Monday, May 10, 2010

What's Your Genre of Choice?

First, thanks to everyone now following my blog and for all those who’ve expressed interest in my book! I’m stunned how people say they want to read it. I’m also surprised that the cover is appearing on other blogs and websites. (And Dez rocks – he put it up at his, too - Hollywood Spy ) I’ve been offered a blog tour stop as well. And CassaStar doesn’t even come out until October! You guys are too cool.

This got me to thinking – what does everyone like to read? What’s your genre of choice? I know a few of you read science fiction – and Beth was sweet enough to say she wants my book even though she doesn’t read science fiction – but how about the rest of you?

Obviously I like science fiction. Timothy Zahn is one of my favorites. I also like fantasy. I’ve read all of Terry Brooks’ books. Read Gaiman and Jordan, although I finally gave up on The Wheel of Time series. My favorite authors are Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Their books are real page turners! I also like Michael Crichton, Clive Barker, and some of John Grisham’s books.

What does everyone else like to read?

And for my 100 followers feature, I drew numbers and Shannon at Faith, Hope and Love was the winner. I hope to have a feature up for this lovely lady this Friday.

44 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey alex, I am not a huge scifi girl but I loved loved Avatar, and I bet i would like your book, but My favorite is just memoirs and fiction.

Marvin D Wilson said...

I'm not big on romance novels or stiff preachy "Christian Book" genre, but other than that, all genres: spiritual/inspirational, Sci-fi, suspense/thriller ... oh, well, not big on YA either of course, and my age, lol

The Old Silly

Matthew MacNish said...

Morning Alex. Well my absolute favorite is Epic High Fantasy a la The Lord of the Rings, but it is quite rare that wonderful examples of the genre get written, let alone published, so recently I've come to enjoy reading YA with fantasy elements. I do love Science Fiction too though, looking forward to reading yours.

Lisa said...

I had never pick up a sci-fi in my life. I was an ardent reader. At one period I read political science and history and historical fiction. My genre evolves with me and currently I just finished David Baldacci's Absolute Power and it was a very good book. I thought it was going to be just a shallow thriller but no it was deep with emotions and beutifully written.

I would very much like to read your book.

Hannah said...

I read everything. I tend to lean more towards the genres of fiction. I don't read much in the way of literary. I like my fiction with a twist.

DEZMOND said...

Your favourite genre is science fiction??? I'm shocked :))
It's interesting that I don't really have time to read many books with all of my translating work. In my profession and in my publishing house most people consider me an expert for historical novels (most of the books I did were connected with Roman or Ancient Greek history). But when I'm reading I adore the genre of alternative history, if you are familiar with it. I also love any kind of fantasy.
I never read crime, thrillers, mystery and all those cheap bestsellers, which doesn't mean I don't respect some of the tittles from those genres.

Tara said...

My best friend's hubby devours sci-fi; I'll be buying him your book in October :)

It's not that I don't like sci-fi (love Star Wars type stuff-in movie form), but my brain thinks very inside the box and I find a lot of it...hmmm...maybe not so much goes over my head, but my brain can't wrap itself around certain concepts and I spend more time trying to figure out how "that is possible than I do on the plot.


My favorite: think Sydney Sheldon & John Grisham. Then_good_ romance; real plots, no crappy imagery sex. I want the real thing, baby, LOL.

Lydia Kang said...

I read a variety of stuff, but a lot of YA, historical fiction, some fantasy (huge LOTR fan). Love hearing about what everyone reads!

Unknown said...

I read pretty much everything, but if I had to choose a most favorite genre...I'd choose commercial fiction with a bend towards literary. That's what I like to write, too!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Science fiction, self-help, horror. Not really into chick-lit or mystery.
And you are welcome to visit my site for your blog tour as well. You know I want a copy of your book!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I don't read that much but I do read self help books by Paul Mckenna who helped me over my berevements, I play alot of music which is one of the loves in my life and spend a bit of time blogging,
I do wish you well with your book you deserve all the success you get.

Have a good day,

Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wasabi, that's nice to hear.

Marvin, I'm a bit past the YA as well.

Thanks, Matthew!

Ocean Girl, thanks. And I've not read Baldacci yet.

Palin, I don't read much literary, either.

