Do the holidays have you concerned about potential genre judgment–reading or writing–at upcoming family gatherings? No worries. Prep yourself with the wise words of talented Traci Kenworth, guest blogger on The Story Reading Ape.
Write on!
Have you as a writer heard grumbles on your material choices? For instance, if you write horror or romance? Perhaps family members or friends point out that they object to your story or the direction you want to take your career. Does it influence you? Has it made you steer clear of writing such stories? Do you keep what you write secret from church members for fear of being shamed for it? For most of my life, I’ve done this at one time or another. When I was young, eighteen, I made the mistake of admitting that I wrote horror to my pastor’s wife. She was horrified and suggested that I cease writing such stories immediately. It took me many years before I admitted the same to family and friends and here and there, I heard murmurs about writing “that stuff.”
The same kind of reactions come from writing romance…
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ANN MALLEY 
It took me a while to start telling people that I like writing romance. I was concerned about the reactions I’d get. Once I opened up, I was pleasantly surprised by the responses I received from people. It was like I worried for nothing. I still get a few, “I don’t read that” responses. But I take it more as their preference rather than a personal swipe at my writing interests.
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It’s possible your experience bears testimony to your surrounding yourself with supportive people. Good move. As for family, you’re blessed.
I haven’t been attacked per se, but have absolutely endured censure. The funniest episode came when, having listened to the person’s distaste for the genre, I questioned her about the reading material she preferred. Turns out she reads romance.
THAT’s not romance was the defense. The flabbergasted refusal to accept that “romances” come in different eras, with or without a comedic spin, supporting family cast, etc. and sans clinch covers was too much. And we’d barely touched on the reality that Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Aniston style Rom Coms are–romances. Yikes.
Write on ;^)
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I’ve made no apologies for writing romance. Everyone has their own comfort levels as to what they like; sweet, steamy, red hot. Aside from the chemistry between two people most stories show characters overcoming problems, finding their self-worth, or just plain entertaining. For me, I like happy endings, or the promise of one.
No one has suggested I write a different genre. Hey, I’m thrilled they’re reading what I write! I have had a few people comment I should incorporate some of my recent experiences, which would add comic relief. I’m wrangling with this because I wouldn’t want hurt feelings if someone thought I was making fun of them. Of course, the flip side is I get many of my ideas from what’s going on around me, even when it’s poking at my own past.
Bottom line for me, you have to tell the story that’s in you and where your characters take you.
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Niice blog post
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