If you haven't visited my website or blog then you don’t know that I’m a multi-genre writer. What does that mean? I write historical and contemporary westerns as well as paranormal historical. I even have a contemporary action adventure I'm deciding whether to keep tapping on agent's doors with or write the next three in the four book series and then self-publish.
So you see I do write in multiple genres. The thing that I use as my marketing tool and that ties them all together is the western/Native American theme. All the stories either have cowboys historical or contemporary or they have Native American elements involved in the stories. Even the mystery series I’m brewing in my head will be connected through the Native American element.
I use the theme in all my promotion whether it's a western, a paranormal, or the action adventure. To make all my genres speak to who I am as a writer I keep the western/NA theme prevalent in everything I do. I wear western/NA focused clothing for speaking engagements, book signings, and when I travel to conferences. I try to have photos of me in an outdoor setting for my publicity shots.
And most importantly, I make sure there are western or Native American elements in all the books I write. I don't want any reader to be misled. They will always find my writing to have the same feel/flavor no matter the book they pick up.
During my childhood I always thought it would be fun to have two personalities. But when people asked me if I would have two different pen names for my different genre books, I adamantly said no. I want the reader who likes my historicals to know it's me writing the contemporary and perhaps take a leap from what they normally read to read a new genre because they have faith in me as a writer.
Hopping from genre to genre for me as a writer isn't a hard leap. It's fun to take a walk in another time and place now and then. With being a multiple genre writer it gives me that freedom without having to become someone else.
Do you read multi-genre writers? Does it matter to you that they write in other genres? Do you read their work from both genres?
Paty Jager
www.patyjager.net
www.patyjager.blogspot.com
6 comments:
Hi Paty,
I'd have to say that generally I do not read multi-genre authors and that is because I don't like dark stories - got enough dark in my life to begin with. So I read to relax and escape (but not to another world where demons, vampires, etc. rule). Generally I read more women's fiction, romantic comedy, light mystery/suspense embeded in historicals.
And, no, I generally do not read an author's work if she moves to a genre I don't read. So, I've never read a J.D. Robb novel but I have read many if not most of Nora Roberts'.
Having said that, it doesn't matter to me what genre an author writes in...I think writers do their best work when they are engaged in their story rather than cranking something out. And in the end that is what matters most to readers - the best book the author has in her at that time.
I agree Judith. If I couldn't jump around and write the books that excite me I don't think I could write a quality story.
Hi Paty,
You are one clever writer. I wonder how many other multi-genre writers are able to link their books through a theme like you do with your Western/Indian romances? I guess we think alike. I've come to the same conclusion--that all fiction I write will have a paranormal element.
I also like the fact that you walk your talk and actually take care to dress for public appearances using a Western/Native American theme. Again, very clever of you. I'll have to be sure to remember to look at what you wear.
In answer to your question, I do read multiple genre authors but only if I like their new voice or if it's in keeping with the type of books I like to read. It often becomes a book-by-book decision based upon theme, style, and voice. I followed Marion Chesney from her Regency romances to her mysteries. I also followed Doreen Roberts from her contemporary romances to her historical mysteries. But there are many other authors who I only read one of their genres. Most of these authors do not link their books to a particular theme like you do. If they did, I might read more of their work. Ultimately, theme is what hooks me.
Thank you for explaining so clearly the way you tie your books in multiple genres together. Reading this post, a piece of the puzzle fell into place for me.
I often read multi-genre authors' works in different genres. Unlike Judith, I have read a J.D. Robb book as well as some Nora Robers books. I followed Jenny Cruisie from straight contemporary romantic comedies to romantic action-adventure stories (with Bob Mayer) and on to Multi-author Comedic Paranormals. And I'm working my way through all of your wonderful books, too, Paty!
Vonnie, It was at a workshop on promoting that I learned you should "market" yourself like you do your books. So I try to always have some kind of western or NA look to what I wear to writing related appearances.
Good for you to realize you need to keep a "theme" to your writing.
Sarah, Thanks. I tried a J.D.Robb book but I just can't read anything that is futuristic or Sci-fi. I don't get it. That an horror are genres I don't read. I hope you are enjoying all the books but I would love to hear what you think of the different genres and if I pull them all off well or if I lack in one.
Paty,
Thanks for the idea of a theme and using that to market more than the books - I think that fits in with Jessa Slade's post on Reader Cons and knowing who your 'author' you is. Lots to think about!
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