March 3 question - Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
I read a lot less horror than I used to. I've read all of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft's works, but I return to them for reference. I've also read many of Stephen King's works, and he is my third major influence. I don't limit myself to one specific genre. I do book reviews for onlinebookclub.org and I tend to read what they offer.
I suppose that the genre I write (outside of the m/m erotica shorts) could be classified as horror, but I tend to think of it as fantasy/paranormal with some sci-fi mixed in. There are certainly horror elements. Mormo, for instance, is a vampire of otherworldly origin. She was one of Lovecraft's creations, and I borrowed her and expanded on her, always giving credit where credit is most certainly due.
Edgar Allan Poe was the godfather of the modern horror genre. While he and Ambrose Bierce influenced Lovecraft, so did writers such as Lord Dunsany, whose works were more fantasy than horror. Lovecraft wrote steampunk before steampunk was a genre. My writing tends to lack the steampunk element although it has a strong Lovecraftian influence.
Anyway, that's what I have to say about that. I am sitting here wishing that I didn't have to go to my podiatry appointment tomorrow, but I've already put it off three times. Talk about horror--one look at my feet would give a foot fetishist nightmares.
I won't write more about my feet. Just trust me when I say that they are not a thing of beauty.
~Ornery Owl Has Spoken~
Free Use Image from Open Clipart Vectors on Pixabay
I don't read a lot of horror (the news is enough). I DO read across genres. And supposed age groups as well.
ReplyDeleteI often enjoy "young adult" stories, and I'm about three times the age of their target audience. Hell, I'll go ahead and admit it. I like children's books. Much of the time I review children's books by choice.
DeleteThere are so many authors I want to explore and so little time. I like your inspiring reading list!
ReplyDeleteI try to visit a few different people every month. I'm not one of those folks who seem to be Jenny on the Spot with blog hops. I'm always a day late and a dollar short.
DeleteI used to read the older stuff like Poe, but I've been told their style of writing doesn't excite readers as much these days, so I've moved on to more recent stories. Probably a mistake on my part.
ReplyDeleteI love the owl at the end. I hope your foot appointment goes well. Poe and King are excellent authors to read if you're into "dark." (Which I am.)
ReplyDeleteI love reading a wide variety of genres. I posted for IWSG day today. My post includes a new book by a friend, a note about a free book next week, a tweet about a query contest (LGBTQ romance this round), and a quick message about April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
Those are all great authors! I feel like rereading some of my favourite King and Dunsany... I read Poe's Antarctica story for the first time just a couple of years ago. And I haven't read enough Lovecraft!
ReplyDeleteNever thought about it, but you're right - Lovecraft wrote steampunk before it was a thing.
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