August 4th, 2009
by KateDouglas
Changing genres…

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. I finished writing WOLF TALES 10 and did the copy edits for WOLF TALES 9, and then I had to get right to work on HellFire, the second book in my new series, THE DEMONSLAYERS, which is a Kensington Zebra series, not Aphrodisia, and I have to tell you, it was just weird! Not the story, but switching worlds. I’ve been writing about my Chanku shapeshifters now since 2005. I know every single one of those characters as if they were real people. Anton Cheval speaks to me in a voice that’s so clear I recognize him when I’m dreaming, and when I hear Keisha ripping him a new one, I always have to smile because she does it with love and still puts the arrogant uber-alpha in his place!

DemonFire--first book in The DEMONSLAYERS series

DemonFire--first book in The DEMONSLAYERS series

Anyway, my editor wanted the first two chapters of HellFire to go in the back of DemonFire, so the morning after I mailed off my completed manuscript and the copy edits for two of my Wolf Tales, I sat down to write HellFire…and all I did for most of the morning was stare at the frickin’ blank screen! Oh, and doodle around Facebook and MySpace and check email, read blogs, go back to the blank screen, screw around some more. I finally had to pull out the completed manuscript for DemonFire, print it out and read it to get back into that world. Once I’d reread the story, my characters were there in my mind, real people, every one of them, and the story just flowed.

Which brings me to the point of this post (and see, you were wondering if there WAS a point, weren’t you?) and that is whether or not you have a problem switching genres when you read? I don’t, which is why I was so shocked at the issues I ran into writing in two worlds. I read everything, from historicals to contemporaries, from erotic romance to paranormals and urban fantasy, and I love all of them, but I’ll admit that I’m concerned my readers won’t like my new paranormal series because it’s not erotic romance. Granted, I really REALLY wanted to put Dax and his buddy Alton together in bed, and I had to force myself to keep the sex straight, but I still think it’s sexy and the romance is hot, the sexual tension is there, but it’s definitely NOT Wolf Tales.

I hope that’s not a problem, and for what it’s worth, I’m still writing Wolf Tales, too…just gotta keep those worlds separate! :???: The newseries doesn’t debut until March, but if you want a feel for it, I’ve got a first chapter posted at www.katedouglas.com. Just click on the cover!

21 comments to “Changing genres…”

  1. Booklover1335 says:
    1

    Hi Kate,
    I actually like it when an author switches genres, that way no matter what I am in the mood for I know I can find a good read by an author that I know.

    Because if you can write a good story, I don’t care what genre it is in. Granted there will be some readers who won’t like it just because it is different than Wolf Tales, but just think about all of the NEW readers that could find you based on this new series. They are in for a real treat once they go to find your amazing backlist of books!

    I know that I will be eagerly waiting to read the new series, even if it isn’t considered erotic romance, some paranormal romances can be just as hot! Can’t wait!!!!!


  2. Kate Douglas says:
    2

    Thank you. This is what I’m hoping, that readers who have enjoyed my erotic paranormals will like the regular ones just as well…and believe me, Dax is one hot hero. He merely happens to be a monogamous hero!


  3. Yvonne says:
    3

    I do not have a problem switching from one genre to an other when I’m reading. I can not wait to get your other books. I know I will love them :lol: I wish I could be with all the Chanku and to be one.
    Keep them coming (hehehe)
    I just got done reading chapter 1 of Demon Fire you got me can not wait :lol:


  4. Kate Douglas says:
    4

    You and me both, Yvonne! There fantasy world sure beats the real one…and thanks for letting me know you liked chapter one of DemonFire! I appreciate it.


  5. Heather Brewer says:
    5

    I can’t wait to get ahold of the new series. I read the posted chapter and all it did was leave me wanting more.

    I too have no problems switching genres when I read. I jump around in what types of books I am in the mood for – anywhere from a sweet harlequin to a steamy erotic novel to paranormal romance or urban fantasy. I read just about all types of stories that fall under the romance/paranormal categories.


  6. Estella says:
    6

    I read all genres and have no trouble switching.
    As long as the story is well written(any genre) I can become involved in it.


