Advice for Someone Trying to Write Genre Fiction?

[Ursula_Minor]

I'm making a general call for advice for someone venturing into the world of genre fiction for the first time. I'm no newbie to writing- I have several published articles, have written many more, and am always working on poems, short stories, and a literary novel. Rather, I'm hoping to get into genre fiction as a way to produce work that is publishable faster, both in order to build up a resume/attract an agent, and to generate some cash flow (this is the hope, anyway).
In any case: I'd love to hear your advice!

[moderntimes]

My first bit of advice is to write what you know and love best. If you enjoy romance, write that genre. Same if you enjoy fantasy. Sure, it's possible to switch genres but if you're asking for newbie advice, choose the genre which you most enjoy reading.

Read lots of that genre until you're familiar with the tricks of the trade for that type of fiction. Some might be so formulaic that it becomes sterotype. Even so, learn to recognize those "formulas" so that you can avoid them and not therefore write the same old thing.

I am currently writing a series of mystery genre novels, modern American private detective to be more specific. I love PI novels and don't like the "AD" (amateur detective) stuff like Miss Marple -- too sedate for me.

Now there are tons of stereotypical private eye novels out there, so to put a tweak on the genre and make my books different, my PI isn't the rough-tough guy with a pint or rye in his hip pocket. He's instead a highly educated and intelligent man, at ease in modern society and familiar with technology, and is reasonably peaceful. The "trick" is that he gets drawn into terrible events that shock him and disturb him greatly. So my protagonist is a truly modern anti-hero, not an old school hero.

What I recommend is that you read, read, read, and absorb many novels of the genre you choose, which really ought to be a fave genre for you -- otherwise you'll be forcing the issue. Learn from the recognized experts in the field and then when you start your own writing, use them as goals. Don't copy them but use the best in the biz as examples of how it's done. But also, put a small "tweak" into your own stories so that they will stand out from the herd. In other words, push the edge of the envelope but don't break thru it. Stay within the "rules" of your selected genre but bend them as needed for variety.

Then after reading, start with a general outline but not too hard core -- leave yourself plenty of room -- and start. It's sometimes good that your first 1 or 2 chapters begin "in medias res" so as to get the story rolling fast. You need to capture the reader's attention -- and of course, the attention of the publisher to whom you submit.

Don't worry about precision just yet. You'll get better as you proceed. We learn by doing. Keep plugging away and keep working and developing your "voice" as a writer. And understand that when your book is "finished" it's probably not yet done. Pore thru the book with a magnifying glass and eliminate every single typo and other mechanical error, and polish the narrative and especially, the dialogue, until it gleams. I always say that dialogue is the heartbeat of modern fiction.

Now I'm not a "famous" writer but I recently signed a 3-book contract with a conventional publisher, all 3 of my private detective novels soon to be published in both print and e-book. I also signed an option for the 4th novel, now in progress.

If you want to read my website info and blog there, PM me. I can't post the site link here because it's not a casual site but instead geared for the professional publication and info on my books. But my blog and other pages on my site may give you added info. My email address is also on the site and if you ever have questions about submitting to a professional publisher, I'll be happy to help. But since you've already been published I assume you know the deal.

Good luck!

[Ursula_Minor]

This is helpful- thanks! Most of what I read is literary, but I'm also a huuuuge sucker for detective fiction. (and, most of what I write is also "literary," but I want to branch out more!) I think I need to read more to get a better sense of sub-genre, but have clear idea of some of the features I'm attracted to (partially because some of them are hard to find!): I have a strong love for lady detectives that are whip smart, and almost noveau-hardboiled in setting and style. I'll def. be PMing you- but thanks for taking the time to write a detailed response!

[moderntimes]

If you're looking for smart & feisty female detectives, I highly recommend Janet Dawson's "Jeri Howard" novels -- Jeri is a smart SanFran area private eye. I recently reviewed the latest in the series "Cold Trail" and found it quite good.

On my website you can find a fair amount of discussion of the private detective genre and other mystery writing, plus general literature via my blog page.