I have always been bit of an oddball. Honestly, for
someone like me, who writes Middle Grade Fiction (ages 9 to 14) and in the Fantasy
Genre, I tend to read more books for adults and that too across different
genres. Sometimes I worry that If I don’t read books in the age group I write
for it may cause problems where my writing is concerned.
Most of the books I read are adult fiction and that
to literary fiction with few popular thrillers thrown in. I do try to read MG
books, but they more often than not turn out to be bestsellers like the Potter
series, Percy Jackson series, Princess Diaries, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and lots
of Young Adult books. I have realized that I am enjoying the Young Adult books
a lot.
I feel it’s important to know how writers who write
in the age group we write tend to treat their characters, stories, plots,
sub-plots, dialogues and how they introduce backstory. Reading in one’s own
genre and age group is like doing homework. And reading in the age group we
write for makes us aware of what is selling, how to treat characters, how the plots move, so that our stories suit the age group.
I wouldnt want someone to say she has no idea how
to write for children. Or her stories don’t interest children at all. That’s
why I am trying my best to strike a balance with my reading. Trying to read a
few MG books every now and then. So that I am aware of the current trends in
the world.
Do all of you read in the age group and genre that
you all write for? Does anyone have the same problem as me? What genres do you
all read and write? Please share your thoughts.
This was a very probing post Rachna:) I am yet to pen any book but every time I write, I mentally drift into the character and hope when the someone reads feels the same way as the character.... have to travel many miles:)
ReplyDeleteI would prefer to write the story in my mind and then decide on the Genre. But I am not writing for a specialized group (like kids). This is one reason why I like writing non-fiction ~ There is only one genre and anyone interested in the topic can read the book!
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to read a few (good) books in the genre we are writing for. But we should not let that influence our individuality or voice to a huge extent.
Destination Infinity
I do read some upper middle grade books but they tend to be the popular ones too. I also love YA and read a lot of that and am trying some NA. My new project is YA because I love reading it so much and I think it's easier to break into the market. I think it's good to read more than your genre and age group because you learn a lot from them too. Interesting how you read so much adult books. I wish I had time to but my TBR stack is too big.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly helps to read your genre, but then, I didn't even know my specific genre until after I wrote my book. I think it can work both ways.
ReplyDeleteI write in many genres and I read in many genres, although I've written genres I haven't read much of. As long as you get the gist of the genre and you know how to tell a story in general, you should be okay.
ReplyDeleteFor the past few years I've read mostly books for young people for the very reasons you mention: getting a fix on how good writers of the genre handle different aspects. But I've always snuck in few mysteries for adults and poetry. Now that I'm writing a "cosy mystery" for adults, I'm relaxing into my love of mysteries and having great fun reading "big people's books" in earnest. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi friends, from your comments I see that many of you all like me are unable to read either in your genre or age group and yet are able to do justice to your stories. Like Patrick said its important to tell a story well.
ReplyDeleteI do read a great quantity of books in the age group I write for, but glad to say I still read other books that interest me. However, the skills I learn when reading good literature for grown-ups helps my writing skills when I return to children's literature, Rachna.
ReplyDeleteI think that reading and writing in the same genre can be good, but it can also be distracting. I am tempted to compare my writing to other authors and that can be dispiriting.
ReplyDeleteI usually read all over the place anyway, and I don't change that when I'm writing for a certain project. I think that knowing the age range and genre certainly helps, but I don't plan on limiting myself to reading YA Fantasy fiction while I'm writing YA fantasy fiction.
Good topic!
That's something I worry about too, Rachna! I read all sorts of things from YA to adult and lots of genres too. I'm working in Epic Fantasy right now, but it's been a while since I've read an epic fantasy. I've read fantasy, but epic's a bit different. I wonder if I should read more in it. But I think you can learn from reading in general all types of books, and it's good to balance it with your genre as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI not only read in my genre I also take the good ones apart and try to work out how they work. Hoping to find the secret ingredient. Still looking.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing exactly right. I also read adult (but write YA and NA). I adore Sci-Fi, but no way could I write it - too hard. So I write Horror, which I"m best at. I read in the genre, but for adults. There aren't many YA Horror novels. Everything's Paranormal, and I hate Paranormal. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI mix it up a lot--reading both adult titles and MG middle grade since that's my target audience right now. But I mix poetry and inspiration in there, too, so I guess I like variety :-) Good question!
ReplyDeleteI think it's really important to love and read the genre in which you hope to be published. Write what you love and it will shine through to the reader!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Rachna!
Aloha!
ReplyDeleteRecently, I was reading *only* memoirs, because I wanted to see how others did *it.*
Now that WIP#1 is basically done, I am back to reading drama/thrillers, because that's what I like - and enjoy writing about...
However, should I ever find myself delving into the myriad of other genres, I have a feeling I will definitely read some bestsellers - to see what/how it's done there, too :)
PS: Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you like the 50 States of Pray name :)
I write for middle grade and now chapter books, as well. So I read a lot of Junie B. Jones and Clementine! But I also believe it's important to read in a variety of genres to strengthen my writing overall. I listen to those books on audio...it does seem to work better that way. Plus I can fit in more reading time!
ReplyDelete