How Eclectic is Your Reading Taste?
I see a lot of people talk about a lot of books. But I usually see people talk about the same kinds of books most of the time. Paranormal romance authors and readers talk about paranormal romance books. Same with Historical Romance, Horror, etc. So am I just weird? I’ve been chatting with my friend Rose Gordon, and Stephen King was mentioned (by me). That got me thinking, do other people read so many different genres like I do? Is this weird? I honestly get bored reading the same kinds of books over and over. I have to have variety. I read paranormal romance, historical romance (especially regency), a LITTLE contemporary romance, horror, mystery, suspense. I don’t read non-fiction, usually, except for the Bible. I don’t usually read erotica unless a friend writes it, and then sometimes I will. I don’t mind a little erotic romance, but that’s different from straight erotica. I actually like the build-up, the sexual tension, the growing love more than the sex. Then the sex actually means something. But I digress. I can’t tell you exactly what my favorite genre is. Most of the books I’ve written have been paranormal romance. I have one that’s a fantasy romance (it has wizards, elves, fairies, etc.). I wrote one horror book (The Gnome), and the book I’m writing now is either going to be horror or suspense. I’ll have to see what category my beta readers think it needs to go in. I would like to do a cozy mystery at some point. Because if I read so many different genres, why wouldn’t I want to write them? Why not get out of my comfort zone and try new things?
Here’s my question to you. Do you read in multiple genres or stick to the same one (or one similar)? If you’re a writer, do you write in multiple genres (or want to eventually)? If you have a favorite author who has written something outside their normal genre, will you read it just because it was written by them? I want to know!
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I can honestly say I hit all the bases, even fiction. I've read at least three books by Holocaust survivors, just finished an historical novel about Vlad the Impaler which had nothing to do with vampires! I love ghost stories, crime dramas, romance. I've enjoyed a marvelous vampire series and yet another series about a family. Since I got my Kindle a couple of years ago I have read a couple of hundred books by predominantly independent writers. The story telling skills have been incredible and opened my eyes to genres I would not have tried otherwise. For me, I have found that opening myself up to a variety of genres has given me a much richer literary experience. I enjoy reading so much more now. I often look to the authors I've read to read what they enjoy and it takes me in yet another direction. If an author has written a story I've enjoyed, I will absolutely read other books by them and it does not matter what genre they chose to write. As long as it is a well written, engaging story, I'm in!
It seems your reading taste is as varied as mine! I think it's so interesting to try so many things. I read mostly independent authors, too. I do read a few traditionally published favorites, but indies are dear to my heart...for obvious reasons.
Elizabeth Hunter is one of those authors who have written in more than one genre. The first book I read was "The Genius and the Muse." It was a romance but not exactly typical. Her endings are exquisite! I think I've burst into tears at the end of most of her books and I think it is her style to just use 4 or 5 words which brings the reader to their knees! Then she has a vampire series that is completely different with the most incredible characters.
Well written, engaging! I read everything she puts out.
Like your "Haunted Lake" (the first of your books I read) the characters are multi-faceted. There is humor, passion, excitement - nothing like my life. :-) If you are thinking of going in another direction, go for it!
