Wednesday, March 03, 2021

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and What Genres Do You Read?


It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.


Today’s optional question: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

Can I count the submissions I read? Those are sci-fi, fantasy, MG, YA, non-fiction, Christian, and some mystery/paranormal.


My writing genres haven’t matched up really well with my reading genres. I wrote a 5-books series that was YA at the time before NA came out and containing a bit of romance and sport. Those were not genres of choice to read at all. My current work is paranormal with also a hint of romance, and I have read just a little bit of that. However, my two non-fiction books, one of book publishing/promoting and one on motivation, most certainly line up with what I read – tons of publishing and self-help books.

However, I’ve learned from all the stories I’ve read through DLP that a good story is simply a good story.


A book about a ten year old set in 1969? Not my first choice, but Corners is one of the best books DLP has ever put out. (And I challenge any of you to pick it up – it never found its niche but it’s absolutely excellent and with an amazing voice.)

A YA story about a teen and the moon maidens he meets? What? But My Magic Summer comes out next February from DLP and I promise you will be charmed by the character, the setting of 1994, and the strong voice.



Now, I do like sci-fi, more along the lines of what Anne McCaffrey created, which was a blend of fantasy and light sci-fi. However, looking at the choices I’ve made over the years in sci-fi, most have been more military sci-fi: CassaStar and the series, Big Red, Revolution 2050… Had those stories not crossed my desk, I never would’ve discovered how much I liked military sci-fi.

So, take a chance on a new genre, new author, new book. You just never know.



And I am looking for tour hosts for two books - Dark Matter: Artificial, due out May 4 and Blood Red Sand, due out July 6. Please let me know if you can host the authors.





What do you like to read? Are you willing to take a chance on something new?

70 comments:

Leigh Caron said...

Normally, I stick with my favorite genres, but I will take recommendations, especially from sister. But the last two books I bought were because of the cover art. I wasn't sorry. They were great.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I'm trying to read more widely, although mysteries are still my favorites. Good reminder to take a chance on a new genre.

Jan Morrison said...

There is little I won't try. I like science fiction but don't read it widely. Just finished rereading Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel - a speculative fiction on a pandemic that wipes out a good percentage of human kind. Very well written!

Bish Denham said...

I read just about anything, except horror.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I love reading across genres, trying Sci-fi now!

Nick Wilford said...

Sometimes our ideas don't match up to what we read. It's funny how that works.
Happy to help out on either or both tours.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Glad you like military science fiction now.
Be happy to host Damien again and of course I will promote Dark Matter.

Jemi Fraser said...

DLP has definitely published a ton of great stories!
I can host for Dark Matter - let me know :)

Cathrina Constantine said...

I also like many different genres. And I'd be happy to host these books.

Ellen Jacobson said...

Reading submissions definitely counts. I'll definitely give Dark Matter a shout out in May. Already pre-ordered my copy :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thanks, Alex.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Jemi.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Cathrina.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I like reading in other genres too. Alex's series was the first space opera I read. I was pleasantly surprised to find I liked the genre, and Alex does a good job of moving his plots along quickly.

Patsy said...

When I try something different I'm often surprised to find I enjoy it more than I thought I would – it does pay to be a little bit adventurous in our choices.

nashvillecats2 said...

Some excellent choices there Diane, When I first commenced Blogging I bought a few of my then followers books and have also bought and read two of Alex's Cassa Star books.
I personally enjoy light hearted novels but will read anything.
Take care.
Yvonne.

Lynn J Simpson said...

I so agree with trying something different! I think having a curious mind and doing 'different' is what keeps our minds vibrant. I'm starting to wonder if I am more of a reader than I writer as I look at the books you are putting out and want to read them all! I know we need to read lots as a writer, however in my current circumstances I have a tough time of doing both well.

Arlee Bird said...

You are certainly in a position to encounter an array of reading genres and I think that counts in your reading. I mean, you are reading!

It's been a while since I've read any science fiction. When I've read fiction of late it's mostly been literary type fiction like Saul Bellow or E.L.Doctorow. I've got a lot of sci-fi on my bookshelf so it's probably time to get one down and do some reading. That, or read some of the non-fiction tomes that languish on those shelves.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I mostly read MG and YA, what I write. I also love a good historical novwl.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, I am willing to take chance on reading a different genre, especially if it's written by a friend.
JQ Rose

Carol Kilgore said...

I read almost everything... even cereal boxes :)

Anonymous said...

Anne McCaffrey was an early favorite of mine - I was completely swallowed up in her world. I will read anything if it captures my interest. Completely agree that a good story is simply a good story and can be set anywhere, anytime, with any number of characters. Being open to different genres has taken me on some amazing adventures.

Chemist Ken said...

My goodness, you get to read books as part of your job. Sounds nice.

I used to read Anne McCaffrey back in the day, but now all I read are urban fantasies because that's what I write, although I wouldn't mind getting back into other fantasy types or military sci-fi again.

emaginette said...

I read such a range because I always find gold. I suspect I'm a learn-aholic aka life-long learner. ;-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

kimlajevardi.com said...

Reading submissions should definitely count!

Z.A. Waterstone said...

I read almost everything. The hardest thing in the world for me is to *not* read something.

I am always willing to read something new as long as the story is good. :)

cleemckenzie said...

Publishing so many different kinds of books has to extend your range of reading. I think that's wonderful.

Tyrean Martinson said...

