List of Genre Descriptions:
Adventures have their main character travel to far away places, in dangerous adventures, and battling obstacles on land or sea.
Detective/Crime stories are a sub-genre of the Mystery, but have a detective or policeman focused on uncovering clues to solve a crime. They are filled with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Fantasy books create magical worlds filled with beings endowed with supernatural powers and are frequently based on legends.
Historical fiction refers to real events from history, can include historical or fictional characters, and work to capture the mood and setting of the time. As with many of the genres, the term, "historical," can be combined with romance, suspense, mystery, etc. Generally, stories set before the 1900's are considered historical.
Literary is a recognizable style that transcends genre writing. It is associated with "serious" writing as opposed to commercial fiction based on plot and narrative. Creative word usage, metaphors and similes characterize this style.
Mystery books focus on uncovering clues to solve a mystery or who committed a crime. The sleuth does not have to be a detective or police officer.
Romance novels, strictly speaking, have a formula that must be followed for the category: a single, naive maiden falls for an older, experienced man. Misunderstandings and obstacles occur, which they are finally able to overcome and be together. Many times, writers will say their novel has "elements" of romance in them to signify that there is romance, but that the story does not follow the standard definition.
Saga fiction spans generations, weaving fascinating stories between the characters and eras. A saga can utilize aspects of other genres.
Science Fiction stories take place in the future or in alternate worlds and are populated with beings such as aliens, mutants, or robots. They are generally based on ideas that could be scientifically explained, or what might be possible in a future reality.
Suspense stories have intense, twisting plots and scary, menacing villains. Generally we know who committed the crime, so the focus is on capturing the villain before he strikes again.
Thrillers are just that. The thrill element can be added to most genres. Crime thrillers can contain ransoms, kidnapping, or heists. Psychological thrillers are mind games, filled with stalking, high levels of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, or uncertainty.
Detective/Crime stories are a sub-genre of the Mystery, but have a detective or policeman focused on uncovering clues to solve a crime. They are filled with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Fantasy books create magical worlds filled with beings endowed with supernatural powers and are frequently based on legends.
Historical fiction refers to real events from history, can include historical or fictional characters, and work to capture the mood and setting of the time. As with many of the genres, the term, "historical," can be combined with romance, suspense, mystery, etc. Generally, stories set before the 1900's are considered historical.
Literary is a recognizable style that transcends genre writing. It is associated with "serious" writing as opposed to commercial fiction based on plot and narrative. Creative word usage, metaphors and similes characterize this style.
Mystery books focus on uncovering clues to solve a mystery or who committed a crime. The sleuth does not have to be a detective or police officer.
Romance novels, strictly speaking, have a formula that must be followed for the category: a single, naive maiden falls for an older, experienced man. Misunderstandings and obstacles occur, which they are finally able to overcome and be together. Many times, writers will say their novel has "elements" of romance in them to signify that there is romance, but that the story does not follow the standard definition.
Saga fiction spans generations, weaving fascinating stories between the characters and eras. A saga can utilize aspects of other genres.
Science Fiction stories take place in the future or in alternate worlds and are populated with beings such as aliens, mutants, or robots. They are generally based on ideas that could be scientifically explained, or what might be possible in a future reality.
Suspense stories have intense, twisting plots and scary, menacing villains. Generally we know who committed the crime, so the focus is on capturing the villain before he strikes again.
Thrillers are just that. The thrill element can be added to most genres. Crime thrillers can contain ransoms, kidnapping, or heists. Psychological thrillers are mind games, filled with stalking, high levels of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, or uncertainty.