Before I was an author, I was a reader.
I read A LOT of books over the years. (In fact, I taught myself to read at 3 years old because I wanted to write stories so badly.)
And, one of the things I began to realize is I preferred books that mixed genres over just a single “pure” story.
I’m also of the belief that I’m not alone.
Look at the popularity of certain mixed genres categories. (Romantic suspense anyone?)
So, as an author who has taken mixing genres to a whole new level (my current Secret of Redemption series combines psychological thriller, mystery, romance, paranormal and even a touch of women’s fiction) I thought I’d share my top 5 reasons why mixed genres are best.
1. There’s a little something for everyone. No matter what sort of story you prefer (romance, mystery, fantasy, sci-fi) in a mixed-genre book, you’re more likely to find something you like.
Better yet, in a mixed genre book, even if you’re not crazy about one of the genres, you may still like the book because you like the other storylines.
2. Less chance of boredom. So, it may just be me, but one storyline books can be a little … boring. Especially if I end up reading a few in a row.
I think it’s because in most cases, the books are both simpler and shorter.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Sometimes I want a simple story I don’t have to think too much about. But, most of the time, I enjoy the complexities of multiple characters and layered storylines, and it’s much easier to craft those books if you’re mixing genres.
3. Novels are healthier. Just like mixed breed dogs can be healthier than purebreds, novels with multiple storylines also tend to be more robust than the pure versions.
What do I mean by a healthy novel? It’s one where the author didn’t have to resort to tricks or force to move the plot and/or character development forward.
When you’re dealing with multiple storylines, the author has multiple ways to move a story forward, so that *should* (in theory) help the author more naturally tell the story.
4. They’re better for you. Did you know that fairy tales are actually morality lessons? Yes, fairy tales were originally designed to “teach” a morality lesson, but because morality lessons can be boring, they were “sugar coated” with a story.
In other words, the story helps the “medicine” of a morality lesson go down.
As humans, we’re wired to respond to stories. It’s in our DNA. Stories are at the foundation of how we communicate and make sense of the world, as well as help us become better people.
So, when you read a multiple genre story, there’s a good chance the story has a deeper meaning that could help you become a better person. And, that lesson will be integrated on a deeper level because it’s a part of a story.
5. They’re fun. Need I say more?
THIS HAPPENED TO JESSICA by Michele Pariza Wacek
Secrets of Redemption Book 2
How many more are going to die because you refuse to remember?
Becca would like nothing better than to put the past behind
her and focus on making Redemption her home. But what do you
do when the past refuses to stay buried?
Becca still can’t remember the night sixteen-year-old
Jessica disappeared from a party, never to be seen again.
Which is bad enough (especially since she was supposedly the
last person to see Jessica alive), but it’s not the worst …
Strange events are making Becca think there’s a link between
what happened to Jessica fifteen years ago and the darkness
happening now.
With help from her friends and her teenage crush, Daniel,
Becca races against time to uncover the truth about Jessica
before another sixteen-year-old girl is doomed to the same
fate as Jessica …
Romance Suspense [Love-Based Publishing, On Sale: November 20, 2018, e-Book, / ]
About Michele Pariza Wacek
Michele Pariza Wacek (also known as Michele PW) taught herself to read at three years old because she so badly wanted to write fiction. As an adult, she became a professional copywriter (copywriters write promotional materials for businesses, nothing to do with protecting intellectual property or putting a copyright on something) and eventually founded a copywriting and marketing company. She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and currently lives with her husband and dogs in the mountains of Arizona.
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