There are a few questions today about genre so I thought I would post something to help.
When we write something as large as a novel there are often crossovers to other genres. This especially applies to great big epics like mine. I've been giving some thought to what metatags I might use on a website and it occurred to me it might help others place their genre.
For instance, some keywords which apply to my series of novels are;
Travel, Children as carers/breadwinners, Mental Illness, LGBT, Bisexuality, Metrosexuality, Fiji, Gap Year, Backpacking, Secret Internet Forums, Family Saga, Will they/Won't they Romance, Toxic Waste, PTSD, Miscarriage, Genetic Abnormalities.
There is no genre which covers that mixed bag but fortunately for me the one theme running all the way through the main characters' lives are each other and no matter what happens to them the relationship is always centre stage, so I can easily place my genre as romance.
What are your keywords? Is there one which runs as a theme thoughout your novel? What one subject underpins your story? Feel free to list your keywords and let others help. Vxx
Louise, I understand your reasoning, and I welcome your comments, but I do not believe my novel fits into the publishing list of genres. I intend to clarify the issue of genre before submitting to an agent or agency.
Interesting discussion and a useful exercise, Victoria.
My genre? Literary Fiction - of which there has also been a lot of discussion recently but I have to pick one so this is it.
Theme and keywords?
Finland, Sami, Indigenous Culture, Grief, Suicide, Teenagers, Family.
All popular, mega-selling concepts, I'm sure you'll all agree ;-)
Religion, fundamentalism, marriage, relationships, sex, Uganda. I always try to include the aspects of Uganda that bother me especially the religious fundamentalism and how it has affected the urban culture.