I'm Being Honest, and Silly
Im going to admit something to you, because its time to be honest with the internet.
I am afraid of straight fiction.
I dont write it, I pretty much dont read it. If it doesnt have Martians, werewolves, or hardboiled detectives in it (bonus points if all three are involved) it isnt very likely that Ill read it. It isnt that I dont like normal people, and it isnt that I cant empathize with real world problems; its that I am afraid of straight fiction.
Im intimidated by contemporary literature, writing that seems to stand on its craft and the writers ability rather then genre fiction which can sometimes squeeze by with sub par writing if the adventure is good enough or the creativity stimulating enough. Im uncomfortable with commercial fiction because it makes me feel like a hack without even the drive to turn out a coming of age story or what have you that could compete with more of the same on a Borders bookshelf.
I have my problems with straight fiction as a reader, but as a writer it comes down to fear. I feel safe in the vacuum of deep space and comfortable in the company of undead hordes. Its normal people that make me nervous. What if my characterization is lame, but no one has taken notice yet because my characters are wearing capes and flying? I know my style and craft need work, but what if the only reason Im getting anywhere with what I turn out is because Im just at the right genre at the right time?
I cant hide behind a ray-gun in straight fiction.
I had this thought while I was talking to David about some story bits that had been floating around in my head. I have some parts of a novella in my head, I told him, I dont know where its going. I guess Ill have to add a werewolf or something later to make sure its genre fiction.
He laughed, not getting it, which is fine when you consider that he cant read my mind. (You can get on that anytime you like, honey, BTW.)
He laughed and I found a new thing to panic about. Yay for writing!
Originally published at In Other Words.
I am afraid of straight fiction.
I dont write it, I pretty much dont read it. If it doesnt have Martians, werewolves, or hardboiled detectives in it (bonus points if all three are involved) it isnt very likely that Ill read it. It isnt that I dont like normal people, and it isnt that I cant empathize with real world problems; its that I am afraid of straight fiction.
Im intimidated by contemporary literature, writing that seems to stand on its craft and the writers ability rather then genre fiction which can sometimes squeeze by with sub par writing if the adventure is good enough or the creativity stimulating enough. Im uncomfortable with commercial fiction because it makes me feel like a hack without even the drive to turn out a coming of age story or what have you that could compete with more of the same on a Borders bookshelf.
I have my problems with straight fiction as a reader, but as a writer it comes down to fear. I feel safe in the vacuum of deep space and comfortable in the company of undead hordes. Its normal people that make me nervous. What if my characterization is lame, but no one has taken notice yet because my characters are wearing capes and flying? I know my style and craft need work, but what if the only reason Im getting anywhere with what I turn out is because Im just at the right genre at the right time?
I cant hide behind a ray-gun in straight fiction.
I had this thought while I was talking to David about some story bits that had been floating around in my head. I have some parts of a novella in my head, I told him, I dont know where its going. I guess Ill have to add a werewolf or something later to make sure its genre fiction.
He laughed, not getting it, which is fine when you consider that he cant read my mind. (You can get on that anytime you like, honey, BTW.)
He laughed and I found a new thing to panic about. Yay for writing!
Originally published at In Other Words.