Learn The Genres
Chic Lit - Is a genre of fiction that is written and marketed to young women, with a focus on single, working women in their 20's and 30's. The style is hip and stylish, most often set in an urban setting. The tone is witty and sarcastic - think Sex and the City. While there may be romantic elements in the storyline is does not have to be the focus of the story.
Erotica - Erotica focuses on sexual pleasures. There are many sub genres of Erotica such as science fiction, horror, romance and fantasy. Erotica can also focus on specific fetishes, BDSM being the most popular. Romance and happy endings do not need to be present in an erotica novel.
Mystery/Suspense - Mystery and Suspense stories contain realistic elements often focusing on a crime or mysterious event. The author is given a few hints and clues but for the most part is kept in the dark until the end when the crime or mystery is solved.
Historical - Historical novels are based on a time period in the past, usually before World War 1. Historical fiction is written with real settings from that time period with fictional or real life based characters.
Historical Romance - In Historical Romance the` characters can be fictional or real. The story takes place during a certain period in history where often real events are mixed with fictional events. There are many sub genres of Historical Romance such as: Medieval, Elizabethan, Viking, Pirate, Georgian, Tudor, Victorian, and the Cival War. Historical Romances have a happily ever after.
Urban Fantasy - Urban Fantasies are set in contemporary, urban settings. The protagonist in an Urban Fantasy is usually faced with extraordinary circumstances as the plot unfolds. Paranormal and magical events can exist in a world where it is widely accepted, or in a world where such things must be concealed. Examples of Urban Fantasy are: Supernatural, Smallville, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Moonlight, and Angel.
Paranormal Romance - Paranormal Romance is a blend of real and science fiction. The settings for a Paranormal Romance can be either the past like a historical or more futuristic, even in a different world. Some elements that have shown up in Paranormal Romances are time travel, demons, werewolves, witches, ghosts, extraterrestrial, and often times the hero or heroine having psychic abilities. Because this is a sub genre of romance, the plot must have a love relationship between the hero and heroine with a happily ever after. Christine Feehan is a great example of a Paranormal Romance author.
Fantasy - Fantasy Books contain non-realistic elements and often a struggle between good and evil. Things such as magical powers, talking animals, shape-shifting, ect. The Fantasy genre is all about make believe.
Gay/Lesbian Romance- In a Gay/Lesbian romance it is the romance, the relationship, along with the trials, and tribulations between the same sex couple that is front and center. Because it is a romance it will have a happily ever after ending.
Fantasy Sci-Fi - Fantasy Sci-Fi contains non-realistic elements, futuristic technology, and can also include scientific facts and fictional elements. Think Resident Evil and the Fifth Element.
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