Outside the Comfort Zone
Jul 3rd 2007
Sabrina JeffriesGoddess Readers Speak Out & On Writing!
Okay, I’ll admit to being picky about my fiction. With so little time to read, I choose specific kinds of books–mostly romance, mostly historical, mostly humorous. I only read vampire books written by friends, I don’t like mysteries at all, I do like the occasional romantic suspense but it has to be heavy on the romance, and you will never see me reading a cozy. Ever.
I like the interaction between the sexes in my books, so I’m not keen on women’s fiction novels about four friends finding fulfillment … unless they do it while also shagging men (conversely, I don’t read techno-thrillers about male soldiers stuck on a submarine together–I’m an equal opportunity reader). And Southern fiction is pretty low on the scale for me, too. I was raised Southern (even if not exactly IN the south). I want something different for my entertainment.
So when I picked up my first Mossy Creek book, it was because I knew the writers. I didn’t expect to like it. After all, it was a weird experiment–a collective novel, made up of stories written by different writers and loosely connected around an event in the town. But I got completely sucked in. In fact, I have now read every book in the series–generally I read them as soon as they come out.
No one who knows me understands my fascination. There’s no sex (except implied), and while there’s romance, it’s very, VERY understated. I don’t care. I just love the small town of Mossy Creek, and all its quirky characters. I like the humor. I like that even the eccentric people are likable.
I like the series so much that for the prevous installment (A Day in Mossy Creek), I begged to be included. And they let me write a story. They even let me write two stories. The second one is coming out this month in At Home in Mossy Creek. The first one wasn’t a romance (hey, I was stretching). The second one is.
I know most of my readers won’t share my fascination. Regency England is a long way from present-day Georgia after all. But for me, the stories are a labor of love, and although these may be my only two, I’m pleased I ventured out of my comfort zone if only for a little while.
So have you ever found yourself reading and enjoying a book in a subgenre or category that you really thought you’d hate? How do you feel when your favorite authors venture into other areas? Do you follow them or wave bye-bye as they pursue their dreams? In other words, what compels you to leave your reading comfort zone, if anything?
38 Comments »
38 Responses to “Outside the Comfort Zone”
Ann in IL on 03 Jul 2007 at 4:22 am #
WAS a big fan of Julie Garwood. Did not follow her into the comtemps.
Being a loyal former Squawkee - man do I miss Squawk Radio - I did read Christina and Connie’s comtemps. I will not read paranormals. My brain just doesn’t understand that vampires or shapeshifters could have a romantic life. It’s just WAY to weird for me. I read to escape and relax - not be scared to death.
Stacy ~ on 03 Jul 2007 at 5:37 am #
I never thought I’d care for paranormals either, but I do if it’s convincing enough. Sherrilyn Kenyon revealed to me that vamps are more than cold, dead creatures and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I really love JD Robb’s In Death series because there is also a lot of realism in them, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward because the vamps are literally bigger than life and there’s is lots of intense emotion.
BethanyHamilton on 03 Jul 2007 at 6:44 am #
I used to read Catherine Coulter and Julie Garwood before they ventures into the land of the unknown (anything other than historical romance). I just don’t care for contemporary (I live it, why do I want to read about it?), or certain types of paranormal (Vampires, werewolves, etc). I don’t like to venture out of my comfort zone - there are far too many stellar authors out there to keep me happily occupied for a very long time in the subgenres I already love.
I love reading Historicals (any era or place, really), Ghosts, and Time Travel. Since I’m planning on really taking my writing seriously, I know I need to start reading outside of my norm..but it’s really hard! Like trying to step into the pool when it’s freezing cold compared to the nice 95 degree day with 90% humidity, lol.
Claudia Dain on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:02 am #
Buzz. Good buzz on a book will lure me into reading something far outside my comfort zone. This is how I found Harlan Coben and now I’m a loyal fan. But, I hate to admit, that’s rare. Usually when I read a book outside my comfort zone, I don’t like it. I have my comfort zone for a reason!
SuzyQ on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:25 am #
If I have a favorite author, I will buy their books no matter what genre they write. Sometimes I am disappointed, and but most of the time I am not. When Suzanne wrote Flirting With Danger I bought it right away and loved it. So here is a case where if I stayed with just historicals, I would have missed out on a great book.
I also agree with Claudia. If a book is getting a lot of attention, I will most likely read it. That’s why I read The DaVinci Code.
Kay on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:32 am #
My favorite SF author switched to Fantasy. UGHHHHH! I read her first two fantasy novels out of loyalty, but I didn’t enjoy them,and wont read any more.
