I read a blog post recently, written by a woman who was announcing that she was
"quitting" Urban Fantasy. She stated that the genre was so glutted, and there
were so many substandard books--all apparently filled with the same tropes--that
there was nothing in urban fantasy worth reading anymore. Moreover, the comments
section was filled with people expressing similar "I’m done!" sentiments.
This made me sad for a number of reasons, the first of which is--of
course--because I write urban fantasy. But the biggest reason this announcement
saddened me was the pure illogic of it, coupled with the self-denial on the part
of the blogger. She was obviously once a fan of urban fantasy, and now in her
desire to steer well clear of it, she was going to be denying herself all of the
potential that urban fantasy (and paranormal romance) has to offer.
That being said, I could see why she’d grown weary and jaded. It seems
impossible to turn around without seeing something related to Twilight or True
Blood or any of the other vampire-inspired media. When it’s this "in your face"
the impulse to draw back and get some space is practically reflexive. On the one
hand, the "geeks" have scored a huge victory--science fiction and fantasy are
firmly entrenched in the mainstream. And so, naturally, everyone who stands to
profit from this, from publishers to movie executives, has taken the urban
fantasy/paranormal romance ball and run with it. Perhaps too far.
So, yes, I can understand being jaded. But to completely give up on the genre?
Nope. That I can’t wrap my head around.
The thing is, that same ennui and the :"it’s all vampires all the time”"
sensation, is now driving the genre into new and exciting directions. Trust me,
those publishers and movie executives aren’t quite as blind and clueless as they
might seem, and they’re looking ahead to what the genre has to offer next. And
the authors are delivering! In fact (other than existing series with solid fan
bases) I think you’d be hard pressed to find a debut novel featuring those tired
old tropes. Instead the genre is breaking out into exciting and fascinating new
ground, and the readers (those who haven’t given up on the genre) are being
rewarded with some truly excellent and groundbreaking fiction. Just in the last
year I’ve seen debut novels featuring: selkies, greek mythology colliding with
present-day Atlanta, demons (like mine!), angels, hypochondriacs with incredible
gifts... I could go on and on! And all of these books have three-dimensional
main characters, rich plots, and--quite often--probing social commentary
skillfully wrapped in a compelling story.
But, the ennui-plagued reader might ask, how can one find any of this amid the
heaping piles of what some might call "drek"? It’s really not that hard. Read
reviews, listen to the buzz (not as far as what’s being buzzed, but why it’s
being buzzed) and dare to try something that looks a bit different. If you’re
truly sick of vampires, then try something without vampires. Because there’s
more of it out there than you realize (and I say this because I can’t imagine
growing weary of the genre if you’re truly aware of the diversity of what’s out
there.)
So, please, push aside the ennui for a few minutes, and don’t give up on a genre
that’s delivered so well for you in the past. Far from being over, it’s just
hitting its stride.
Diana Rowland, a
former police officer and morgue assistant, is the author of Mark of the Demon and Blood of the Demon. Her
third novel, Secrets of the Demon, will be out on January 4, 2011 from DAW books.
I totally agree with your statements. I have been a fan of the genre for a long time. When I mention to friends that even Linda Leal Miller wrote a series, they don't believe me but I point out that the genre has (and will) encompass many writers that they would least expect. I actually think that the genre is on a creative upswing and if you weed through the self-pubished (though there are many brilliant writers who go this route-just believe you need to weed more through these) and watch for those books that others have read/loved you will find many exciting new directions. I think that the genre becoming more mainstream (for lack of a better word) has made it so more authors get a chance to bring their vision to the readers. It is unfortunate that some people are giving up when I think it is on a creative upswing :( (Felicia Sparks 7:56am April 30, 2010)
I am still in the sampling stage of reading paranormal. There is such a wide variety of sub-genre and directions the books are taking it is rather exciting. You can take you pick, dark and creepy, light and fun, or a blend of the two. With the variety of story lines out there anyone should be able to find something they like. The quality of authors is encouraging. There are some not so good books out there, but for the most part, no matter what you are looking for you will find it written well. Rather than leave a class of books you enjoyed, look around and try some new authors and new story lines. Tired of vampires, there are witches, genies, angels, mermen (and women), ghosts, demons, fairies, the list goes on. This field is one of the most dynamic in the business at the moment. (Patricia Barraclough 8:59am April 30, 2010)
With the wide variety of books available, I always enjoy try new authors or genre. That's half the fun of reading! (Rosemary Krejsa 12:40pm April 30, 2010)
