Gah. I had a good topic (not a great one, but a good one) for today, but thanks to the combination of the World Series, early mornings, touring middle schools for the ten year-old, back spasms, etc., I am in no mood. None at all. Except a bad one.
BUT I am writing a synopsis, this one hopefully with actual plot and stuff, and I’ve been reading some great stuff, including the first in Jim Butcher‘s Codex Alera series. I was astounded that Butcher is as adept in science fiction/fantasy as he is with his Harry Dresden series, which I guess is urban fantasy. Despite the same words, the two genres are quite distinct, and I was expecting the Codex Alera series to be a second banana to Dresden. But it’s not. There are a few authors who can write equally well in different genres –I’d say Anne Stuart, Barbara Hambly, Lois McMaster Bujold; I know many would cite Nora Roberts, with her J.D. Robb pseudonym, as well (I haven’t read Roberts, and read one Robb only, so I can’t comment myself).
So here’s your question today: What other genre would you like to see your favorite Regency author tackle (me, I think Amanda would SPARKLE at YA!)? Which are your favorite two-or-more-genre authors? And what should I do to shove this bad mood off my back (the spasming back, natch)?
Blink, you mean I’m first at commenting? Obviously, I must be procrastinating and spending too much time out here in webland.
back spasm and bad mood–sunshine, hot tub, good book, glass of wine
multi-genre author–Barbara Samuels/Ruth Wind; Krentz/Quick
Pat, don’t feel bad, I procrastinated so long about writing the post it just went up. I am going to do all of your suggestions later today, thanks!
Must be something in the air because I ended up taking painkillers for my back, today. Feel better, Megan!
Hmmm… I don’t want Diane writing something else, as I already feel deprived with only a book a year, same with Anne Gracie and Elizabeth Rolls. Though it might be interesting to see them do something contemporary. As for two or more genre favorites that would be C.S. Lewis in children’s fiction and nonfiction, as well as his Screwtape Letters. Tara Tyler Quinn writes contemporary romance but also writes suspense.
Of course we have our own multi-genre author in Carolyn…..And Janet has certainly written two different genres, albeit in the same era.
Thanks, Judy, for your nice words. I actually have books out about every 9 to 10 mos. But I haven’t heard yet on book 2 of my soldiers series so I don’t know when they have it scheduled.
Hope you feel better soon, Megan.
Yes, Diane, of course I was thinking of Carolyn and Janet, too! Duh me!
In fact, I think I started thinking about this all because of Carolyn.
I just took a snooze, so I feel a bit better.
Hey, if an author that I read (or visit on a risky blog as well LOL) want to write in another genre, sure hope they try it, just hope they don’t give up writing what originally brought me to them. 🙂 Two examples — Vicki Lewis Thompson, from Nerds to Witches. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but I loved her and followed, and do love those. Lisa Kleypas. We probably all read her here; I’m someone that just can’t get to wanting to read the contemporaries yet. And sure hope she never stops writing the historicals!!! 🙂
Lois
I’d love to try a YA! 🙂 It would have to be a historical, though. I’m in awe of people who can do very different things (like Anne Stuart’s contemporary suspense and historicals, etc), it must be very challenging.
Georgette Heyer is best known for her Regencies, but her mysteries are also very good.
I’m also a fan of Jim Butcher (although I haven’t yet tried the Codex Alera series) and Lois McMaster Bujold.
Agreed re C.S. Lewis, who wrote some interesting adult fantasy as well as the Narnia stories.
I hear Elizabeth Hoyt’s contemporary romances (written under the pseudonym Julia Harper, IIRC) are as hot as her historicals.
I bet Loretta Chase could do a great job in another genre. Which genre, I don’t know…