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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/4652-What-You-Can-Learn-From-Other-Genres.html
Short Stories: October 05, 2011 Issue [#4652]

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Short Stories


 This week: What You Can Learn From Other Genres
  Edited by: Jeff
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter


"Short fiction seems more targeted - hand grenades of ideas, if you will.
When they work, they hit, they explode, and you never forget them.
Long fiction feels more like atmosphere: it's a lot smokier and less defined."
-- Paolo Bacigalupi


Random Trivia of the Week: For Arthur Golden, the bestselling Memoirs of a Geisha wasn't just a passing interest or even a quick process. Golden graduated from Harvard University with a degree in art history (specializing in Japanese art), received a Masters Degree in Japanese history from Columbia University, and worked briefly in both Beijing and Tokyo. He interviewed many real-life geisha and wrote Memoirs over a period of ten years, during which he completely rewrote the novel at least three times. It paid off though; the book has sold more than four million copies, been translated into thirty-two different languages, and was made into a 2005 movie that won three Academy Awards.


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Letter from the editor


WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM OTHER GENRES


There has been a long-running debate about which is the better type of writer; the one who specializes in a single, specific genre and becomes an expert at it... or the one who writes in a variety of genres. Ultimately, it's the same argument as being a jack-of-all-trades versus a true master of one particular craft. And we're assuming, of course, that one can't select the option of being an expert at everything. *Wink*

I'm not going to spark a debate about which is better; they each have their advantages and disadvantages. I do, however, want to discuss how writing in different genres can make you a better writer. I think it's a particularly apt topic for the Short Stories newsletter because unlike a novel or a script or a stage play, a short story is a much smaller work that can be written over a shorter period of time... which makes it the ideal medium to dabble in other genres and learn the lessons they have to offer.

The following is my not-so-scientific list of the things I've learned from writing in the different genres that I've attempted over the years:

Action/Adventure. Action sequences get our blood pumping. We sit on the edge of our seats as the hero dodges gunfire or chases after the bad guys in a souped-up sports car. The lesson to be learned from writing action/adventure is pacing. If you can learn to write a compelling action sequence, you need to master the delicate balance of details and description that allow the reader to visualize the story clearly without dragging down the pace of the action.

Comedy. Never underestimate the power of laughter. While the nonstop jokes and humor in a straight comedic piece are great, comedy can also be effective in nearly every other genre, whether easing the tension in a horror story, or adding some levity to a family drama. The funny moments are often the most memorable in a story, and they're not easy to accomplish. Learning how to write comedy can infuse your work with a sense of humor that adds depth and entertainment value.

Drama. The single greatest benefit to writing drama is the lack of other genre conventions. Drama doesn't rely on the thrills of action, the chills of horror, or the laughs of a comedy; it's conflict in its purest form. And when you don't have plot devices and genre conventions to rely on, that conflict most often has to come from the characters themselves. Learning to write drama can help you develop complex characters that are interesting even when there aren't genre conventions to rely on... and absolutely captivating when there are.

Erotica/Romance. Love and sexuality are a part of the human experience. Some people may be more private about this aspect of their lives than others, but the vast majority of us, at some point in our lives, deal with loving someone and possibly even expressing that love in a physical way. Being able to write love scenes is a critical skill for a writer to have in his or her repertoire... and one that many writers shy away from. Characters, just like people, have different personalities; the ability to write a character who realistically embraces his or her sexuality or understands the dynamics of a romantic relationship are powerful skills to have.

Family/Children's. Writing stories that the whole family can enjoy isn't just about writing for little kids. At its best, this genre is challenge to write something that appeals to audiences of all ages; stories that kids and their parents alike can enjoy together. While writing is a creative endeavor, publishing is a business one. Understanding how to appeal to a core audience with a broad range in ages and maturity levels can only help make your work more desirable to a publisher concerned with potential book sales.

Horror. Perhaps more than any other genre, horror relies on atmosphere. You have to use detail and description to create a mood for the audience... to put them in a place where, even curled up in bed with all the lights on, they're still afraid to look under the bed or check on that strange noise coming from the attic. Sharpening your horror-writing skills teaches you to make the most of every sentence; to create the appropriate atmosphere for every scene of your story by carefully selecting the words that will make the most impact on the reader's imagination.

