My theory on genre is that while there are people out there who believe that genre tells people what to read, actually I believe that genre exists as a marketing tool to tell you what to avoid.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Genres do exist because frequent users of any large bookstore can instantly tell what any piece of fiction is supposed to be about by its title, its cover and its location in the shop.
I have a complex feeling about genre. I love it, but I hate it at the same time. I have the urge to make audiences thrill with the excitement of a genre, but I also try to betray and destroy the expectations placed on that genre.
Genre might certainly increase some of your narrative freedoms, but it also diminishes others. That's the nature of genre.
I don't steer clear of genres. I simply haven't steered myself toward some of them.
Like most writers, I read deeply into the genre in which I write.
Basically, I just write whatever story grabs me rather than considering the genre.
Readers respond to every genre intensely, if it's a genre that appeals to them. Again, who can say why anyone enjoys horror and dark fantasy? If I can't answer the question for myself, I wouldn't dream of trying to answer it for others.
For me, genres are a way for people to easily categorize music. But it doesn't have to define you. It doesn't have to limit you.
Genre, to me, is not all that important, and it never has been.
Genre boundaries are good for marketing but they all but disappear when you're a player.
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