Before you start developing the idea you have for a story, you need to know what genre you want to set your story in.
Understanding the fundamentals of genre is pivotal for any storyteller. Genre isn’t just a label; it’s the blueprint that shapes your narrative’s framework, guiding the tone, style, and expectations. Think of it as the compass that navigates your creative journey, ensuring that your story resonates with its audience.
Before diving into the intricate process of developing your story idea, it’s crucial to first determine the genre in which you want to set your narrative. Choosing the right genre serves as a foundational step that influences the tone, style, and direction of your story. Whether you’re aiming for the suspenseful twists of a thriller, the heartwarming moments of a romance, or the imaginative wonders of science fiction, the genre acts as your guiding framework. So, take a moment to explore the possibilities and decide where your creative journey will begin.
Genre is a word that often creeps into writing and can be easily misunderstood or misread.
Choosing the genre for your story is a pivotal step in the creative process. It defines the category or type of narrative you wish to craft. Your story could fall into the realms of drama, romance, action-adventure, science fiction, comedy, horror, musical, or documentary. Alternatively, you might opt for a well-balanced blend of genres, such as an action-packed romance or a horror-comedy. Each genre brings its unique flavor, setting the tone, style, and overall direction of your tale. So, take a moment to consider which genre best aligns with your vision and let it guide your storytelling journey.
Genres such as drama, romance, action-adventure, science fiction, comedy, horror, musical, and documentary each bring their unique set of conventions and themes. For instance, in horror, the aim is to evoke fear and suspense, whereas in comedy, the goal is to entertain and amuse. Each genre offers a distinct lens through which your audience experiences your story.
Moreover, don’t shy away from experimenting with genres. Mixing genres can lead to innovative storytelling, creating a hybrid that stands out. Imagine the thrill of an action-packed romance or the delightful chills of a horror-comedy. The possibilities are endless, and stepping out of your comfort zone can unlock your story’s full potential.
In essence, genre serves as the foundational element that informs your story’s structure and content. It helps you understand your protagonist and antagonist’s roles, shapes your narrative style, and most importantly, aligns with audience expectations to ensure an engaging and satisfying experience. Embrace the power of genre to elevate your storytelling and captivate your readers or viewers.
You have to be familiar with other film, television shows, and books that relate to or are similar to, the story you want to write. It is one of the major building blocks in laying the foundation of the story you want to write.
Understanding the genre of your story is essential to ensure that you connect with your intended audience. It’s about delivering the key elements and expectations that make your readers or viewers feel satisfied. Regardless of how brilliant your story may be in its own right, if you fail to meet the genre’s conventions, you risk frustrating your audience and diminishing the impact of your narrative. Genre serves as a guiding framework that helps you fulfill the promises you’ve made to your audience, ensuring an engaging and successful story.
Genres are harsh on those who don’t know the history, don’t know the rules. Once you know them, you’ll know where they can be broken. Terry Pratchett (‘A Slip of the Keyboard’)
Genre is a type of story that has a visceral appeal to its audience
Storytelling is genre-driven and each genre has demands that must be understood and met… Since there are certain requirements that studio readers and audience members consciously and subconsciously expect to be met, the greater the chance you have of making a sale. Richard Krevolin
Know who your audience / readers are. Give them what they want.
In our signature course The Write Journey, you will explore the most popular Film, Television and Fiction genres, examine the pros and cons of each genre, and the importance and common features of each genre. You will explore Genre Plots when plotting your story.