So, I messed up this month's prompt on my blog, but I do love to read across genres, from children's through adult. My main faves are fantasy and sci-fi in most varieties.
I already mentioned to Damien that I would be happy to host him for Blood Red Sand and have a spot set aside for him in the month.
And, I would be happy to host Dark Matter, too.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Diane! Of course I will help you host Dark Matter: Artificial and Damien's latest book! Take care!

Liz A. said...

Sometimes being a reading omnivore is great. And you never know what's going to speak to you.

Sarah Foster said...

A good story is simply a good story -- so true! I'm open to any genre if the story sounds interesting.

Olga Godim said...

I would suspect that reading submissions for work is different that reading at home for pleasure. You automatically look for certain things when you read as an editor. I wonder if it spoils you for reading fiction for fun. Do you ever look for typos and style blunders in the books published by someone else?

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's wonderful to hear.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I hope you enjoyed them.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Try being the publisher - I have no time to write!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We have a lot to choose from! LOL

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Tyrean, thank you.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Louise.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Yes, I do. LOL

Pat Hatt said...

Very true indeed. A good story is a good story.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

"A good story is simply a good story"
So true!

Loni Townsend said...

I bet you get a lot of exposure to both good and bad writing. Glad it lets you expand into areas you wouldn't normally read!

J Lenni Dorner said...

I do like taking a chance on something new. In fact, thanks to today's IWSG question, my TBR pile grew even more.

I love reading a wide variety of genres. I posted for IWSG day today. My post includes a new book by a friend, a note about a free book next week, a tweet about a query contest (LGBTQ romance this round), and a quick message about April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm happy to host both. And yes, a good story is simply a good story! Quite true.

Mason Canyon said...

I'd be happy to host both.

Liza said...

I am with you. A good story is a good story, although I'll add, as long as it is written well. I can think of many books I wouldn't have considered my style that I read and adored--every Harry Potter book as examples. Actually, I love when I find an author who surprises me with an unexpected story I can't put down.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Nick.

Gwen Gardner said...

It's so interesting to see what everyone reads. I'll read anything as long as it's a good story, but I love to write cozy paranormal mysteries!

Tonja Drecker said...

I totally agree. It's not the genre that's important. A good story is simply a good story.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

"A good story is simply a good story." I love that, Diane. It is a simple truth.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Oops, I just called you Debra, having hopped over from her blog.
Spunky Lady Diane, I need to get a winner's package to ya. Please see my email -unless it dropped - from Rawknrobyn @ aol.com. I know you don't eat chocolate, but you're still very deserving of the grand prize.

And re genre, I tend to try for humor and end up with tragedy or vice versa. Then back to humor regardless. Cheers.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I'm an open reader. I do read more fantasy-type things but I like mystery, historical, memoirs, it's all good!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I read in most genres but have written only in crime fiction and frontier fiction. At the moment, I'm reading memoir: Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I agree. It's natural to lean towards a few genres; personal preferences and all. But ultimately, if a book is well-written and structured, I'm totally okay with giving it a try even if it's outside of my natural preferences.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you, Robyn. I just sent an email.

Sandra Cox said...

I agree completely. A good story is simply a good story.
I'd be happy to host.
Take special care.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Great post. I want to check out more books from DLP.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane - well done on your DLP selections - you've done well with DLP - and it's good to have you on board for all the other excellent help you give authors et al. I do read an eclectic range - not many fiction ... but have just got some new to me mysteries ... stay safe - Hilary

Diane Burton said...

I love when I'm surprised by a book that I thought wasn't my cup of tea. I would be happy to host your authors. Just contact me at: dmburton72@gmail.com

Chrys Fey said...

Perhaps it's time to broaden your reading horizons and read more widely, at least to read more of what it is you're writing. :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I also like space opera like Alex J Cavanaugh writes. Maybe why I love the show The Expanse. I'm pretty busy in May, but reach out to me for the July release. Would love to have Damien.

Damyanti Biswas said...

I like books that hook me early on and manages to surprise me.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi, Diane!
I am willing to take on something new so long as it's recommended by friends I trust! It has to capture my interest, though. ;P

♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥

Toi Thomas said...

I feel like I'm constantly challenging myself as a reader and often revisit genres to see if my tastes have changed, usually they haven't but I keep checking. If you're still looking for host, I'm interested.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi L. Diane...

Like you, I prefer Fantasy and mild Sci-fi. I also like reading non-fiction as well, but I mostly read biographies...learning about people's lives can be very interesting. I have read tons of YA since that is the genre I mostly write, but I am currently writing a narrative non-fiction...

At times I have read books WAY out of my usual reading choices and have thoroughly enjoyed them...Good writing is GOOD WRITING...

DMS said...

My writing and reading genres don't always match up. My reading lately has been a lot of nonfiction and philosophy. I read what matches my mood. :)
~Jrdd

Jen said...

Hi Diane!

For YEARS I only read fantasy and horror and only wrote the same. Then, I'm not sure how or why, I started reading cozy murder mysteries and I'm HOOKED! Currently, I'm taking a chance on a genre I said I'd NEVER read: Westerns. A good friend recommended and sent a Western to me so I'm giving it a go.

As for my current writing projects, they're personal essays, ghost stories steeped in Southern folklore and Southern women's fiction with a magical realism twist.Who knew I'd enjoy those genres? It's fun to discover new things!
Jen

Sherry Ellis said...

Corinna's book was definitely a great read!

I bet it's fun for you to have such a smorgasbord of genres to read!

Anonymous said...

I'm very late to the party because I took some time off but this is a great question. I love to write crime but love to read horror and suspense. Have a great weekend, Diane!