POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE

The Genre Wardrobe

 Standing in front of the mirror I adjust the lapel of my jacket. This outfit is a little too professional. I take the jacket off and change from stilettos to loafers. Now it looks a little on the casual side. So I change the slacks for a skirt and put on a pair of boots. Now I look a little flouncy. I change the skirt to jeans, the blouse to a button up shirt and go back to the loafers. Now I look comfortable but fairly dressy. So I change the loafers to sandals and the shirt to a t-shirt.

The point is that changing from one genre to another is as simple as changing the style of outfit. You start with a basic plot story—main character with a goal, arch enemy throwing obstacles at the main character, and a conclusion of win it all or lose it all. To make it look like a certain genre you simply change an element or add a twist.

If you want romance, add attraction that cannot be ignored. If you want science fiction, add outer space and aliens or futuristic elements. If you want horror, add fear and blood. If you want western, horses and cattle and American wilderness are what you need. And if you want fantasy, you need magic. There’s even a genre called “main stream” for stories that don’t fit anywhere else. And it has become popular to mix the genres so that you get things like paranormal romance, psychological thriller, historical fiction.

So here’s your assignment for the week. Take one of your favorite fairy tales and dress it up in a different genre. You should get some surprising results.

Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.

Nandy Ekle