I’ve Heard This Song Before
I get a bit crazed with the argument that goes something like this: chick lit is ruining the ability of women to write in other genres. It’s ridiculous, really. Do people say James Patterson’s success makes it impossible for men to write in any other genre or anyway that is different from Patterson and still be taken seriously? Of course not. That’s ridiculous, too. The really frustrating thing about the whole “chick lit ruins women” argument is that it tends to come mostly from female authors who write outside of the chick lit genre. Ladies, a little support for each other, huh?
Where did all this come from? Over the weekend I read two editorials on a new book called This Is Not Chick Lit. The book sounds good. The editorials are annoying in a “this proves women can still write responsible literature” kind of way. Blah. I plan to buy the book despite all that crap.
July 24th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Chick lit is chick lit - a diff type of genre. So I do not agree that chik lit is ruining the ability of women to write in other genres.
James Patterson writes a great romance - Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas and Sams Letters for Jennifer for those of you who havent read them - they are wonderful.
There is enuf genres for everyone - man and woman. Susan Brown and Linda Howard went from romance to rom suspense and their books are wonderul - both early romances and the new rom suspense. I dont care for Stephen King type stories but wouldnt say he is ruining it for male authors. Again, James Patterson - perfect example. Brad Meltzer writes wonderful suspense and Stephen King’s books have not hurt either.
July 24th, 2006 at 8:14 am
As a writer, and one who has just recently decided to take it seriously, it amazes me when people talk about the limitations of genre. How can anyone be locked into a genre?
I write what I write because those are the stories that keep coming into my head over and over until I write them down. It happens that my stories usually have a romantic element to them so it is entirely possible that if/when I am published I will be in the minority called “Male Romamce Authors”.
But the first story I ever started writing (while still in college) was a fantasy. I still haven’t thrown that one away and may yet return to it one day.
Why would anyone assume that being published in one genre means you can’t write in another? And why would anyone assume that because “Chick Lit” exists, P D James is somehow going to lose her market? Or J K Rowling? Or C J Cherryh? Or Margaret Atwood?
(Wish I knew Margaret’s middle initial… coulda made her match the others)
But my point is, a writer can write whatever she or he wants. If it’s good enough, publishers will see the dollar signs and publish it.
If more people spent more time writing what they felt they were drawn to, rather than worrying about “genre” and “hot markets”, writers would be a lot happier. Of course, maybe a lot of people are just trying to create their own Angst in order to write “better”?
July 24th, 2006 at 8:27 am
Not to copy Bryan, but look at JK Rowling. Most average folks still think she is a guy. But those initials and her writing have made her the richest woman in Scotland. Don’t worry so much about genre and write what you love. It will come through in your writing and your readers will recognize that. I love your books, as do many others. Keep doing what you are doing! James Patterson is like a Prada bag. People don’t even care what it is. As long as it says Prada or James Patterson in this case, they will buy it. Just my two cents.
July 24th, 2006 at 9:19 am
…“this proves women can still write responsible literature”…
Of course they can! And do - extremely well! Shame on those who wrote the editorials - frustrated male writers???
July 24th, 2006 at 10:20 am
i don’t believe that. there is a book for everyone
July 24th, 2006 at 11:24 am
There are choices that abound in books and writing. The more that is available for different tastes the better it is.
July 24th, 2006 at 11:26 am
There was a limited amount of choice when I was young and that was evident. Now there is such a vast selection which makes this much better for all ages. There was no YA nor chick lit as such. Just children’s and adults. This is a great improvement.
July 24th, 2006 at 11:31 am
Margaret Eleanor Atwood is Margaret Atwood’s full name. Aside from that there are known and favorite authors whose books we always cherish and reread. If an author is versatile then that is even better for their career. But most stick with their comfortable genre.
July 24th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
I have read authors who write in different genres and a great.
July 24th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
It shouldn’t matter what genre books are written in - a well written book is just that. Readers and writers may prefer lots of different genres since it would get pretty boring with the same old thing over and over.
July 24th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Well, I agree with the poster “Saundra.” Book authors and their published works are not unlike everything else in this shallow world, people want to read them because they’re on the NY Times Best Seller List, and not necessarily because it’s worth the read.
Indeed, good writing is gender neutral; however, if people continue to equate an author, the same way they would compare Prada to the street corner merchants designer copy, I believe this too will remain status quo.
Oh yes, please make me a WINNER!
July 24th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Absolutely ridiculous! The more choices for writers and readers the better. A good book is just that…a good book. I enjoy having many varieties to choose from as I think one would get bored eventually writing or reading the same type of story over and over again. Variety is supposed to be the ’spice of life’ according to the saying so let those who want to try something different go for it.
July 24th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Certain writers prefer writing in a certain style and genre but others can be more versatile. It depends upon the reader and their particular taste as well. Many are hooked on certain writers and depend upon that type of writing.
July 24th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Personally I prefer certain writers and their style. Although I like the variety of choices out there today. I read a bunch of different people. But chick-lit is not my favorite I buy those for my daughters, 21 19 and 16 they like chick lit in both movies and vooks. And personally I don’t even watch those movies
July 24th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
Hi I’m Cathie
I haven’t had the joy to read your books yet, but love the Brava line so I’m hoping to get your Brava’s soon!
You know one joy it is about going to a bookstore? You can find so much there, whats to your personal preference! I go in and no I don’t read horror, only because its not for me. Doesn’t mean anything wrong with the books, we are all unique humans who love to read a variety and i’m so glad there’s a variety for me to pick from!