OMG - Am I In The Right Genre?

I am definitely focused on writing in the mystery genre. I have even fine tuned that to the cozy mystery genre. No cursing, no explicit sex scenes, no blood and guts. Just a gentle story. Gentle, but interesting. My protagonist has decided that her back story is that she worked for a clandestine organization for her entire life - recruited right out of college. She is not a spy, she simply works to keep the art and writings of the world out of sinister hands.

That part of her backstory, while edgy, is still acceptable for the cozy mystery genre. So, let's talk about how she does this. She is skilled in divination and dream work, has the ability to read photo's, can access people's thoughts from a distance, and can move backward and forward in time. I am sure there are people that think this book should be in another category. So ... what do I do about that?

Because I am self-published, I don't really have to do anything. I chose the genre for my book, and it will be cozy mystery. I also know that each book in the series for this protagonist will bring in different elements re her abilities. They will always be portrayed in a quiet, gentle manner. So why am I worried? 

I am worried because I want this series to be successful. Do I plan on changing anything to "fit" the genre bettter? No. I would rather redefine the genre! My protagonist is stepping out as who she is, not who someone else thinks she should be.  She needs to be authentic to herself, without carrying the "New Age" banner. It will be surprising to some just how far our five senses can carry us! Let the games begin!

(c) August 2018 Bonnie Cehovet

Reproduction prohibited without written permission fromthe author.

  

Developing Supporting Charcters

How far do we want to develop supporting characters? The first thing to note here is whether this is going to be a continuing character. If your character is part of a series of stories/books, then they need to be fairly well developed. Readers will want to know at least some of their background (back story), what is important to them, and what makes them tick.

Decide what the relationship between your supporting character and the main character (protagonist) is, and how it should play out. Is there friction there? Is there a sense of trust? How do they intract, and why? This may be a supporting character, but it has its own role in the story - an important role. This will be especially true if this character is used to more the story forward, or if it is used to create conflict/tension.

Make sure that your character carries a name that is compatable with their actions. Both names and nicknames should remind the reader of who this character is, and the part that they play in the story.

Whatever your supporting characters say or do, they should make an impression. Think of Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Lestrade, or Batman and Robin. Think abut how the supporting characters add authenticity to the story, how they make it "real", how they make it come alive!

You should be keeping a bible for each story, and your bible should include pertinent information on minor/supporting characters as well as your main characters. You need this for continuity, and, quite frankly, just to keep evrything straight!

In my next blog, I will be talking in the voice of the protagonist from my WIP, and how she feels about the development of her story.

(c) June 2018 Bonnie Cehovet

Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the author.