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.
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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?
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.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to read more widely, although mysteries are still my favorites. Good reminder to take a chance on a new genre.
ReplyDeleteThere 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!
ReplyDeleteI read just about anything, except horror.
ReplyDeleteI love reading across genres, trying Sci-fi now!
ReplyDeleteSometimes our ideas don't match up to what we read. It's funny how that works.
ReplyDeleteHappy to help out on either or both tours.
Thank you, Nick.
DeleteGlad you like military science fiction now.
ReplyDeleteBe happy to host Damien again and of course I will promote Dark Matter.
Thanks, Alex.
DeleteDLP has definitely published a ton of great stories!
ReplyDeleteI can host for Dark Matter - let me know :)
Thank you, Jemi.
DeleteI also like many different genres. And I'd be happy to host these books.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathrina.
DeleteReading submissions definitely counts. I'll definitely give Dark Matter a shout out in May. Already pre-ordered my copy :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful to hear.
DeleteWhen 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.
ReplyDeleteSome 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.
ReplyDeleteI personally enjoy light hearted novels but will read anything.
Take care.
Yvonne.
I hope you enjoyed them.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteTry being the publisher - I have no time to write!
DeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteIt'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
I mostly read MG and YA, what I write. I also love a good historical novwl.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am willing to take chance on reading a different genre, especially if it's written by a friend.
ReplyDeleteJQ Rose
I read almost everything... even cereal boxes :)
ReplyDeleteAnne 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.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, you get to read books as part of your job. Sounds nice.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
We have a lot to choose from! LOL
DeleteI read such a range because I always find gold. I suspect I'm a learn-aholic aka life-long learner. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Reading submissions should definitely count!
ReplyDeleteI read almost everything. The hardest thing in the world for me is to *not* read something.
ReplyDeleteI am always willing to read something new as long as the story is good. :)
Publishing so many different kinds of books has to extend your range of reading. I think that's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSo, 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Tyrean, thank you.
DeleteHi, Diane! Of course I will help you host Dark Matter: Artificial and Damien's latest book! Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Louise.
DeleteSometimes being a reading omnivore is great. And you never know what's going to speak to you.
ReplyDeleteA good story is simply a good story -- so true! I'm open to any genre if the story sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI 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?
ReplyDeleteYes, I do. LOL
DeleteVery true indeed. A good story is a good story.
ReplyDelete"A good story is simply a good story"
ReplyDeleteSo true!
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!
ReplyDeleteI do like taking a chance on something new. In fact, thanks to today's IWSG question, my TBR pile grew even more.
ReplyDeleteI 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
I'm happy to host both. And yes, a good story is simply a good story! Quite true.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to host both.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteIt'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!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. It's not the genre that's important. A good story is simply a good story.
ReplyDelete"A good story is simply a good story." I love that, Diane. It is a simple truth.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOops, I just called you Debra, having hopped over from her blog.
ReplyDeleteSpunky 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.
Thank you, Robyn. I just sent an email.
DeleteI'm an open reader. I do read more fantasy-type things but I like mystery, historical, memoirs, it's all good!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. A good story is simply a good story.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to host.
Take special care.
Great post. I want to check out more books from DLP.
ReplyDeleteHi 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
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's time to broaden your reading horizons and read more widely, at least to read more of what it is you're writing. :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI like books that hook me early on and manages to surprise me.
ReplyDeleteHi, Diane!
ReplyDeleteI 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¨*•.♥
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.
ReplyDeleteHi L. Diane...
ReplyDeleteLike 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...
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. :)
ReplyDelete~Jrdd
Hi Diane!
ReplyDeleteFor 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
Corinna's book was definitely a great read!
ReplyDeleteI bet it's fun for you to have such a smorgasbord of genres to read!
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!
ReplyDelete