotica’. Both are important for the prospective reader to know before they dole out their hard-earned cash for the story. It goes to the value of the entertainment and your reputation.

A Cozy Mystery is generally light, usually includes a recipe or three, and could be a ‘G’ to ‘PG-14’ rating. They are quick reads that don’t like to be put on hold, but great for a distraction in one’s chaotic life.

Erotica, on the other hand, is rated ‘R’ and into the ‘X’s’.

A reader who is expecting ‘Cozy’ and winds up with ‘Erotica’ probably won’t buy another of your bestsellers.

The same goes for one who is anticipating ‘Erotica’ and finds they have to solve a murder or taste a cake.

I argue the genre issue with each new book I write. Here’s why:

The Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery/Adventure series is – to me – a cozy mystery and adventure. Heavy on the adventure.

I choose Cozy because there’s no vulgar language or explicit sexual scenes. But there have been readers who questioned my Cozy classification. I can only guess at the reason for the question… namely, not every book contains recipes.

The good news is that I get to choose. I say Cozy because my books are just good clean fun mystery and adventure – with a few life-coaching twists thrown in for good measure. You are welcome to share your thoughts on the subject – in a Cozy manner, please. 😊

My aim is satisfied, repeat readers. Get as close as you can to the genre you choose, but be willing to change if you find out you’re in the wrong pew.  I am.

Happy Genre Choosing,

Alexie Linn

P.S. Since this new, finely focused blog is just getting started, the easiest way to get updates is to follow this blog and  follow me on Facebook.  New posts should appear on the Alexie Linn page – if I’ve held my mouth right… 😊

If you only want updates and pre-order deals of new releases of Books, Vellas and Audibles, the easiest way is to follow me on Amazon. When you get an email notice of a new book release, simply ask for it by the title – or for all the Alexie Linn authored titles at your favorite retailer.

And just one more thing. Here’s where to find me, follow me, and get deals on Goodreads. Please do to get in on all that Goodreads has to offer. Goodreads is always at the very best price. It’s FREE!