I totally agree with you. I waited soooo long for this genre to come out in the mainstream, were now you don't have trouble finding books to read. Paranormals are my fav kind of book weither its romance, serious or funny, I love it. I look forward to reading your books, I happen to love demon books!!!! As well as many others and you can be sooo creative in what you make up for them, you can make tons of new creatures, that poor reader doesn't know what she is missing. The only trouble I have is coming up with all of the money needed to buy every book I want, lol!!! (Brandy Blake 2:03pm April 30, 2010)
I can't believe someone would suggest that a whole genre of books should be ignores because some were substandard. Every genre of books, music, art has substandard works, but you don't give up, you just become a bit more selective. Keep writing your books and we (your fans) will keep reading. Thanks!! (Robin McKay 3:28pm April 30, 2010)
I agree you shouldn't give up on your favorite genre. That said, I have loved vampires all my life, so, yeah, I'm a little tired of everyone trying to cash in on vampires, making them a little over-done. But it's true - there are so many new choices in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal, that you just have to keep your eyes and ears open and your mind! (Kelli Jo Calvert 5:32pm April 30, 2010)
I agree with Robin's comment about other genres also having substandard books. That's why we have reviews, blogs, etc. to help us select new authors and/or books. (Karin Tillotson 5:46pm April 30, 2010)
If there is a glut of a certain genre, just be more discerning. Read the very best & enjoy. (Mary Preston 6:06pm April 30, 2010)
You have to pick and choose your books by references from friends, other authors, sites such as FreshFiction and at least be willing to try new authors and genres. (Diane Sadler 6:35pm April 30, 2010)
What is a great book for some may not be so great for others. I have a group of people that I rely on to lead me to great new books and some times I just look at the book front and back read a few pages and dive in and hope it is as great as it seems. I have one book that everyone told me was so fabulous, everyone! I didn't get it, the book moved so slow I gave up before I got to the fabulous part. The book, Eat, Pray, Love. For everyone there is a book, for the most part. I may not have been feeling well when I was trying to read the book, and perhaps when I'm in a great mood and healthy, I should give it another try, we'll see. I'm always willing to try new authors and new genres. Since I've been blogging and entering contests, I've gotten tons of books I might not normally have chosen... I have been on a run of great books of new authors, just finished another, such great fun! I always write a review for the new books! Such fun! (Brenda Rupp 10:27pm April 30, 2010)
I sorta understand the 'getting tired of' syndrome. I got burnt out on vamps when paranormal romance only had the two creatures, vampires and werewolves. Nowadays there are a lot of different kinds of shifters to read but there is only so many ways to make new vampires interesting. But I haven't given up on the genre because of that. I still read the blurbs for vampire books, but there has to be something really unique about the story or it has to be part on one of the series that I follow. Everyone has times when they just read less because the books just aren't grabbing you, but it isn't usually the books fault(unless it was poorly written-but then it will be only that book). It's usually caused by some sort of emotional change in the reader. I see this in exaggerated form in my daughter who suffers from depression. When she is down she reads something totally different than when she is happy. (Carol Cobun 4:18am May 1, 2010)
I too understand getting tired of a certain genre. Luckily for me, I love romance, historical fiction, YA, UF, paranormal romance, and pretty much anything other than self help or nonfiction. And I've read a few nonfiction books that I enjoyed. I try to read a variety so that I don't get that burned out feeling. (Lisa Richards 2:05pm May 1, 2010)
We are all in charge of what we read. That said; yes, there are many trite books flooding the market now but nothing stops me from reading the first couple of pages in the store. If it grabs me there, it's a sure bet it will go home with me. Sometimes an author will do two (or more) completely different book styles. Example: L.K. Hamilton writes both Meredith Gentry (I love!) and Anita Blake (not one I care for) so pick and choose; and yes, keep exploring new authors. I also like to look for anthologies with an author I like and the rest of the stories by new (to me) authors. That way I have at least one story I know I'll enjoy and the opportunity to explore the writing of several new authors. (Susan Driskill 8:43pm May 1, 2010)
The genre has so many venues for expansion and there are so many ways to be creative with the characters that an author with skill can really work with it well. Unfortunately, I do agree that are many crappy quality books out there, so you really have to read the exerpts and get to know the quality of the authors before spending your money on the books. The imagination has no limits if your mind is open. (Donna Holmberg 10:13pm May 1, 2010)
I guess I am in agreement with most of you; if you don't like something or tire of it, go to something else. There is so much diversity out there, that you just go onto something else and maybe you will come back --or maybe not. But gee--don't get upset. life is too short and there are so many books------ (Barbara Studer 10:24pm May 1, 2010)
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