: Re: How do I ratchet down expectations in a genre that seems to have gone gonzo? I've done worldbuilding and extensive plotting for a Book 1 based around a "detective" (not a literal detective

@Sarah872

Vote Up Vote Down

If I understand, you're asking how you prepare a genre-saavy reader for a narrative that is neither cutting-edge nor contemporary (for this niche subgenre). From that standpoint, I think setting it in the past helps. A well-read enthusiast of this subgenre will likely recalibrate expectations around other books from the era where the book is set.

It's worth noting, however, that while well-populated, this niche is specialized enough that many of your readers may not be seeking it when they find your book. I've personally read (and enjoyed) more than one occult detective book without ever having specifically sought one out.

At the end, your task is the same as any writer in any established genre --not to lower expectations, but to write a good enough book that people will enjoy it regardless of their prior familiarity with the genre. There was little enough that was new or cutting edge in Harry Potter for a serious fan of the "magical realist British children's fantasy" niche, but she wrote it well enough to win over both fans and non-fans of the subgenre.

(0)

Login to post a comment!