Caren Crane on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:53 am #
I have had the disconcerting experience of not enjoying a favorite author when they switch genres. It’s horrible. I do not care for romantic suspense much. I only read one if someone I know wrote it and even then it may sit on the TBR pile until I am desperate for a good read.
I cut my teeth on fantasy, but find most of the “paranormal” books these days don’t do it for me. No vamps, no shapeshifters. Though I’m interested in Alyssa Day’s Atlantis books. I will read one if it’s written by a friend or acquaintance or gets rave reviews from my friends (whose judgment I trust). Buzz alone is never enough. Raves from Claudia got me to read Harlan Coben and he is one of my very favorites these days and a complete auto-buy. Do I seek out other thrillers? No. Will I? Probably not.
I do highly recommend the Mossy Creek books. For me, they are like a visit to my family in the country in Tennessee. Like an evening sitting on the porch, listening to stories. A great time and a great escape!
cail on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:58 am #
as long as the book is well written i often love them. i’m partial to historicals, but love a good modern love story just the same. i loved the recent NR Circle Trilogy (and all her other books)… So yeah, well written is my preferene. Although I do need some romance!
If the book doesn’t have romance, it better be non-fiction.
Di R on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:59 am #
I will follow a favorite author to a new genre and as long as their writing is consistent (it is a well written story) I’ll stay with them. I find it hardest to start with a new author, unless they come highly reccomended-sometimes by family or friends or if it is getting good buzz on the boards I frequent.
Di
Sonja Foust on 03 Jul 2007 at 8:04 am #
I STILL haven’t picked up a Mossy Creek book but it does sound like something I’d enjoy.
For me the no-touchy categories are war books, memoirs or otherwise. I don’t even like fictionalized war because war is real and it happened to someone and that makes me very, very sad. So no war books. Or movies.
I’ve read two cozy mysteries (well, ok, one and a half), but I’m with you on that one, Sabrina. Blech.
I gather that I’m kind of weird in that I’ve never really met a romance genre I didn’t like. I love Regencies, but I’m also a big fan of contemporaries and paranormals and suspenses and chick lit. (Am I allowed to call it chick lit any more?) The only ones I haven’t quite gotten into are the “lady lit” ones with the older heroines. Sorry Caren, I know that’s what you write, but I promise I’ll read yours, and then I’ll probably love it, and then, once again, there won’t be a romance genre I won’t read.
Claudia Dain on 03 Jul 2007 at 8:05 am #
Caren Crane said what I was trying to say; that I’m more likely to have authors who are my Comfort Zone than genres. I don’t care for thrillers in general, but Harlan Coben is an auto-buy. I don’t usually read contemp romance, but I’ll read SEP or Goddess Rachel happily.
But, the problem (going back to what Sabrina said) is that when I find an author I love who writes light historicals and she switches to dark contemps…I may not be able to follow her. It’s not that I don’t like dark contemps, it’s that I loved her voice in light historicals. I can’t make the jump.
ladydawgfan on 03 Jul 2007 at 8:24 am #
I don’t typically have a problem when my favorite authors change categories. I loved Suzie’s contemps as much as her historicals. However, what DOES bother me is when an author also changes their writing style with the category. I was all prepared to follow Lisa Kleypas wherever she went with her writing, since I have read and purchased and LOVED everything she has written - up until “Sugar Daddy.” She wrote it in first person perspective - a style that just grates on my last nerve, and absolutely guarantees that I will leave the book at the bookstore.
Why, Lisa??? Why did you do that???? Whyyyyyyyyy??????
Karen Hawkins on 03 Jul 2007 at 9:00 am #
Sabrina, I love The Mossy Creek books! Can’t wait to see the new one — I didn’t realize you were in it.
I accidentally read a mystery once, thinking it was a romance, and just loved it. I read those all of the time, now, and really enjoy them!
I’m very interested in seeing what you guys have to say about authors writing across genres because I’m writing a contemporary romance right now. It’s not a first person book, but just my usual pov. Overall, it’s humorous and lively, and is set in a fictional town in NC called Paradise. I love my Southern roots!
I am NOT abandoning my historical romances, though. I loooove writing them! But this story that has been nipping at my heels for five years now. Sometime it happens like that … a story will pick an author and not the other way around.
Sabrina Jeffries on 03 Jul 2007 at 9:13 am #
For me, it was the series that picked me. So to speak.
Although I do have a urban fantasy series knocking around in my head (no vampires, though), a weird time travel idea, a mainstream fiction idea, and a few rom susp ideas left from my days writing those as Deborah Nicholas. The trouble is, I just don’t have time to pursue all my ideas!
