“When you are drinking tea, it is basically a private conversation between the tea and your individual soul.” – Lu Ann Pannunzio
Introducing a new semi-regular feature for this blog: brief musings about writing over an aromatic mug of hot tea.
I subscribe to a number of literary newsletters that cover a wide range of ideas, and I was amused by a recent question posed to a tongue-in-cheek author etiquette blog titled Am I the Literary Asshole?.
The inquirer was hoping to make the acquaintance of a writer in their area, but was worried because they don’t like to read the genre he produces, i.e. horror, which they find too frightening. They thought the writer might not understand what could be perceived as squeamishness.
Of course, the blogger said not to worry, that writers are just fine with the idea that their genre doesn’t appeal to every reader out there.
Horror stories are certainly not for all – there’s no wimping out involved. Personally, I like some horror, but not the super-gory stuff. I enjoy the suspense of stylish, eerie horror (loved Edgar Allan Poe, e.g. and have a collection of all of his works). Slasher movies, on the other hand, don’t appeal.
I also know plenty of people who think science fiction is weird, or would never pick up a romance novel (or watch a Hallmark movie 😉). Yet all of these genres are super-popular. The wonderful thing about stories is that there’s something for everyone, and I haven’t met a fellow writer yet who’d be offended by different tastes.
At events like the one I participated in this past weekend, a Local Author Showcase that was part of a larger “LitFest” at a local library, I had great conversations with all kinds of attendees, about everything from children’s literature to the steep price of Taylor Swift tickets (she’s performing in our vicinity). All of them showed interest in meeting an author, regardless of the genre, and were curious about what it takes to produce a book and publish it. Some bought a book, some signed up for my newsletter and some stopped at my table just to chat. The event was a celebration of reading – that was what drew us all together. We authors all made the rounds to connect with each other as well, and talk a little shop.
Despite the flood of books on the market, today is a great time to be a writer because we can bend the rules, and write good stories the way we want. And we very much appreciate anyone who takes an interest in our work, even if it isn’t their…cup of tea.
After I finish my current trilogy, I have a new novel in mind that will definitely lean towards the horror genre, involving a character or two that my readers will already have met. I’d love to know if that’s something you’d be interested in reading – but if not, I’m okay with it 😊