Mystery. Stories wouldn't be very interesting if we knew what was going to happen at every step of the way. By practicing writing mysteries, you develop your ability to structure the surprises and twists in your story... to provide carefully-laid clues that will keep the reader guessing without giving it away. A healthy amount of mystery and suspense about what's going to happen next is what carries most stories; writing mysteries can develop your sense of what clues to reveal to the audience at what points to create maximum effect.

Period/Historical. Writing stories set in past eras requires the ability to research and accurately depict the time period. Unlike other fiction where every aspect of the story is able to be created from nothing, period pieces are set in a definite, established time period. A time period that can be researched and compared to the story, and inconsistencies pointed out. Historical fiction gives you the practice necessary to thoroughly research and effectively portray elements of a nonfiction setting, and blend them with your fictional creations.

Science Fiction/Fantasy. These two genres require the most suspension of disbelief on behalf of the audience. To enter a fantastical world distinctly different from our own, we have to believe in that world. Writing in these two genres can give you great practice at persuading your audience to believe the setting, even when that setting is one where you're building entire worlds from scratch. The sheer scope of creating a fantasy world or using a science fiction story as a metaphor, allegory, or commentary on a real-life issue is an incredible challenge to write effectively.

There's no question as to the benefits of becoming an expert at one particular genre. The depth of knowledge and the mastery of a particular genre is evident every time a story is written. Like a master chef, or a professional athlete, or a practiced surgeon or attorney, the time spent honing that one specific craft often results in successful, sometimes exceptional results.

However, the downside to expertise is that it often comes at the expense of other interests. It's unlikely that a master chef is also a brilliant accountant, or that an expert surgeon also happens to be a Grand Slam tennis champion. It is possible, though, to be a good cook and also able to competently do your own taxes... or to be a doctor who's a decent tennis player. While perhaps not a field-leading expert at any one thing, the breadth of experience can provide a well-rounded skill set that allows you to do a variety of things well.

Fortunately, when it comes to writing, we have more than one choice of medium. The reason why a tennis champion surgeon is unlikely is because being an expert at tennis means spending considerable time on the court... and being an expert surgeon means spending considerable time in the operating room. But writing horror and writing comedy are both still writing. And even more fortunately, we have the option of writing shorter works (poetry, short stories, etc.) rather than only focusing on longer works.

My humble suggestion is to spend at least some time writing in a different genre, even if you really only specialize in one. If you want to be a horror writer, that's fantastic. Comedy? Excellent. Historical/period romance? Awesome. Children's books? Outstanding. But while you're working on those novels, or screenplays, or stage plays (or whatever kind of writer you want to be), I'd encourage you to try a short story in another genre. Not only is it a way to get the creative juices flowing and keep yourself thinking creatively when you need a break or are between your larger efforts... but you just might pick up a new skill or two that will make you a better writer in your genre of choice. *Smile*

Until next time,

-- Jeff

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do you write in one genre, or many? Are there any genres you'd like to be able to write that you don't?


Editor's Picks


This week, I would encourage you to check out the following short stories:


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by A Guest Visitor

While Bill thought about my answer, I thought about the humongous lie that escaped from my mouth. The last kid who read nine hundred comics came down with a brain infection and died. A list of mysterious happenings and tales of grotesque maladies circulated at our school like girlie notes in study hall. Deformed limbs. Disappearing kids. My neighbor Sarah even went blind, although her doctor said it was a rare disease and had nothing to do with her reading the comics. Sarah wasn't so sure. She begged me not to attempt the dangerous deed.



The Hunter  [13+]
Flash Fiction of a possible hunting accident
by W.D.Wilcox

Cletus Brooks wore a red-and-black hunting cap all year round. He drank like a fish, laughed like a jackass, and farted homily just about anywhere he pleased. From under his mop of matted and greasy-looking hair, he told anyone who would listen what a great hunter he was.



Children of Forever  [ASR]
For serious science fiction readers. A little out there...
by EarlyHours-A Vigilante Ranger

"We have identified a suitable host species," the Aki science specialist projected to the Aki flight commander, as both hovered within respective containment fields. There was no sound and no voice inflection; in fact, there was no voice at all. The Aki had evolved as far as a species could. Bodies had long been given up in favor of electromagnetic radiation, energy fields, and the intimacy of intermingling ions and quantum wave-particles. Communication was virtually instantaneous; thoughts were efficiently experienced in unison by every member of the expedition.



