(no subject)

[jack]

I realise my latest conception for a story could best be described as comic vampire detective space opera courtroom, and think I may be taking cross-genreality too far. But I started letting ideas flow until I eventually pounce, rather than littering my life with fifty beginnings, so I can't complain.

Comments

[cartesiandaemon.livejournal.com]

Porn. "Comic vampire detective space opera porn" was what I thought when the comment occurred to me, but I forgot to say it in the post. That's probably hyperbole though; some sexiness often creeps in somewhere, but it wouldn't be the focus.

I don't think massive-cross-genre is actually wise in a marketing sense. Books have to be put somewhere, they stand the best chance of getting to bookshops (and hence publishers) if they fit in a popular pigeon-hole. Which can lead to some unfortunate tragedies of mis-labelling, but mostly gets things out somehow.

However, lots of the best fiction doesn't quite fit anywhere, because it was inspired and drew strengths from all over. (And occasionally *spawned* a genre :)). So it doesn't necessarily mean it's good, but if it means it might be.

After all, I tend to like science-fiction/fantasy. But I obviously like science-fiction/fantasy that also has strong characters, and a strong plot, so if those can stand on their own -- eg. the book is known in another genre -- that's obviously better.

Jasper Fforde (while not perfect) has some great ideas. The books are clearly fantasy but get put in mainstream because that's who they think will want to read them. Cryptonomicon and Baroque cycle have almost no science fiction in them, but ooze it from the pores.

Myself, I instinctively try to branch out too wildly, from fear of being hidebound :)