Surprise, Dez! And since you like alternative history, do you enjoy steampunk?

Tara, thanks!! I don't like to read the really technical science fiction.
And where's the fun in imaginary sex?

Hart Johnson said...

Hey, Alex! I like science fiction if it isn't too TECHNICAL. Medical stuff--COOL. Futuristic worlds, GREAT. Machinery details? SNOOZE. I haven't read a lot of it, partly for that reason, and partly because I just have other genres I love. I tend to like mainstream stuff that is sort of... life lesson kinds of stuff--very deep character involvement. And then I like Thriller and suspense. I'm fine with fantasy stuff, though prefer the youth fantasy, as adult fantasy tends to be under-edited. Mysteries I'm a little picky on, but love if they have some humor.

Only 'no' category is really romance. I can't get behind 'coupling' as a 'happily every after'--it annoys me, especially if one or both person were arrogant or uptight or whatever before hand--one person 'bringing out' another? Poo! We are each responsible for our OWN destiny and it annoys me to read otherwise. (I also am irked by beautiful people, but that is probably just me)

Anyway, I'd love a chance to read your book UNLESS you make me learn mechanics to get through.

B. Miller said...

I'm all about reading your book Alex! I like scifi... as you know, Star Wars and Star Trek are two of the franchises that shaped (warped?) me into the person I am today. But my favorite (ha, big surprise here) genre is Horror. Love it! And there are so many good horror writers out there... I can only hope that one day I'll be counted among them. :)

Congrats on 100 followers! Awesome!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i read both fantasy and sci-fi. Maybe a bit more fantasy, but when i get in the mood i'll pull out the larry niven etc

Liza said...

I'm not really a sci-fi girl, but I'm open to the adventure, especially when the author also writes a blog I read and like.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tart, you know what you like! And I promise - CassaStar is low on the technical stuff.

Miller, I am sure you will be one day soon. And thanks!

Hey, thanks, Liza.

Talli Roland said...

Congrats to Shannon!

I'm not a massive sci-fi person, but I do enjoy the odd film or two in that genre.

I love chick lit!

Beth said...

I read a pretty wide variety of stuff actually. My favorites are probably medical or legal suspense novels. Robin Cook, Andrew Palmer, John Grisham, James Patterson, etc. I also read lots of Christian fiction (girly books I confess) and once in a while a book that requires deeper thought. Not often though. Books are a means of (escape) travel to other places and shouldn't require too much thought! :) And I actually have read and enjoyed a bit of sci fi in the past. Just not a genre that I'm typically drawn towards.

Carol Kilgore said...

Mostly I read suspense, thriller, mystery. I also like books that have a little romance as part of the plot. Or at least a love interest of some kind. When all of those are together, they really rock. Some of my favorite authors are James Patterson, Linda Howard, David Baldacci.

DEZMOND said...

Steampunk??? Not too much, but it's always quite intriguing seeing the mix of Victorian and Sf :)

B. WHITTINGTON said...

I read a variety of genres. I love women's mainstream fiction best. But then I love novels set in Ireland, the setting, the language. I love young adult novels, have been reading them for years. Have met very few I didn't like. Often I'll try a genre I've never read. I intend to read your book Alex when it comes out. So there. That's my list. Do you ever venture far from your own genre?

Mainly, I write regional short stories set in WV. And my adult novels are mainstream. One finished several to go.

Have a good one.

JournoMich said...

Obiously, I love mystery/suspense. :) But I have surprised myself with my forays into the SciFi world. I am waaaaay looking forward to your book--mostly b/c it sounds great, but also b/c I want to see you succeed! I don't normally grab a SciFi book off the shelf, but my husband tells me the Ender series is fantastic. I have Barry Pollack's book on my end table...and I just finished Preston and Child's 'Cemetary Dance.'

My absolute favorite? Literary Mystery. Give me something I can learn--art or history or high-brow crime and I am happy.

Michele
Southern City Mysteries

Ricky said...

Check out Steve Mosby at www.theleftroom.co.uk he writes crime stories that veer into some seriously sinister stuff and he is a cut above the norm for the genre although he's recently ditched the blog section of his website. I blame Twittter !!
I plan to try Preston and Child, they sound similar to Matthew Reilly and I have enjoyed some of his adventure type books.

Arlee Bird said...

