Genres

Content that examines literary and media genres, their conventions, reader expectations, and how genre shapes storytelling, marketing, and audience connection.

Branding for Authorpreneurs: How to Choose Your Genre

The genre you write in is one of the earliest and most critical decisions you will make for your brand and your author business. It shapes your stories, influences your visual identity, and guides your overall presentation.

From Myth to Sci-Fi: The Evolution of Speculative Fiction

The term speculative fiction may sound modern, but the idea behind it is anything but. To understand how we arrived at today’s science fiction, fantasy, horror, and dystopian stories, we need to look back.

The Mask, The Myth, The Meaning: Guy Fawkes in History and Pop Culture

“Remember, remember the 5th of November.” What exactly are we supposed to remember? Explore how Guy Fawkes’s image evolved from failed terrorist into myth, and a symbol of defiance.

Speculative Fiction: A Genre of Imagination, Fear, and Hope

Speculative fiction encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each with its own unique conventions. From myths to dystopias, it has always ventured beyond the ordinary to explore “what if” scenarios.

Supernatural Fiction: A Guide to Otherworldly Tales

Whether it’s haunted houses, cursed objects, or encounters with angels and demons, supernatural fiction blurs the line between reality and the unknown.

From Pitch To Page: Parallels In Football And Book Preparation

Football players and authorpreneurs share remarkable similarities in their preparation methods, whether it’s for a game or for writing a book.

Reflections on ProWritingAid’s Crime Writers’ Week 2024

ProWritingAid holds a special place in SK Alexander's heart because their virtual event in 2021 jump-started his author carrer.

Puzzling Phenomena: A Guide To Paranormal Fiction

Psychic powers, odd occurrences, and cryptic creatures—paranormal fiction pushes beyond the boundaries of the known to delve into the unexplained.

Curio Fiction: A Fantasy Subgenre

Ever heard of curio fiction? Coined by author Diane Callahan, this term defines a unique fantasy genre. Here are its defining features and tropes.

Reflections on ProWritingAid's 2024 Fantasy Writers’ Week

ProWritingAid's “Fantasy Writers' Week” welcomed both familiar faces and fresh presenters. I had a good time and learned a lot, but wish they had more author interviews.

"The Sunset Sovereign" by E.M. McConnell - Book Review

E.M. McConnell’s “The Sunset Sovereign” is an enjoyable fantasy/sci-fi hybrid set in a dystopian world.

Shadows of Justice: Vigilantes in Modern Television

These contemporary series' take the age-old trope of vigilante justice and infuse it with moral dilemmas and the relentless quest for revenge.

One Piece — Review Season One

With its blend of action, humor, and heart, Netflix's live-action adaptation of the anime “One Piece” promises an extraordinary voyage filled with friendship, loyalty, and unexpected twists.

Crime-fighters After Hours: Classic TV Vigilantes

Vigilantes not only play a significant role in movies but are also a staple on the small screen. In the 1980s and 90s, vigilantes took center stage in various television shows.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power - Review Season One

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” offers another journey into Middle-earth. Unfortunately, the series tries too hard and ends up being pompous and boring.

Vigilantes In Movies: Modern Quests For Vengeance

For decades, characters who pursue their own forms of justice or retribution have captivated audiences around the world. These films and franchises portray the journeys of modern-day avengers.

The Allure Of Vigilantes In Classic Movies

The appeal of morally ambiguous vigilantes has long entranced audiences. These classic narratives follow vigilantes who pursue their unique paths of vengeance and justice.

The Gryphon – Review Season One

The Gryphon is the German adaption of Wolfgang Hohlbein’s young adult fantasy novel. The show’s stereotypical characters and poor storytelling overshadowed any excitement.

“Ashes, Ashes” by Jessica Goeken - Book Review

Jessica Goeken’s “Ashes, Ashes” is a young adult supernatural fiction that gives off Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — Review

Paramount Pictures' Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the iconic tabletop game to life on the big screen.

House of the Dragon – Review Season One

The grandeur and scale of Game of Thrones revolutionized long-form storytelling. While comparisons to the original are inevitable, I evaluated House of the Dragon on its own merit.

“Hunter’s Fated Wait” by W.A. Edwards - Book Review

W.A. Edwards’ “Hunter’s Fated Wait” is a shifter tale with a slow-building romance.

Empathy in Fiction: Portrayals in Movies and Television

Empaths often become a powerful force that can change the trajectory of conflicts or transform the dynamics of relationships.

Empathy in Fiction: Portrayals in Literature and Comics

While paranormal abilities like telepathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance often receive the most attention, empathy still is a mainstay in fiction.

“Eternum” by Callan J Mulligan - Book Review

With Eternum, the second book of “The World Settlers” duology, Callan J Mulligan crafted a fast-paced, page-turning political thriller in space, with a dash of romance.

“Astraeus” by Callan J Mulligan - Book Review

With Astraeus, the first book of “The World Settlers” duology, Callan J Mulligan crafted a thrilling murder mystery in outer space.

Extraordinary On The Screen: 5 Modern Paranormal TV Shows

Being born with special abilities sounds thrilling. Who wouldn’t like to read the minds of others or have visions of the future? Thus, I enjoy watching television shows that feature “gifted” protagonists.

No Surprise: Andy Weir Loves Science

During ProWritingAid’s “Science Fiction Writers’ Week”, Andy Weir, author of “The Martian”, reflected on his research process and the accuracy of his science.

7 Classic Paranormal TV Shows With Gifted Characters

People's fascination with the paranormal is clear in the continued success of movies and television shows that explore this subject.

Halo - Review Season One

Halo, the science-fiction military media franchise, has been a behemoth in the video game industry for decades. Unfortunately, season one fails to capitalize on its rich material.

Unveiling The Beyond: Paranormal, Supernatural, or Urban Fantasy

People frequently use the terms “paranormal” and “supernatural” interchangeably. However, the terms are fluid, and their usage can vary based on context and personal interpretation.