  7. Kate Douglas says:
    7

    Thanks, guys! This is really interesting–must be that Aphrodisia readers are just really open minded readers! So often I hear from folks who “only” read contemporary or historical or whatever. Looks like this group reads anything that catches their interest!

    Of course, I was one of those kids who read the back of the cereal box, labels on cans and anything else available, and I’m no different as an adult! :lol:


  8. Yvonne says:
    8

    I think I can read anything as long as it is put together good. because I have two me in me the wild one and the shy one. So it comes out in what I read.
    I was a kid who hate to read because I have dyslexia.
    I learned how to read on my moms Candlelight Romance so I have come along way. I read ever day now and I still read Candlelight Romance when the mood hits me


  9. Christine Milone says:
    9

    :lol: Hi Kate, great blog. As you know, I will read just about everything, including the back of boxes.. Started the book and so far so good! I am sure this series will be just as great as the Wolf Tales series is, so you don’t have to worry. Your fans will love anything you put out.


  10. Kate Douglas says:
    10

    Yvonne, when our daughter was young and having some trouble reading, I got her Harlequin Presents to read and she loved them enough to read tons and her skills improved, too.

    Thanks, Chris! Do hope you like it okay.


  11. Jan says:
    11

    :lol: You had the same thought that I did, Kate. I kept thinking Dax and Al, when are they going to get together? Then I would realize, eh, not that kind of book! ;-)

    But I am a voracious reader and chances are, if I love your writing, then I read them all no matter what genre. Sure, there are some genres that I prefer over others but the writing is the key.

    And to you Kate fans out there, you will not be disappointed in this new series. Dax is HOT HOT HOT! :smile:


  12. Kate Douglas says:
    12

    LOL…see? Brilliant minds think alike! For anyone wondering, Jan is one of my beta readers who helps me with my first drafts. That means she reads for me and gets to see all my stupid mistakes…so Jan, you may talk about how much you LOVED the book, but you’re not allowed to comment on the major faux pas!

    thanks!


  13. Jan says:
    13

    Faux pas? What are those, Kate? ;-)

    :mrgreen:


  14. Vonna Harper says:
    14

    Hey Kate,
    About that ‘wasted’ morning spent staring at the blank screen when not messing around doing other things. Guess what I’ve been doing for the past hour? Is that what you mean about great minds thinking alike? BTW can hardly wait to get my hands on DemonFire.
    Vonna/Vella


  15. Kate Douglas says:
    15

    I have some days where there are no words to be found. SO frustrating! :roll: But yes, m’dear. We’re obviously brilliant, even if it’s just because we have the family convinced we’re WORKING when we stare at the blank screen!

    I’m trying to figure out how to nap while doing that.

    And thanks on DemonFire! I’m so excited about the new series. Today’s actually turning out to be a productive writing day. :idea:


  16. Larena Wirum says:
    16

    absolutely love that cover. :mrgreen:

    I don’t have problems switching genre when I am reading sometimes the problem comes when the genres are TOO similar and I am constantly comparing the books. But if I switch and then go back I enjoy the books more. So I have to watch that one. :mrgreen:


  17. Kate Douglas says:
    17

    Thanks, larena–I do, too. Still can’t believe I got one that cool! As far as books being similar, there’s nothing at all in the Demonslayers series that’s like Wolf Tales. That was a lot of the fun, though–creating a totally different world and new characters. This new one has more of an urban feel about it, too. it’s a real change to write it compared to Wolf Tales.

    thanks for stopping by.
    kate


  18. Fedora says:
    18

    How very cool, Kate–I tend to enjoy it when authors mix it up, as long as I know (by pen name or series or something) what I’m getting. It’s nice to be able to have a change of pace in heat/subgenre while enjoying the author’s voice. Congrats on your new direction!


  19. Kate Douglas says:
    19

    Hi Fedora–thanks. I figure the fact this is a mass market release (regular paperback size) compared to my trade sized Wolf Tales should be enough to tell readers that this is a totally different series. And, it’s still sexy, just not over the top like WT. :roll:


  20. Anya Howard says:
    20

    Sounds like an exciting series, Kate!


  21. Kate Douglas says:
    21

    Thanks, Anya! I sure hope readers think so! It’s still a long time before it releases–not until March! Eight more months is gonna kill me! :cry:


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