One of the comments I frequently hear at book club events is, "This isn't the
kind of book I usually buy, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it
down." These are very kind and gratefully received words that exhilarate me as
an author... yet cause me to fret as an historical novelist. Believe me, having
a reader say that they stayed up past midnight or were late getting to work
because they were so caught up in the story is the greatest compliment an author
can receive, but realizing how close the same reader came to not picking up the
book because of its genre worries me.
My current novel, SHADOW OF
A QUARTER MOON, is set in the pre-Civil War South, therefore it is
categorized as historical fiction. Does this mean that someone who prefers
mystery and suspense, or romance, or contemporary novels will not enjoy the
book? My answer is... a reader can love a book of any genre, because when all
is said and done... it's all about the story.
In truth, it's about the characters too. I love writing about ordinary people
in extraordinary circumstances, and though the premise and setting of my novel
makes it "historical", there are elements of suspense, intrigue, and romance in
the layered plot and characters. I think any good novel balances these elements
to some degree, regardless of the genre, and while we as readers get comfortable
in the feel and style of certain categories, we shouldn't lose our sense of
adventure. That's the magic of reading! We spread our wings and are swept away
to places we've never been. What matters is that the story is compelling, the
characters resonate, and the journey worth taking.
So if historical novels aren't your thing, I encourage you to take another look.
Any turbulent period in history is fodder for great books and memorable
characters. The heroes are more heroic and the villains more villainous because
they are woven from truths. The years of slavery are no different, yet it is a
time we often avoid revisiting because of the horror and shame it stirs in our
moral conscience. In keeping the door closed on this time period, we miss the
chance to celebrate and marvel at the incredible acts of courage and daring
challenges that were the genesis of social change in our country. In writing
SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOON, I was honored to look back and give voice to a
generation deserving of acknowledgement, tribute, and literary life. Yet, I
wonder how many readers I lose simply because of the aisle or shelf on which my
novel is displayed.
Bookstores, whether indies, major chains, or online, are like fantastic
smorgasbords for the imagination. They give you a chance to stray from the
familiar. One of the great perks of a book club (besides the good company and
good wine!) is that reading tastes vary from member to member. This allows for
a varied selection of books and often leads readers to discover authors in
genres outside their norm. Of course, it can also work in the reverse when the
selection falls flat, but don't blame the genre; it's all in the story.
Keep tasting, keep stretching, and keep reading. There's no telling where the
journey will take you!
What you wrote in your blog today is so true. I've read many genres that normally I would never touch before!! Whenever I read a book, the story has to captivate me, as well as the characters. If I'm bored in any way, or the story line is too far-fetched for my taste, I tend to get disenchanted with the book, and really don't care to read it, or it takes me forever to finish it. Very seldom am I surprised by finishing the book. I love the cover of your book, and am willing to give your book a shot as well. I'm sure I won't be disappointed. It's just a shame that you put so much work into your book, and it's not getting its' just reward in the bookstores. If I do like it, I will pass the word along to the women in the library who will perhaps put it into their list at their book readers' group. (Peggy Roberson 10:30am July 5, 2011)
Thank you, Peggy. I appreciate your comments and hope you enjoy SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOON. Be sure to let me know what you think! :) (Author EC Schwab 10:58am July 5, 2011)
I think that its important to step outside of yourself, once in a while it is good to take a new way home from work, discover a new view-that's exactly what I think in reading. It's important not be stagnant, not firing nuerons in the brain can lead to ruin...what do I do, take a new route, try something new, learn and attempt to master something, step outside of normal everyday, read something new, experience something new. To be honest, sometimes I cheat... Something new to read, experience, learn,and step outside of my norm can all be combined. It's easy to keep a promise to do this at least once a month, add books, all the time. (Carla Carlson 12:10pm July 5, 2011)
I love historical novels and the time around the Civil War was so intense due to all of the reasons that let up to the war. So many people's lives were drastically changed during that time period. How anyone could pick up "Gone with the Wind" and not become instantly hooked is beyond me. Your novel sounds terrific and I certainly look forward to reading it.
I agree. It is all about the story and the characters for me. Congrats on your new book. (May Pau 1:40pm July 5, 2011)
I am one of those readers who was stuck reading the same kind of books by the same authors. One of the suthors I particularly enjoy reading started to write paranormal books. I took the plunge and read her book. [It is not the kind of book I ususlly would have read.] I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it. Now I am trying to judge a book more by the story it tells rather than the type of book it is.
Thanks for your insight into SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOOM. (Robin McKay 2:42pm July 5, 2011)
Wonderful thoughts and insights! And thank you for the good wishes. ECS (Author EC Schwab 4:28pm July 5, 2011)
Historical novels fascinate me by going back in time and seeing how the people spent their days, the food and morals which were followed or not. (Alyson Widen 4:47pm July 5, 2011)
I love to read historical novels. There are so many different locations and historical periods that can be used for a novel's setting. It is fascinating to me to read how an author takes those settings and uses them in their writing. The best stories take you back to that time and let you lose yourself in another place and time! (Marguerite Guinn 5:00pm July 5, 2011)
Definitely, it is all in the story. After children's books, I first started reading historical novels--not romances--though that was often an element of the story. I started reading some books by Elswyth Thane from a library and others that my father owned by Slaughter, Costain, Yerby, et al. I had also read Harlequin romances. I've also studied history. So historical novels--of any time--are definitely amongst my favorite types of reading material, as are true history books. Well, I do have some types of books I'm not keen on: vampires, witches, etc.--though I like shapeshifters that don't get too violent and murder mysteries that are too violent/gory. I've pretty well tried each "genre" at least once. (Sigrun Schulz 10:50pm July 5, 2011)
I love to read and haven't found many people near me who like to read so I've started to reach out online. Hoping to find lots of new authors, friends and books! (Patti Paonessa 1:25am July 7, 2011)
Yes, its all about the story but I still tend to select books with a Southern flair, i.e., The Help, The Kitchen House, Mudbound are just a few examples..... (Susan Coster 6:39pm July 8, 2011)
It is all about the story, but the cover of the books draw me to them too.... I like the cover of your book! I'm enjoying blogging for books and being able to win books by authors I've never read before and finding fantastic new reads! (Brenda Rupp 10:10pm August 28, 2011)
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