How To Write A Good Book - a guide

GENRES

 The first and foremost step of writing a book or a story is to select the genre you want to write in. For this you have to get a basic understanding of each genre.

When you're a major reader, it's easy to get caught up in what seems to be an endless array of genres that sometimes seem to box you in. Do you prefer sci-fi or fantasy (But wait, are they the same thing?) What are the key differences between a thriller and a mystery? Oh, and what does "literary fiction" even mean?

ACTION AND ADVENTURE 

Action and adventure books constantly have you on the edge of your seat with excitement, as your fave main character repeatedly finds themselves in high stakes situations. The protagonist has an ultimate goal to achieve and is always put in risky, often dangerous situations. This genre typically crosses over with others like mystery, crime, sci-fi, and fantasy. (Harry Potter anyone?)

DETECTIVE AND MYSTERY

The plot always revolves around a crime of sorts that must be solved or foiled by the protagonists. Mystery fiction usually involves revealing the identity of a murderer or of the perpetrator of some other type of crime. Often within a closed circle of suspects, each suspect is usually provided with a credible motive and a reasonable opportunity for committing the crime. The central character is often a detective.

FANTASY

Fantasy in a genre of speculative fiction set in a fictional world often inspired by real world myth or folklore. Most fantasy uses magic or other supernatural elements as a main plot element, theme, or a setting. Some of the best movies today are fantasy which include: Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The beauty and the beast, Thor, Wonder women, The lord of the rings and many more.

HISTORICAL FICTION

These books are based in a time period set in the past decades, often against the backdrop of significant (real) historical events. In historical fiction, the time period is an important part of the setting and often of the story itself.Authors of historical fiction usually pay close attention to the details of their stories (settings, clothing, dialogue, etc.) to ensure that they fit the time periods in which the narratives take place.

HORROR

Meant to cause discomfort and fear for both the character and readers, horror writers often make use of supernatural and paranormal elements in morbid stories that are sometimes a little too realistic. The master of horror fiction? None other then Stephen king.

LITERARY FICTION 

Though it can be seen as a broad genre that encompasses many others, literary fiction refers to the perceived artistic writing style of the author. Their prose is meant to evoke deep thought through stories that offer personal or social commentary on a particular theme. What is the difference between fiction and literary fiction? The main difference appears to be the purpose. Literary fiction aims to provide insight that creates a stronger understanding of the world and of the human condition. Genre fiction can tackle complex themes as well, but it's more of an entertaining story that allows the reader to escape from reality.

ROMANCE

Oh romance, how could we ever resist you? The genre that makes your heart all warm and fuzzy focuses on the love story of the main protagonists. This world of fiction is extremely wide-reaching in and of itself, as it has a variety of sub-genres including: contemporary romance, historical, paranormal and many more. 

SCIENCE FICTION (SCI-FI)

Though they're often thought of in the same vein as fantasy, what distinguishes science fiction stories is that they lean heavily on themes of technology and future science. You'll find apocalyptic and dystopian  novels in the sci-fi genre as well.

SUSPENSE AND THRILLERS

While they often encompass the same elements as mystery books, the suspense and thriller genre sees the hero attempt to stop and defeat the villain to save their own life rather than uncover a specific crime. Thrillers typically include cliffhangers and deception to encourage suspense, while pulling the wool over the eyes of both the main character and readers.

WOMENS FICTION

Another genre that encompasses many others, women's fiction is written specifically to target female readers, often reflecting on the shared experiences of being a woman in society and the protagonist's personal growth.

YOUMG ADULT /TEEN FICTION

Young adult / teen fiction is a category of fiction written for readers from 12 to 18 years of age. The subject matter and genres of young adult correlate with the age and experience of the protagonist. The genres available in young adult are expansive and include most of those found in adult fiction. Common themes related to young adult include friendship, first love, relationships, and identity. Many young adult novels feature coming-of-age stories. These feature adolescents beginning to transform into adults, working through personal problems, and learning to take responsibility for their actions.

NEW ADULT 

 New adult is a developing genre of fiction with protagonists in the 18–30 age bracket. New adult fiction tends to focus on issues such as leaving home, developing sexuality, and negotiating education and career choices. This category focuses heavily on life after an individual has become of legal age, and how one deals with the new beginnings of adulthood. Commonly, these themes and issues have been seen taking place post-high school in popular new adult fiction titles, but there are exceptions.

HUMOR 

Comedy is a genre of fiction intended to be humorous or amusing by inducing laughter. Comedy may be divided into multiple genres based on the source of humor, the method of delivery, and the context in which it is delivered.

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE 

Contemporary literature is literature with its setting generally after World War II. Works of contemporary literature reflect a society's social and/or political viewpoints, shown through realistic characters, connections to current events and socioeconomic messages. The writers are looking for trends that illuminate societal strengths and weaknesses to remind society of lessons they should learn and questions they should ask. So when we think of contemporary literature, we cannot simply look at a few themes or settings. Since society changes over time, so do the content and messages of this writing.

NON-FICTION 

Nonfiction is a broad genre of writing that encompasses all books that aren't rooted in a fictional narrative.Nonfiction writing can be based in history and biography, it can be instructional, it can offer commentary and humor, and it can ponder philosophical questions. If a book is not rooted in a made-up story, then it is nonfiction. Non-fiction can include history,Biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs,Travel guides and travelogues, academic texts, philosophy and insight, journalism, self help and instructions etc.

WEREWOLF

Werewolf donates the portrayal of werewolfs or other shape-shifting man/women beasts.Werewolf literature includes folklore, legend, saga, fairy tales, Gothic and Horror fiction, fantasy fiction and poetry. Such stories may be supernatural, symbolic or allegorical.  However, werewolf fiction is an exceptionally diverse genre with ancient folkloric roots and manifold modern re-interpretations.

LGBTQ+ 

LGBT themes in speculative fiction include lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) themes in science fiction, fantasy, horror fiction and related genres. Such elements may include an LGBT character as the protagonist or a major character.