The Way Forward  [13+]
A weekend gone horribly wrong shapes the future.
by NickiD89

The majestic views, promised by the resort's online brochure to soothe the soul, did nothing to mollify the agitation Michael was feeling as he clutched the receiver, waiting anxiously for someone on the other end to answer. Twice he glanced over his shoulder to the bathroom door, reassuring himself that Kaitlyn hadn't emerged. Come on, pick up, pick up, pick up.



 
Bad Day at Black Wall  [18+]
Spencer Tire-acy searches for one known as "Yokohama." Short Shots 2nd Place Oct'10
by Indelible Ink

It was a small town - one whose best days were clearly behind it. From the looks of things, it was fairly obvious that it had been quite some time since it had seen a Goodyear: Many of the buildings had been boarded up or simply abandoned, and the scarcity of tread marks in the dirt suggested that many residents had already succumbed to the pressure - or lack of same - and made tracks out of town.



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by A Guest Visitor

Denny's mother cowered in the corner, clutching the half-empty whiskey bottle as if her courage hid in it. Denny could smell its odor seeping from his mother's pores. It collided with the smell of stale beer in the center of the room --- the scent of Dad. He stood in the doorway in a boxer's stance, a posture learned on his way to becoming a Golden Gloves' champion. "Drunk again, Gina?" his father's voice boomed in the tiny apartment. Hatred burned in his bloodshot eyes. "Look who's talking," Mom countered, her bravery fueled by alcohol. Don't do it, Mom. Please don't make him madder. Denny wanted to run to her and cover her mouth before his father's rage boiled over to violence. He was too scared, too small to protect her from his father's fury.


 
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Ask & Answer


In response to my last newsletter on stories centered around single-day holidays (the question was regarding which single-day holiday or event you found most interesting):

Cool idea! -- THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
Thank you! I particularly enjoyed writing this newsletter. *Smile*


Hey, SoCal, perhaps this is why I tend to stick with short stories--I can't concentrate on more than one thing at a time. *Delight* Seriously, limiting one's focus does have the advantage of intensifying one's writing ... at least it does for me. -- Jace
That's why I love short stories too... it's easier for me to focus on and fully explore a smaller story than to try and write a longer, more involved one. Longer fiction does have it's appeal though... especially around this time of year. *Bigsmile*


Nothing like a birthday party with a zombie in it. Pinata anyone? -- BIG BAD WOLF is hopping
Can't say I've had the experience of having a zombie at any of my birthday parties... and here's hoping I never do! *Wink*


Prom or wedding night make good single settings. *Wink* -- Mara ♣ McBain~17 yrs on WDC!
Great suggestions! Although depending on how the evening goes, those stories might be more appropriate to be featured in a certain other newsletter... *Laugh*


Almost any of them would work but, bordering on the macabre, I hesitate to say I would find the day a loved one is laid to rest to make an interesting story. Look at all the many different ways people "celebrate" a loved one's life and all the emotions. There is love and loathing, quietness and frivolity, happiness and sadness, and the list could go on. There's so much there for the picking. -- MoJo
You're absolutely right; and even among the burial traditions there are any of a hundred different ways you could write the setting. Great suggestion... many writers, including some of the most successful of all time, make a living exploring the macabre side of life. *Wink*


Two weeks ago, the east coast had an earthquake. A week later, a hurricane. Today we're having more rain; therefore, our waterlogged status has increased, at times to more than that hurricane. Single-day event for a story? A natural disater? ;) -- atwhatcost
Natural disasters are a great way to write a contained story! When people think of contained stories they most often think of a limited number of locations... but it can also be used in terms of time or, as you've pointed out, in terms of an event. Great addition! *Thumbsup*


Stay happy, sing always, and keep writing. -- Permer
And the same to you as well, my friend!


I think a good short story setting would be New Year's Eve, and someone wants to do something before the year ends. -- Molly Grace
Hollywood seems to agree with you! They're making a sequel to the ensemble romantic comedy VALENTINE'S DAY, this time set around New Year's Eve! *Smile*


I will write about how the world is a prison within Itself one day. -- mr.sincerity
Best of luck to you with that!


Great job Jeff on this week's NL. I never really thought about how much the backdrop really does define the timeline. That's really something to consider when you're writing flash fiction of limited character count stories. *Thumbsup* Great advice! And as always, loved the random trivia this week. *Bigsmile* -- Brooklyn
Thanks, Brooke! Flash fiction is definitely tricky; no need to make it even harder by trying to write a flash fiction story that spans the entire reign of the Roman Empire, ya know? *Wink*


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