I’ve loved scary movies since I was a little kid from the black and white classics like Frankenstein and Dracula to those featuring more modern monsters like Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers. I also like science fiction like the Terminator series and suspense such as Sev7en and Stephen King’s Misery.
The TV series “Supernatural” just ended it’s 15-year run, something rare on TV these days. I happened upon the show by accident several years back in an episode that featured Julian Richings as Death. I was instantly hooked and have enjoyed watching the shows repeatedly. (With a title like “Supernatural” there isn’t much doubt about which genre we’re talking about here.)
Choosing a Genre for Your Novel
If you are a writer who is just getting started, there will come a point where you must choose the genre that your novel belongs to. Good luck! There are many references for defining genres online including this one. The problem is that no two seem to be in complete agreement. There are also many references to somewhat hybrid descriptions such as “supernatural fiction”, “horror suspense”, or “suspense thriller.”
While choosing a genre for your manuscript is deemed especially important, there aren’t really any guidelines on how to definitively make a call and stick with it. Whether you are looking for an agent or publisher, or entering a writing contest, you have to provide this information. Here’s what I did when I began looking for someone to publish “When Carabella Went Missing.”
- I tried comparing the content to that of other novels – I’ve done a lot of reading during my lifetime, much of which belongs in similar genres to that of my book. I thought about which ones followed a similar plot. I chose those that had the most in common to my own manuscript and looked up how they were classified. That’s where I came up with the idea that my book was a thriller.
- I considered the main message that I wanted to deliver – Tom savagely beats Carabella and continues to grow increasingly hostile and abusive towards her while keeping her captive. But I wanted to make a point of what led Tom to abduct Carabella in the first place. He was driven by jealousy over a perceived flirtation between Carabella’s husband Obi and his wife Julie. Everything he did was based on a lie that was fabricated in sick mind. As with any disturbed person, it’s difficult to guess what they’re going to do next. That’s where the suspense comes in.
- I made a decision and stuck with it – The confusion between genre descriptions (at least on my part) made it easier for me to confidently claim my book as a suspense thriller. I assumed if I got it wrong, someone would let me know. Other than my interest in the horror and suspense genres listed on Amazon, I don’t see anything talking about the type of book it is. Maybe knowing the genre isn’t as important as it’s supposed to be after all?
My next book is still in the works, hopefully to be finished soon. I can tell you that it definitely has supernatural elements throughout. Unless I change my mind, it will be supernatural fiction. I can also tell you that it features a strong woman and a surprising dog. Those are two elements that I expect to see in most, if not all of my books.
I hope that it also leaves you guessing about what is going to happen next. I think suspense is one of the most important elements of any good book be it horror, thriller, mystery, or crime drama. Nothing is more thrilling that being driven to turn to the next page.
Keep reading and keep in touch!