Fusion is the “in” thing in music these days. While I’ve never been big on following or caring about what’s in or out, I do like the fusion trend – the mix of different music genres to create something new. We Americans are an easily bored bunch, aren’t we? Status quo just can’t last long. And I can’t say anything about it, since I’m easily bored, as well. I’m actually a strange mix of “need things the same” and “way too easily bored.” Yes, I drive myself crazy at times. Feel sorry for those who have to deal with me regularly?
Anyway, I like the music mixes. I like that they’ve termed it fusion. Fusion is kind of a cool word itself, isn’t it? Music does tend to find the coolest ways to describe things.
Such as “indie music” which is sometimes termed as a genre instead of the original intent of musicians going independent and producing their own work (kind of the definition of independent, aka indie, is it not?) So, back when authors really started to jump in and publish themselves and everyone was bickering over what to call these renegades, I started calling myself an indie author just like the indie musicians. Made sense to me. Guess it made sense to a lot of folks, since that’s the most accepted term these days for those of us going it on our own.
So now, authors are writing mixes of so many different genres they sometimes need six terms to describe one book [paranormal new adult romantic historical suspense]. Wow. Well, okay. And publishers are always coming up with new terms to describe what authors are writing. The newest I’ve found is upmarket, meaning genre fiction of some kind with a more literary feel, more complex plots, deeper characters. Basically what I’ve called literary romance for several years is now upmarket romance. Well, okay then. Maybe that will work better?
I call all of this genre mixing fiction fusion. Same concept as in music. And I like the concept in fiction as well as I like it in music. It keeps things fresh and interesting.
Although, in all honesty, I’ve been writing fusion … well, since I started writing seriously in 1996 (go ahead, date me by age). I was never sure what to call it. I’m still unsure what to call it. But just as I’m an indie author, I’m also a fusion author. I write what comes out.
Maybe instead of my long-term tag line that tends to raise eyebrows (or pushes them across to the other side of the street), Literary Romance with an Artsy Twist, I should use Indie Fusion with an Artsy Twist. What do you think? At least they might stop to ask what I mean.
4 comments:
LK--I first heard Indie something concerning independent film makers. Because we live near Austin--who claims it is the music capital of the world--up for debate--it also is big on indie films, especially during the South By Southwest festival. When the term began describing a self-published author, I had the feeling people didn't like it. I, for one, do like it, and in using it among non-writers, a lot of eyebrows go up. So, I explain. Then someone says, oh, you mean self-published.
Yes, but I like Indie for the credibility it gives the author.
Now, I must study the word fusion..I'll get there.
Interesting, as always, Loraine.
Celia, right - indie movies are big, too. Still, it seems indie music and indie movies have more credibility than indie books. So far. Let's hope that changes.
After all, shouldn't ART be indie?
I don't think anyone is using the term fusion for fiction yet, other than me. ;-)
I haven't been able to find a lot on upmarket romance, but it seems right up my alley! Do you have any recommendations outside your own books? Also, what book of yours is good to "start" with? Thanks :)
Hi Caitlin,
I haven't found many upmarket romances, either, but I would recommend Thin Ice by Liana Laverentz, since I would put it in that category. Also, Linda Acaster's books might fit that category, along with historical aspects.
As for mine, they vary a fair bit as per style and subject.
The gallery is the most women's fiction/literary.
Protect the Heart is the lightest, nearly inspirational.
Off The Moon is the most emotionally intense.
Moondrops & Thistles is the most genre romance, but longer with a strong military theme.
(Off the Moon and Moondrops are related but not a series.)
The Rehearsal Series is getting new editions so you might start elsewhere for now. It's the most YA, dialogue heavy, and each book is very long.
Thanks for coming by!
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