Psst. I have a secret.
As most of you know, I write, read, and breathe all thing YA (young adult). And I pretty much only crit or beta read YA novels plus the occasional MG (middle grade) book—with one exception. One of my closest friends writes women’s fiction.
Before I got hooked on YA novels, I read historical romances (I was planning to write them one day), medical thrillers, and a few Patricia Cornwell novels thrown in for luck.
I’ve never read, in my entire life, any women’s fiction (or at least I think don’t I have), unless Harlequin romances count. Hmmm. Do they?
Anyway, my friend recently decided to take a break from her WIP. But not only did she decide to start working on a new novel, she decided to explore a new genre (for her): erotica.
Now, other than the steamy parts in the historical romances—and I mean seriously steamy—I’ve never read the genre before. But being the diligent critter that I am, I thought I should read a few for RESEARCH. Yes, that’s right, it’s strictly for research.
And of course, my husband, being your typical male, was more than delighted to hear about my selfless sacrifice to benefit my friend. *grins*
So my question is: how far will you go to help your writer friends?
And in case you’re wondering, since I’ve just finished reading my first romantic erotica novel (and it was hot!!!), I have no plans to write the genre (though I’m definitely doing some more research to help my friend out. *winks*). I’m YA all the way.
<<<3
38 comments:
I've def. pushed comfort zones when it comes to reading/critting. I've gone all the way... (hahaha-couldn't help myself)
Oh, this is just too funny for words!!! You'd have my commiserations if I wasn't laughing so hard at your...research :P
I truly admire your dedication as a critique partner (*chortles*).
Rach
ha! Yeah, I'll crit stff I don't usually read, but I won't start reading the genre as a habit. LOL. This reminds me of the time a friend aske me to come with her to a strip club, to do research on her gender analysis essay at uni - yeah - right. LOL
Oh ho ho! lol. I've got two words for you : Jaid Black. I'm not ashamed to admit it. The woman is an incredible writer. And her books are *ahem* really something special.
If I'm going to crit something I don't normally read, I'll read something first. I think that's wondeful you did that for a friend.
Ha. I've never read this genre and now I think I may have to...
If a friend asked me to crit. a new wip that isn't what I typically read, I would totally do it. Although, I'd let them know beforehand that their genre isn't what I usually do, so I'll do my best.
I am lucky enough to have writerly friends that write in all genres, and my TBR stack is as eclectic as my music collection, so I doubt there's ANYTHING I wouldn't try out...for research purposes, of course.
That's definitely going the extra mile. So far I haven't critiqued anything outside of what I normally read, but it's a good idea to do what you did.
Hey Stina,
What a great friend! I think reading outside of our regular genre is a good thing, just to expand out horizons. Not to mention the side benefits in this particular case!
I'd do whatever to help a friend. Having said that, I don't think starting to read the genre is exactly necessary. Maybe with erotica it is though. I'd be willing to read some ... for research.
That's great that you're so open to reading outside your normal genre for the good of a friend. I know it definitely gives perspective and a better understanding of the genre, especially if it's not yours, when you do this and it makes you so much more valuable as a crit buddy too!
i don't typically crit what i don't read/write since i'm not familiar with it (recently i had to crit a high fantasy and believe me i did not pick up a copy of Tolkien). so i'm probably not as good a friend as you... :( still, i think it's awesome you are so supportive!
What a good friend you are!
I think erotica is probably a genre that REALLY exposes (pardon the pun) bad writers. There are good ones out there, but there are a lot of people who think all it takes is throwing a few vulgar words together.
Happy Researching!
I'm not sure I could crit well things that I don't read. I think I'm better suited to YA and MG.
I'm squirming in my chair right now. I've never read any erotica, mainly becuase, well I'm not sure where you even find it. Do they sell it at Barnes and Noble?
I did dog-ear the pages of my mom's romance novels and pass them around to all my friends in MS/HS. Some of these things were quite "educational". I remember a few passages from The Thorn Birds, which had me wondering for years.
I'm afraid you're a better friend that I am. I'm not sure I could do it. But I have stretched my limits doing crits (blood and gore, etc.). I do think I'm better at critiquing what I know.
LOL! I read a friends erotica novel once and thought it was so.... anatomical? I guess I like a little more mystery. Or perhaps I hadn't done enough research into the subject? ;)
Well...what a good friend you are...I guess there are hidden benefits to reading...hee hee hee...
LOL! That's awesome. My critique group all write different genres so I'm constantly reading outside of my genre. I think it's good for writers. It keeps the mind open and the creative juices flowing.
Apparently you're willing to go all the way with your friends ;)
lol. You are so great for doing that for your CP.
My CP's all write YA or MG, but if they wanted to genre hop then I'd bite the bullet and read outside my genre for them. :)
How selfless of you!!
My Cps write all kinds of things and I know YA is way out of one of their comfort zones - but she had some great insights!
I would read almost anything to help - i think!
Wow, you are one selfless gal! lol I'm sure you're hubby didn't mind at all.
WTG! (blushes) Friends do what they have to to help out each other. (fans face) After all, if you don't experiement with reading different genres, how will you ind out if you like them. (splashes cool water on warm face)
Stina, my hubby would be really pleased if I would read something other than Pollacka and Rylant...
So nice of you to help your friend out like that. =)
How far will I go to help my writing buds?
I've been known to give up my own writing time to read and critique for them. And I don't mind one bit!
HA! That's hilarious. Couldn't resist helping a friend out, huh? Hey, maybe I need to do some research for your friend too? LOL
It would depend on what my friend asked me to read. Erotica isn't my thing! (Yes, I think Harlequin counts as women's fiction. I did read some in my distant past.)
YA is up there for me with memoir.
Ann Best, Long Journey Home
I have a friend who wrote an erotica. She made quite the scene when she read the steamy parts in our 15+ person critique group.
A member of our writing group writes memoire, and I've never read one. I'm trying to find somewhere to start since I hope to help critique her work. I'm thinking James Frey isn't the best place to jump off from;-)
I've critiqued my friends' manuscripts even if they are in genres I don't read (woman's fiction, sci-fi, self-help) I think it benefits them to get some feedback from someone who isn't familiar with the genre.
My. Congrats to your Mr. I have limits, but usually people want me to read at the boring other end of the spectrum--like tax law changes for 2009 or something.
They seriously are one of a kind in genre... hot and steamy all the way.
Way to be a team player Stina!!
Jen/Jules
Unedited & Jules and the Stars
heh heh--what a good friend you are! Yes, I would read out of my genre or comfort zone-- it would be a refreshing change!
Erotica is not out of my comfort zone of reading. Wouldn't be able to concentrate long enough to write it though. ;o)
I'm not much of a contemporary romance girl myself, but I read for one of my friends. And I'd probably have to push a little to get through a sci-fi book since that's not my style at all. But for the right writer friend, I would.
PS -- read Last Sacrifice from cover to cover and LOVED it! And after meeting Richelle, I can say she's as awesome as she seems...and so freaking cute it's disgusting!
My wife reads what she calls "trash" novels...and I'm VERY GRATEFUL that she does!!!
That's all I have to say about that! :)
What a great friend you are! :)
LOL Anything to help a friend! :)
this is actually really interesting.
thanks for sharing :)
i am so excited to read your books.
xo
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