Being Author discussion

I'm happy to be here, even though I don't have any published novels yet. Novellas, short stories, and flash fiction--those are my current publications.

I write horror, fantasy, and comedy the most, although I've dabbled in other genres. I'm in a graduate program right now for Writing Popular Fiction.

I'm looking forward to talking to other authors here in this group. :)

Hi Samantha: So, what is scoring high on the list of themes for Popular Fiction?

C. wrote: "Hi Samantha: So, what is scoring high on the list of themes for Popular Fiction?"

Well, our program seems to have a lot of students who write fantasy, and a solid number of horror writers. Mystery is low. It came up a few times at the last residency that the program doesn't have as many mystery writers as it used to.

Is that what you're asking, or did I misunderstand the question?

No, you gave good forthright answers. I mourn, however, for the ebbing interest in historical fiction. Seems like so many are into escapist literature.

C, I grew up on historical novels. As a child, it was my perfect place of escape. I love historicals based in the US or the UK and centered around the 16th - 19th century. I don't care for non-fiction, but if you know of some good historical fiction around this time, let me know!

HI Shelley. Besides Bernard Cornwall's excellent Sharpe series , may I immodestly mention "Vienna's Last Jihad" set against the 1683 siege of Vienna? I would welcome your feedback on this historical novel.

Hi C, I prefer not to read non-fiction. Is Vienna's Last Jihad fiction? I will check both suggestions out on Amazon! If I like, I will definitely buy. :-)

Hello Everyone,

My name is R.M. Garry. I am working through the different successes and setbacks that come with self publishing. My first full novel Beacon of Sound was published on July 22nd. I am honored to be part of a group full of brilliant authors. My work is mainly paranormal romance and erotic romance.

C. wrote: "HI Shelley. Besides Bernard Cornwall's excellent Sharpe series , may I immodestly mention "Vienna's Last Jihad" set against the 1683 siege of Vienna? I would welcome your feedback on this historica..."
Hi...I am not Shelley, but I will read your "Vienna's last Jihad" This is a subject wee studied in school, learned the legends that grew out of it and today the world enjoys the one good thing that was left behind...Arabica coffee! Today, as I write this, excavations carry on around the walls of the defenders.
I look forward to it!

Samantha wrote: "I'm happy to be here, even though I don't have any published novels yet. Novellas, short stories, and flash fiction--those are my current publications.

I write horror, fantasy, and comedy the most..."
Hello Samantha.
It is not prerequisite to be a published novelist, you still carry the title author. Novellas and short stories are the beginnings of great authorship! Ask Stephen King, it is how he reached levels we only can aspire to. But what is mystery these days, a plot to capture the worlds attention or a case suitable only for 'Inspecteur Maigret'. Too many books are neatly labelled with genres and sub-genres. Many thrillers are subrogated to lesser labels because no one understands the good old Vlad anymore. Hansel and Gretel was originally a horror story, now look what it has become, a parody of the original. Some of the best short stories made a big splash, first in a skin mag, then on screen, I am talking about Carrie. Just keep going and do what feels right und you may reach those lofty highs soon.

hii ... i d'nt write for any publication. I am here to learn from you guys, i want to publish my book and hope i will soon :)

It's true that sometimes people get too worked up over what genre a book is. Still, you need to be able to classify it eventually--to know what to tell agents/publishers and so bookstores know where to put it on the shelves! ;)

Pooja wrote: "hii ... i d'nt write for any publication. I am here to learn from you guys, i want to publish my book and hope i will soon :)"

Hi. What sort of writing do you do?

Catherine wrote: "Hi Samantha! Good luck with your writing!"

Thanks. :) The same to you!