Words With Impact: Discern Typology Genre

Workshop: Discover Words That Sing

“The poet—when he is writing—is a priest; the poem is a temple; epiphanies and communion take place within it.” Denise Levertov

Genre Typology Threads

One definition of an epiphany is that it is a moment of revelation or insight. As we saw earlier symbol webs can strengthen genres through a variety of image styles. Readers often lean towards one or two genre styles because of the insight they want to explore for themselves. We also have our favorite style or depth within those choices as well. Both a cozy mystery and a psychological thriller give insight into a murderous revelation, but the details and the descriptions of each will be very different.

As readers we lean towards the subjects and styles where we want to discover or understand the revelation the story unfolds. Symbols, images, concepts, and themes can be expanded both in a genre style and or as a thread borrowed from one genre to another to give a fresh view. And a very ordinary situation can be developed into a very different perspective like the shifting mirrors we saw earlier.

For example: sometimes we don’t need to search for mystery. It can happen during an ordinary day. The unexpected happens, either positively or negatively, shifting our perspective into a whole new direction. Suddenly the ground shifts out and the familiar, the foundation, is cracked opening into a world we do not know and cannot understand.

Choices follow. Do we get out a flashlight and investigate the new terrain, however hesitantly, or hide away and hope the world tilts back to normal in the morning? Perhaps a little of both enables ourselves, and our characters, to cope with sudden change.

In the movie Larry Crowne, when he is called into the office for a special meeting, Larry confidently expects to receive yet another employee reward. Instead he is fired for a supposed lack of education. Which is a total mystery to him. He grew up in an era when high-school education was the only requirement and work experience became the criteria for advancement and evaluation. Now none of it is considered valid? When and how did the life rules change? Or did they really?

Although still in shock, Larry begins to build a new life trying to adapt to a new culture for him—college. Like a young child entering the world of kindergarten everything is a mystery. Some days are extremely difficult and bewildering. However he also embraces the unknown with curiosity, changing not only his life but also those around him—especially his worn out, jaded instructor. He finds a way to blend his past and present into a rich discovery.

Action Steps:

1. Even if you do not have a mystery in your novel choose a situation to become a mini-mystery parable with long reaching significance.

2. Pick a scene where your character is pressed for time. Make a list of possible obstacles, such as a flat tire. Have a good ‘helper’ come alongside to assist, but keeps making the situation worse.

3. Then, when your character finally reaches his goal, he realizes that the interference saved him in some way—maybe from a huge embarrassment. How does that change his perspective on his frustration?

Share: What common question became a typology thread? Was there one word or concept that could be developed into several angles?

Read deep, marcy

Voice—Genre

Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults

“No literature so transforms the reader as does the literature of childhood: shaping, molding, uplifting, explaining, and informing.” Jane Yolen

Genre

Another voice that impacts our stories is the genre in which it is delivered. Again for this introduction we’re doing a broad overview and will dig deeper as we discuss the different genres along the way. For general discussion though a genre is considered to be a kind or type of literature that shares a common set of characteristics. For example, a mystery has certain ingredients that a reader expects to find, as does a romance. Extensive world building is considered a foundation to fantasy, sci-fi and historical genres, but could be considered sluggish and intrusive in a contemporary or adventure genre even when the setting is a critical factor.

However the set-up isn’t always apparent. For instance, if we look at formulaic fiction: some categories are generally mysteries, romance, sports stories, or westerns and yet all of these can also be classified under realism as well. Also the lines can blur when two or more genres are combined like a western sci-fi, such as Firefly, or steam punk, or a detective series with romance. Classics often cross genre lines, are well worn, and continue to ‘sound’ across generation-to-generation hearts.

Usually though, when two or more genres combine there is still one main thread that carries the main genre voice.

Here are a few commonly considered genres as suggested by Rebecca J Lukens.

Realism: a story that is possible. Effect follows cause without intervention of the magical or supernatural. Outcome will seem reasonable and plausible. Usually the representation of action that seems truthful. Under its umbrella are: problem realism and social Issues, animal realism, historical realism, and sports stories.

Formula Fiction: follows distinct patterns, it doesn’t eliminate a writer’s creativity but it does restrict it within certain boundaries: mysteries, thrillers, romance often fall into this category.

Fantasy: “the willing suspension of disbelief”, which creates another world and asks the reader to believe in it. Fantastic Stories include a wide diversity such as Charlotte’s Web, The Borrowers, and then moves  into High Fantasy as well where the focus is on conflict between good and evil.  Science fiction stresses scientific laws and technologies

Traditional Literature: The focus here is on folktales with stock characters and the emphasis is on plot or action or theme, as well as good versus evil. Includes: Fables with brief story morals, and lessons, usually with animals, Myths, Legends, Folk Epics.

Poetry

Non-fiction: information such as biographies, science, history and how-to.

Which One?

How to choose? What do you read? What are your interests, background experiences, and particular passion? For example, are you a docent anywhere or do you have a lifelong of a particular sport or hobby?

Do you write short or do you write long? Do you love research? Are you visual?

And ask yourself the bottom line question: Why do I want to write and be honest with yourself.

Action Steps:

1.     Take that same memory you used in last week’s action step and now choose two different genres for one of the age groups you wrote your blurb for.

2.     Write up a paragraph or page in each of those genres. It doesn’t need to be an opening. Pick a situation where a new reader would be able to identify the genre because of your setting and dialogue and details.

3.     Let the pieces sit for a few days and then re-read. Does one voice sound more natural than the other? Does one version make you want to write more?

Share: Which genres did you choose to experiment with? Why?

Read deep, marcy

A Heart for Inspirational Romance (Part One)

Reading for Craft

 

Quality inspirational romance requires the same credentials as all romance novels: real characters, strong plots, relentless conflict, scenic settings, and love’s heartbeat at the center.

These characteristics are expected regardless of sub-genre or topic, which also mirror other romance sub-genres. Contrary to some misconceptions, there are almost no forbidden topics in inspirational romance. Life deals out harsh realities regardless of background or culture. Broken relationships, strained finances, violence, disease, and lost dreams walk side-by-side with new beginnings, birth, celebrations, and fresh opportunity. The main difference in this genre is the “lifescape” lens that filters choices.

In addition, there are three extra attributes to inspirational romance that draw and maintain loyal readers: fellowship, insight, and hope.

Fellowship. When any reader picks up their favorite genre they expect a certain return for their time. A cozy mystery reader does not expect a grisly, psychological thriller. Inspirational readers turn to long-standing authors such as Janet Oke, Francine Rivers, or Lauraine Snelling because they expect to spend an afternoon or evening with a trusted friend who will deliver the particular uplift or challenge they need. It’s the one-on-one version of going to the local café to offload some emotional shake-up with friends. When you leave the café or the book, you feel soul-stronger, ready to take up whatever your next step might be. It’s a fellowship that binds readers and authors because it’s built on trust. They know from experience these friends will deliver. Then they’ll look for other writers who write in a similar vein as their main friend, thus expanding the circle.

What kind of fellowship do you want your character to offer your readers?

Writing Prompt

Begin brainstorming your character’s heart.

1.     What is her go-to choice of movie, book, music, or food when she needs comfort or courage?

2.     Whom has she trusted the most with her heart’s desires, past or present, alive or deceased? Why?

3.     Where is she most discouraged right now? What would give her hope?

Share: One answer from question number one.

 
                                        Read deep, marcy