What's your Genre?

One of the fabulous things about books is that there are so many genres! No matter who you are there will be a book out there, somewhere in the big wide world that you will enjoy. From autobiographies to fantasy, drama to romance and comedy to crime. Then of course there are the novels that have a mixture of everything.

Personally, I am a MAJOR fan of all things fantasy, sci-fi and YA. Then there are novels that are a combination such as James Patterson’s smash hit YA series Maximum Ride, which is based on science-fiction set in a modern society following a bunch of miss-matched teens. I mean seriously? Who wouldn't like that? Having wings would be pretty awesome.

Young adult novels are incredibly popular right now, and there are two key points why this is wonderful.

A) It’s starting to get teens reading again. Move over TV and computer games, the book is back!

B) Although the genre is called ‘YA’ it is not only for young adults. Any adult can pick up the book and enjoy it.

But having said that, although I do love novel’s set in worlds where faeries rule or robots walk the streets instead of humans, there is something to be said about other genres.

Crime novels allow us to pretend we are Secret Agents or P.I.s figuring out the mystery along with the protagonist. Drama’s let us feel compassion for those who suffer, maybe even motivate us to do something good for someone else. Autobiographies give us a birds-eye-view into those who fascinate us. Romance provides us an escape into a world where we can experience love that might not have happened in real life and of course comedies make us smile when nothing else can.

Having multiple genres that cross over and twist and meld is incredibly positive for the book industry. Keeping the imaginations of so many people alive and helping them grow is a marvellous thing.

And of course, the reason we read these different genres? They offer an escape from our own reality. Gives us a chance to stop, take a break, enjoy ourselves then return. Sometimes we even learn something.

So, what is your favourite genre?

Year of the Cat

Today, the 3rd of February, marks the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit.

The story goes (from memory) that a long time ago, Buddha invited all of the animals to a banquet. He set the date and they were all to come.

The rat, who was very clever, told the cat that the banquet was the day following the actual date set, so the cat slept in and missed the banquet.

All the animals that attended the banquet were granted the honour of a year in their name.

The rat was clever enough to ride on the back of the ox. He jumped off in front of him when they arrived, thus being the first animal to receive the honour.

Today on the 3rd of February, in 2011, we begin the Chinese Year of the Rabbit...but that story, it always leaves me thinking about the cat. I do love cats.

In Vietnam, instead of having the Year of the Rabbit, they have the Year of the Cat in its place.

Eleven is my favourite number and I'm determined to make this a great year but I feel that I am off to a slow start. The cat is my favourite animal. Let this be the true beginning to a most amazing year.

2011, the Year of the Cat.

Happy New Year, everyone!

The Writer’s Book of Wisdom by Steven Taylor Goldsberry

[Writers] are, in fact, like Hobbits, about whom Tolkien said, “Their elusiveness is due solely to a professional skill.”

An extract from the introduction to one of my favourite books on writing: ‘The Writer’s Book of Wisdom: 101 Rules for Mastering Your Craft’ by Steven Taylor Goldsberry.

This is a small, visual book which fits nicely into a bag and consists of three parts – approach, language and craft – and 101 rules to help you become a better writer.

From Rule #1: Learn The Rules Before You Break Them, to Rule #7: Fail, to Rule #17: Stop Reading This Book, to Rule #37: The “As” Clause Is For Amateurs, there are so many things to learn and think about. You can start from 1 and work your way to 101, or you can jump from one section to another.

The Writer’s Book of Wisdom is full of insightful and comical remarks and examples to help you process the information. The rules aren’t lengthy but are still full of enough insight to make you think. Every time I read this book, it opens up my mind and makes me re-evaluate my writing process. The word “rules” might make some reluctant to open it up but it isn’t at all a tell-off guide, it’s a little slice of book with a whole heap of knowledge and you can take and you can apply it how you please.

It is one of my favourite books on writing and I have no doubt it will remain so. It is a must-read for all writers, if not a must-buy.

In accordance with the FTC, Quill Café would like to disclose that the reviewer purchased this book. The opinions expressed are hers alone and no monetary compensation was offered to her by the author or publisher. Cover art is copyright of Writers Digest Books and is used solely as an aide to the review.