Hello, if you don’t know me, I’m Imogene. I’m that critter living in the dark corners of the internet… Well, not really, but it feels like the last few years have been like that, and while I’ve been writing and releasing, I’ve not had time to ‘hang out’ anywhere except pretty much with my readers. An in case you’ve missed the why, I made the decision to return to study. I’m having a gap year this year and my plan is to undertake more study re-commencing in 2025. Anyway, in 2024, I can be a little more interactive, hence my “Magic Thursday” post.
So, what am I going to talk to you about today? Well, it seems to me that one of the things that bunches my knickers is bookstore shelving. See, when bookstores hire people to shelve, they don’t educate either their staff or readers about what is Science Fiction vs Speculative Fiction vs Fantasy vs Paranormal Romance. I mean, what do these terms even mean? Right? Stick with me, because this is a source of frustration for me, because I write Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance and more. So, wanting to get my books to the right people is really important. Trust me, while there are similarities, they are not the same.
Science Fiction over the years has had a ‘repositioning’ in the marketplace. Not because the genre has necessarily changed but it’s a bit like people using terms and morphing them… You remember when the term ‘gay’ meant having a great time? Yeah, rather like that.
Science Fiction by its very essence is about Science. Just because a book is set among alternate creatures it encapsulates certain aspects of science, but is it enough to make it science fiction? If I look to a definition it says science fiction, a form of fiction that deals principally with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals. So, if I take that as the manual, then no, however, one thing is clear, science fiction must include science. (And trust me, I’ve seen people say, you don’t need science for a book to be science fiction… cough, splutter, cough!)
The next thing we need to ask is why then is fantasy included among science fiction? Well, this is where the lack of understanding of the genres comes to the fore. I mean, fantasy can have aspects of science in it, but it’s not the same. You see, while fantasy relies on strong world building, as with science fiction, and may encompass supernatural (to us) creatures, there are two very clear differences. These are
The Setting & Plausibility – which requires it to be if not technologically advanced, or dystopian, the storyline must be advanced by use of scientifically based knowledge.
Sadly, much as we may demand that shops hiring staff should know the difference between the two, mis-shelving is likely to continue because in essence, the staff are either unaware of the subtleties or are limited by shelf space. These are not something that can easily be overcome.
Authors however, do have an opportunity to educate, through use of well designed covers, clear delineation of genre through blurb usage and even, clear making on the covers of the genre. One thing is clear though, and that is the readers who don’t know the difference may continue to make the mistake of picking up the wrong genre and that leads to a poor reading experience for the unsuspecting.
Perhaps the time has come to campaign for greater clarity in shop placement? I’ll let you tell me in the comments below!
In the meantime, I’m in my cave crafting my next novel. I hope you’ll take a chance on one of them and I promise, my books are easy to separate into their genres! Next upcoming release:
Edge of Night
Book 3, House Secrets, PNR
Maxim is a fairy trying to put his life back together, rather than hiding as he’s done for the last ten years. Niamh and Simon offer him a home, and a chance to finally achieve his desired career, but chance is a fickle thing, because next door is the timid Pippa and her twin Peter. She innocently ignites his protective side, against his will.
Roger doesn’t relinquish what is his easily, and the danger grows deeper. Pippa and Maxim along with Peter are moved to what should be a safer location, but the danger follows and while their attraction grows, so do the stakes.
Releasing 14 April 2024
Imogene Nix
In 2011, Imogene Nix (the pen name not Imogene herself) was born. Imogene sat down and worked tirelessly for 3 months culminating in the books Starline, which became the first in a trilogy titled, “Warriors of the Elector.”
Imogene has successfully been contracted for many titles, not to mention the ones finished on her computer! In 2017 Imogene decided to self publish and this task will be completed by the end of 2021, with all her books (unless specifically contracted) under the Love Books Publishing banner.
Imogene is a member of a range of professional organisations world wide, and believes in the mantra of mentoring and paying it forward.
She loves to drink coffee, wine & eat chocolate and is parenting her spoiled dog and ferocious cats along with her husband and daughter.
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You can find Imogene at her website.
Thanks for sharing!
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