Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Genre Bashing - Just Shut Up!


Ok guys, this is a total rant blog. I am so tired of seeing other authors bashing genres they don’t like or read saying they don’t “understand why people read that crap.” The truth is, there is something out there for everyone. I LOVE that! I love that there is so much talent, creativity, and diversity in the writing world even if it happens to be in genres I don’t read because I know other people do. To speak badly of authors who write in genres that sell well is just petty. I write about vampires, and I make no apologies for that. I love the paranormal genre; and if you don’t, that is totally ok with me. Maybe you like thrillers, romance, or classic literature - that’s great! Whatever you like to read, you will be able to find it. I think that is amazing!

You will never catch me reading a sci-fi book, but my husband loves them. I may tease him about space marines, but you will never see a public post or comment from me bashing sci-fi authors or that genre. I’m not a big fantasy fan either, but I would not say anything against those authors or the people who love to read fantasy. I will support my friends who write in both of those genres and will post their books to help readers find them.  In fact, I will post/promo any of the books my author friends write because even if I don’t read them, I know other people will. That’s the cool thing about creating a network. I don’t have to love your genre to support you. I let the readers decide what they want.

I am tired of the negative comments about the paranormal genre. If I had a dime for every time I heard “I am so sick of vampires and werewolves,” I’d be rich. The problem is, the people who make those comments are not people who write in that genre or read it. So don’t. Stick to what you like. I’m fine with that. If you don’t like the paranormal genre, don’t read my books. I’ve been especially bothered by the anti Twilight campaigns that often include other authors. There are actually Facebook groups and blogs dedicated to bashing Twilight and/or the paranormal genre in general. I wasn’t particularly fond of the sparkly thing either, but a lot of people love those books. Where’s the harm in that?

There is a lot of talk in the indie world about cyber bullies targeting authors with bad reviews and other cruel comments. But somehow it’s ok to cyber bully traditionally published authors who are successful at what they do? It really isn’t okay. I’m tired of hearing how paranormal books are a waste and have no substance. You should always strive to write the best book you can, but every book does not have to be a critically acclaimed masterpiece (not that I’m bashing those…lol). Sometimes books are just fun.

If you don’t like a particular genre, don’t read it; but don't be mean to those who do. I’m not going to read a sci-fi or fantasy book and then beat the author up in print because I don’t like sci-fi or fantasy. That’s just stupid. Also, I am not going to be pissy if a sci-fi or fantasy book is selling better than a paranormal book. I congratulate any author who is successful. I want to be successful too, but I’m not going to put other authors/genres down to do it.

20 comments:

  1. Well said, Michelle. I feel the same way. People love to tell you what they don't like more than what they do like. Just the way of the world. I wasn't raised that way though, and who wants to hear it?

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    1. I'm with you Justin. My mother always used the old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

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  2. Hear hear! As a writer of fantasy, I'm often on the receiving end of genre bashing. People either think I'm writing fairy tales for children or they don't realise 'fantasy' isn't another word for 'erotica'. Then if you explain it to the, they think it's childish and silly. Well, you can learn a lot of real world stuff from fantasy - just because it's set in another world doesn't mean the people stop being people.

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    1. That's exactly right Ciara. Good writing is good writing. It is all about the story and the characters not the genre. Well said.

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  3. It's unfortunate that the high school/mob mentality is so prevalent on the web. The more I study indie marketing, the more I feel I need to make my book shine so I can land an agent/publisher. There's sharks in them there waters! Thanks for expressing this, hope it breaks through to a few people.

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    1. Thanks so much Brielle. It can be a shark tank, but thankfully there are some amazing authors out there who are incredibly supportive. I wish you all the best with your book!!

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  4. I say it's about time we bashed them back. Even the glittery vampire hater ones. (Joking here...Internet makes it hard to see my sarcasm) :D

    Seriously though, anytime I see grumpy comments about silly things I just slide on by and/or delete them. The more you argue with those sorts, the more they love it. However, a blog post giving them hell? AWESOME. xoxo

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    1. LOL. I like it. We can start an anti anti glittery vampire hater group...wait what??!! I just lost myself. Heehee.

      I let the grumpy comments slide too because it is an absolute waste of time to argue. But you know me, I can't keep my mouth shut for long! :D

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  5. Bashing from other authors sometimes comes from jealousy, but any such bashing is unprofessional and I try hard to steer clear of that person. It is very common when you write Erotica to find yourself shunned.

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    1. I can't imagine how difficult it must be in that genre Charity. I only know the little you have shared, and I feel for you my friend!

      On the upside, erotica sales are through the roof and there is a huge fan base of awesome people who are incredibly loyal. So take that haters!! :P

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    2. I've tried my hand at erotica... it is a difficult genre to write in. Mine needs a bit lighter touch I fear, but it was fun doing it.

      I would be interested in reading some of your work, Charity.

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  6. I'm with you. I read anything that is well written, good plot, no matter what genre it is. I appreciate all styles of writing, just as I appreciate all styles of art. Truthfully, I pay no attention to reviews. The opinions differ so much. I like what is good, that's it.

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    1. That's a good point Linda. I don't pay a lot of attention to reviews either. You just might miss something amazing.

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  7. Good for you, Michelle! Hear hear! I totally agree with you. There is something out there for everyone. It's no secret I love crime fiction, but I also read other genres from time to time. A good book, is engaging, whatever the genre. Great post!

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    1. Thank you Jane! That's right - a good book is a good book no matter the genre :)

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  8. Sign me up for that "anti anti glittery vampire hater group", Michelle! :D

    Those who can... write. Those who can't... bash those who can with snark and jealousy.

    That seems to be the 'rule' these days. And seriously, there are days when I just want to tell those 'bashers' to just shut it!

    I LOVE that there are so many different genres! I read mostly in about three different genres, make that four... I've recently discovered historical fiction and have read a couple of amazing books! I teased a couple of friends a while back about their 'passion' for Twilight... then I started reading the books. WOW!!

    It is sad that there are people out there with nothing better to do than bash other's accomplishments. I guess they have always been there; it is just that the Internet has given them a louder voice and a much bigger audience to vent to.

    I guess you have to take the bad with the good...

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    1. All true Veronica! I read several genres as well. I have tried to branch out into some others I wouldn't normally read, and I have been pleasantly surprised. I can't think of a better problem to have than what book to read next on my over stuffed Kindle!

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    2. If only all life's problems were such! :)

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  9. Very well put! Picking on something just because of a category it belongs to is extremely narrow minded. Sweeping statements about a genre of books are a prime symptom of bookism (patent pending word). ;)

    Disclaimer: I reserve the right to pick on / make fun of specific books/films/reality TV stars for their poor quality, regardless of the genre they belong to. I need blog material :D

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