I don't read anywhere as much as I'd like to be able to, but I do try to balance my reading among most genres, fiction and non-fiction. As a teenager I read mostly science-fiction and I still enjoy it. Favorite authors are Cormac McCarthy, Faulkner, and Flannery O'Connor. I have not read any fantasy, chick lit, or romance, but that it not to say I couldn't enjoy them.

I really like non-fictions such as history and biography especially when written in a readable style that reads like a fiction book.

Lee
May 17th Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I like to read all kinds of fiction though contemporary is my favorite. I also enjoy reading releases from authors that I ‘meet’ online.

Helen Ginger said...

I'm not a big sci-fi reader. I mostly read mysteries or thrillers/suspense. Sometimes my reading is by genre; sometimes it's by author.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Jemi Fraser said...

I enjoy a pretty wide variety of genres. It depends on my mood and my life at the time :) I read fantasy, romantic suspense, sci-fi, mystery, romance, and YA of all types. Probably more.

Anonymous said...

My comment just went into oblivion apparently.

Fantasy fan followed by science fiction, horror and crime. Though I will try almost anything as long as it grabs me in the first couple of pages.

Thanks for an interesting discussion and it was great reading the rest of the comments.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beth, that's why I'm so flattered you want to read mine!

B. Whittington - thank you! And I've only the one book, so we'll see where I go from here as a writer.

Thanks, Michele! And wasn't Cemetary Dance awesome?

Ricky, you will like them - begin with The Relic. I'll check out Mosby.

Arlee, do you like Og Mandino?

Jane, that's a great way to do it - thanks for visiting today!

Cassandra, I'm sorry!

Arlee Bird said...

I have never heard of Og Mandino, but after checking him out on the web I might have to read some of his material.

Lee

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Arlee, I think he is your style!

Tara said...

Imagery-sex, not imaginary ;) All those silly names for body parts and flowery analogies.

You know, if they're gonna do it, have 'em do it - don't sugar coat it. Well, unless they're into kinky things with sugar, then...nevermind. You get the drift.

Laura S. said...

I don't have a favorite genre- I love ALL books! Seriously. I'll read anything and everything. I usually go through phases when I devour a specific genre for a couple months then move onto another genre.

Science fiction is a little harder for me to get into (I blame it on my average brains, not the genre or author) but I love any Star Wars novel! I also really like C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. As I kid, I thought the My Teacher is an Alien series was super awesome. I kind of wanted my teachers to really be aliens, lol!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tara, I do!

Laura, I promise my book is no deeper than a Star Wars book. And if our teachers were aliens, well, that would explain a lot!

Unknown said...

I am not picky on what I read, I love several different genres, some books just pick me and in return I love them!!

Chick Lits, fantasy, horror, sci-fi... I'm a fan of all!

Ella said...

I like many kinds of genre, historical fiction, sci fi, fiction, mystery, some young adult. I look forward to your book, can't wait!!!

Thanks so much for the birthday wishes, when is yours?!

Ted Cross said...

As Matt Rush said earlier, I love epic high fantasy like Tolkien, though I also love gritty fantasy like Martin. After that, I like sci-fi and historical fiction (if it's in the proper periods that I prefer).

India Drummond said...

I read sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, romance (almost always sci-fi or paranormal), and every once and a while, chick lit, although this really only if I get a recommendation or I know the author.

I'm not big on historicals, westerns, or contemporary romance.

Zoe C. Courtman said...

Me, I'm all horror all the time. Okay, most of the time. But not splatterpunk or cheaply written crapfests of gore. Mainly King, Straub, Barker, etc. When I'm not reading that, I'm all over historical fiction and the occasional literary novel :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ellie, not until December.

Jamie Gibbs said...

I'm a fantasy man through and through, the by far my most read genre. The only dabblings I've had in sci-fi have been Douglas Adams and some of the Black Library stuff by Dan Abnett (and once I get my hands on Cassastar later this year I can add that to my list too, hehe). I also like the work of Ian Irvine, which I think of as industrial fantasy, kind of steampunk but with magic added into the mix. Great stuff.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jamie, thanks! I'll want your first book as well.

Glynis Peters said...

I am reading a variety of genre lately. I do enjoy historicals,crime, some sci-fi and mysteries.