From Cozy Village to Criminal Underworld: How Audience Expectations Shift by Genre

Genre fiction has reader expectations known as conventions.

When someone begins reading what they believe is a cozy mystery, there shouldn’t be elements of horror or a gruesome crime vividly described.

The person who solves the crime in a cozy mystery is an amateur sleuth.

Cozies also tend to feature main characters who enjoy comforting hobbies or pets.

They live in settings that invite the reader to sit for a while, sip some tea, and follow the clues.

Writers are often encouraged to specialize in one genre and build specific strengths within it. 

Genre fiction = Storytelling styles with expected conventions that readers expect within each story.

I believe that just as an athlete who specializes in one sport can also excel in others, a talented writer has a similar advantage with different genres.

The more skilled a writer is, the more likely they are to learn new genre conventions.

Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) excelled and is mainly known for his baseball skill, but he rose to the top in other sports as well.

In college, he was a standout in three sports.

His weakest sport was baseball.

He was an American major league player, the first African American to compete in the major leagues.

His leadership legacy in baseball and as a civil rights activist continues to be admired and respected.

“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others’ lives.”   – Jackie Robinson

Steve Martin, actor, comedian, and musician, is known for his well-loved comedic skills, but he also uses his intellect to excel as a banjo player.

“Always make room for the unexpected in yourself.”   – Steve Martin

Thomas Jefferson  (1743 – 1826) is primarily known as the 3rd president of the United States.

He was also the primary contributor to the Declaration of Independence and a very fine violinist, among other remarkable strengths.

“To learn, you have to listen. To improve, you have to try.”  – Thomas Jefferson

The following is only a partial list of genre fiction, but like blowing on glowing embers, I hope this is a good start to spark your curiosity.

Like Robinson, Martin, and Jefferson, you may find other genres that hold your interest as a reader and writer. 

The conventions of each genre may differ, but being open to new genre experiences only increases your capacity to love more today than you did yesterday.

Mystery

Cozy Mystery 

Detective Mystery

Noir 

Historical Mystery 

Police Procedural Mystery 

Legal Thriller 

Detective Mystery

Romance 

Regency Romance 

Historical Romance  

Romantasy

Young Adult Romance

Romantic Suspense

Paranormal

Paranormal Romance

Science Fiction 

Horror 

Thriller

Adventure 

Magical Realism 

Western 

Graphic Novels 

Fairy-Tale Fantasy

Paranormal Fantasy