Good morning. Well, the sun is shining, and it looks to be a good day. Not too warm, but it isn’t cold either, and there’s no snow or ice, so I’ll take the win.
This morning, I’m solidly back in a Did You Know? based on my writing. Today, I’m dealing with the letter G. The topic I’ve chosen to discuss is genre and subgenre.
Essentially, a genre is a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics. In writing, a genre is made up of four parts: character, story, plot, and setting.
When it comes to the romance genre, the novel’s primary focus should be on the relationship and romantic love between two people, and end in an emotionally satisfying and optimistic way, the happily ever after. There should be obstacles tossed in the way before the characters can reach their resolution. Is there a perfect formula that works every time? If there is, I haven’t found it yet, but I’ll keep searching. Readers all have different needs and what may appeal to one, won’t appeal to another.
Before I started my journey as an author, I’d devoured thousands of books over the years. I knew what I enjoyed–and what I didn’t–so, when I decided to try my hand at it, I started with romance/suspense. I liked juggling more than just romance in a story, and the idea of a truly evil someone in the background doing unspeakable things that are actually far too common these days appealed to me. After all, those were the types of television shows and movies I enjoyed.
Since I began my career, I’ve branched out, expanded my repertoire if you like, and I’ve written novels in several subgenres. This can be both good and bad since I’ve opted to write all of my books using the same pen name. I know many authors who write different subgenres under different names so that their fan base knows exactly what the next book will bring. Should I have done that? I don’t know, but it’s too late to change now.
Other than regular romance, I’ve chosen to write in the following subgenres: romantic suspense, romantic thrillers, historical romance, paranormal romance, paranormal suspense, psychic romance, romantic comedy, holiday themed romance, women’s fiction, Y A romance suspense, and I even have on Christian romance suspense out there. But no matter the subgenre, all the stories have happy endings and good always triumphs over evil. Hey, I’m an optimist.
So, how do I decide what to write next? The genre or subgenre I’ll use with depend on my mood, my inspiration, and what subgenre is needed for the writing group I’m involved with. The Authors Billboard provides a wide range of romance novels in almost every subgenre. They carry book bundles as low as 99 cents USD, free books, audiobooks, and many other perks for both authors and readers. Check them out for yourselves. https://authorsbillboard.com/ The daily blog posts cover a wide variety of topics, and the weekly newsletter each Friday is filled with good deals. Best of all the advertising platform is available and open to all authors.
When I was down in the Caribbean on a cruise, I toured a number of islands and was fascinated by the history and the skeletal remnants of their difficult pasts, no matter which country chose to enslave and colonize them. After I returned, I wrote Twist of Fate.
Here’s the blurb:
Can a cursed treasure unite two lonely outcasts?
Overton Stafford, shunned by his family because of a birthmark on his face, made a life for himself as Second Mate on The Golden Fleece. In a battle with pirates, Overton loses his left arm, ending his career. Knowing he will be a wealthy man makes the pain easier to bear, especially when he discovers he can repay a moral debt and help an old friend. When he meets Anna, Overton realizes he wants more from her than a financial partnership.
Anneliese Van Stubel lost her sight at nine as a result of Smallpox. Now eighteen, a ward of the crown because of the Danish Age of Majority law, she lives in limbo, uncertain what will happen to her. When Overton approaches her with the proposition to help her rebuild the plantation, she’s excited with the idea of returning to her home. But her joy fades when her caregiver makes it plain that he has a different future in mind for her, one that will profit him.
Set in a time when brutality against women and slaves was the norm, Overton seeks to change things as he falls in love with the girl who has lost so much. Check out the free preview.
That’s it for me today. Find other bloggers and their posts here. https://tinyurl.com/3we8aa84
Come back Monday when I’ll give you a Did You Know? for the letter H. Enjoy your day.
Living the Dream 
The sample of your Twist of Fate was quite intriguing.
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