In this inaugural episode of The Appendix we talk about how to choose your genre, and discuss social media in a non-marketing context.
Writing Topic: Choosing a Genre — How do you know what genre you want to write? Why is it important to pick a certain genre, and when is it okay to break genre conventions?
Water Cooler Topic: Using Social Media — When authors first think about social media, it’s often for the purpose of promoting their books. But what other benefits are there to dive into the world of Twitter, Facebook and blogging? How can you use these platforms to hone your skills, and can the creativity in social media be an end unto itself?
Games: This week we play a game we’re calling Bad Romance, in which we take a real Harlequin Romance novel, change the genre, add some random elements, and try to come up with a new story.
To listen, use the media player below, or download the mp3.
Awesome. I’m really looking forward to this as a regular thing.
Kelsey taught her brother everything he knows, and he kept her secret. But when he’s imprisoned for using the Fae Arts to stir up rebellion against the Gerond emperor, Kelsey cannot stand idly by. Even when it means facing Dag, the commander of the imperial guard, who spurned her centuries before. A man who knows her secret, and in another lifetime, loved her as no other.
Caught between two worlds, can Kelsey justify revealing her power and her heart to save her brother’s life?
Hmmm. Maybe another genre would be fun. Hee.
How can this not be an awesome idea?
Kelsey is forced to reveal to her family that she is a witch to her family after her sister is murdered and her brother is kidnapped by coven. But as she sets out to get her revenge, she is captured by Jack, a member of the Wizarding Guard as the prime suspect in her sister’s murder. Jack permits Kelsey to find her brother in the next three days or she will be forced to return to prison and her enemies will kill her brother.
Ok, that was stupid but fun to attempt.
Awesome guys! You sound like you are having fun. I can’t wait to hear more.
Very entertaining and thought provoking podcast. It reminded me a question I was pondering a while ago. How many beginning writers change genres? A lot of the writers I know and even some of the authors I’ve met or I’ve read about have switched genres. Like many fantasy readers, I started off writing epic fantasy. But after a couple of years I moved to MG/YA fantasy. My decision to change came when I realized I preferred reading MG/YA stories more than most epic novels. The voice, pacing of the plot, and issues involved in MG/YA books are just more enjoyable to read.
great start, guys!
Whaaat? Why am I just finding out about this? MARION!
Excellent podcast, everyone. Very enjoyable. The game was lots of fun.
Shanda
Hey Guys, is there a way to subscribe to this podcast using anything other than iTunes? I would love to subscribe to this on Google Listen rather than having to download all the mp3s. Thanks!