Early Grub could be pretty toxic even to upmarket stuff. I remember in a getting to know you class when we had to list some of our favorite writers I rattled off a list and ended with "and Nick Hornby can do no wrong" and the writer beside me wrinkled her nose and said, "Really?" with all the dripping mean girl intonation you can imagine.
Which is just to say, I'm here, reading all the things, still, and cheering you on as you shift genres. And I'm in the trenches with you. Baby Cathy who read all the horror she could get her hands on would be thrilled to know I've finally got a horror project on deck. It's slow going at the moment because I don't have the time or energy I used to have, but it's making me happy, and if the publishing world won't publish my more mainstream offerings than I can at least follow my heart as long as it lets me!
Ooh! A new trilogy to add to the list. I haven't heard of this one before; I'm excited to read it. Eventually. At some point. (Adds to 10 mile long TBR)
Loved this post! I love blending genres when I write. Many of my novels are a blend of women's fiction and speculative fiction. I love crossing a bit of fantasy and imagination into everyday life. (they're not "magical realism," even though I do love that genre, too.)
Another cross-genre writer: Riley Sager. Before he was churning out contemporary fast-paced thrillers, he wrote an amazing historical fiction/supernatural suspense called THINGS HALF IN SHADOWS under a different name. It's my favorite "Riley Sager" book to date, and I wish he'd go back to this genre and write more: https://www.wellreadtart.com/things-half-in-shadow-book-review/
Fantasy is huge. Who'd a thunk? But then fifty-year olds are riding skateboards too : )
Early Grub could be pretty toxic even to upmarket stuff. I remember in a getting to know you class when we had to list some of our favorite writers I rattled off a list and ended with "and Nick Hornby can do no wrong" and the writer beside me wrinkled her nose and said, "Really?" with all the dripping mean girl intonation you can imagine.
Which is just to say, I'm here, reading all the things, still, and cheering you on as you shift genres. And I'm in the trenches with you. Baby Cathy who read all the horror she could get her hands on would be thrilled to know I've finally got a horror project on deck. It's slow going at the moment because I don't have the time or energy I used to have, but it's making me happy, and if the publishing world won't publish my more mainstream offerings than I can at least follow my heart as long as it lets me!
Ooh! A new trilogy to add to the list. I haven't heard of this one before; I'm excited to read it. Eventually. At some point. (Adds to 10 mile long TBR)
Also, I totally thought that elephant-castle image was a Salvador Dali painting, haha. It's awesome.
I'm sure my dream was inspired by him!
Loved this post! I love blending genres when I write. Many of my novels are a blend of women's fiction and speculative fiction. I love crossing a bit of fantasy and imagination into everyday life. (they're not "magical realism," even though I do love that genre, too.)
Another cross-genre writer: Riley Sager. Before he was churning out contemporary fast-paced thrillers, he wrote an amazing historical fiction/supernatural suspense called THINGS HALF IN SHADOWS under a different name. It's my favorite "Riley Sager" book to date, and I wish he'd go back to this genre and write more: https://www.wellreadtart.com/things-half-in-shadow-book-review/
Ooo that sounds interesting!
Keep it up! Love your writing!!
How cool that you met Madeleine L'Engle! And that you’ve now come full circle into fantasy writing. 🧝♀️