But I suspect I will always write historicals, too. I just like them too much.
Yes, for me, too, Claudia and Caren, it’s somewhat about the writing. That’s what hooked me on the MC books–the stories were all written so well. And I probably wouldn’t have picked up Diana Gabaldon at all (the books are just too long) except that I had met her. I really enjoyed Outlander and the one after it, but haven’t managed to make time to read the subsequent books. But her writing is exquisite. I’ve read Elizabeth George’s mysteries and enjoyed them enormously… but they’re less mysteries than psychological profiles.
Sabrina Jeffries on 03 Jul 2007 at 9:23 am #
I understand about the POV thing, ladydawgfan, but it’s never been a problem for me. I like any kind of narrative style if it works (hey, I did my dissertation on James Joyce, what can I say?). But I do find that for some authors, a certain subgenre works better for their storytelling strengths, while others can be chameleons. Claudia is a chameleon–she has a distinctive style, but she can make it work for contemps or medievals or whatever. I suspect that Karen and Suzie are the same. I’ve got Suzie’s contemps precisely because I think her humorous style would work equally well in either subgenre (haven’t read them yet, because I am SOOO behind on my reading). But while I adore Judith McNaught’s historicals, I couldn’t follow her to contemp very well. For me, it depends on the author.
Julia London on 03 Jul 2007 at 9:40 am #
Oh man, Sabrina — I’m with you. Way more ideas than there is time to write.
I am not familiar with the Mossy Creek books, but I will have to try them out.
I read all sorts of stuff (my book club makes me) and like a variety of authors. I wouldn’t say there is any particular genre that I gravitate toward. It just depends on my mood.
I didn’t read paranormal until I was asked to write them. I am still not crazy about a lot of it–for me personally, I mean–the books were well written and interesting, but I had a hard time suspending disbelief. I hope the ones I am writing are a little different and appeal to people like me.
Suzanne Enoch on 03 Jul 2007 at 10:12 am #
I’ll read anything as long as I like the writer’s voice. If I haven’t been snagged in the first chapter, though, forget it.
Not that I’ve had time to read ANYTHING over the past few months except for the nonfiction book on English highwaymen I’m reading right now. Hm. Wonder why I’m reading that? *g*
Karen Rose on 03 Jul 2007 at 10:30 am #
I don’t venture out of my comfort zone often. I like mysteries and I like romance - suspense, historicals. But it’s the writer’s voice that draws me. I have one fave author whose books hooked me when she wrote historical. Now she writes contemp and altho’ her voice hasn’t changed, I still like the historicals better. On the other hand, another author hooked me with her contemps and I discovered the historicals later. I read both her contemp and historicals voraciously.
But I don’t jump into other genres easily. I mean to and I might even pick them out to buy, thinking TRY IT, YOU SISSY! But I wuss out and put them back. I like what I like. Like somebody else said - it’s my comfort zone for a reason.
Claudia Dain on 03 Jul 2007 at 10:52 am #
KarenH, so thrilled to hear that you’re writing a contemp! I think you have a great voice for it. Plus, I’m happy that you’ll get that book out of your head. I know what that feels like.
Alien, anyone? LOL
Tracy Grant on 03 Jul 2007 at 11:41 am #
If I love an author, I’ll usually follow her or him if she or he writes a different type of book (at least for one book to see if I like it). That said, there are so many choices of books to read, that I too tend to stick with what I like (which usually means something historical, whether it’s romance, suspsense, or historical fiction). When I do venture outside my reading comfort zone, I’m often pleasantly surprise–I read Jami Alden’s “Delicioius” because she’s a friend and totally loved it.
colinfirthfan on 03 Jul 2007 at 12:27 pm #
I would follow Julie Garwood to hell. Loved her historicals. Like her contemps. Still like the writing so I read ALL her books.
Authors I have followed in different genres - Lisa Kleypas - Sugar Daddy is an amazing book.
Christina Dodd - Loved her 2 contemps and can’t wait for the paranormals.
Julia London and SuzanneE - I have read both their historicals and contemps and loved them.
Sherrilyn Kenyon - Loved her Kinley books and the first 6 or 8 Dark/Were Hunter. Didn’t like the last couple as much but will still buy them. I like her Avalon series.The BAD series is OK.
I would also read anything J.R. Ward wrote simply because I like the way she writes.
Oh and Christine Feehan - I have read the Drake sisters as well as all the Dark series. Enjoyed both.
twolilhahas on 03 Jul 2007 at 1:27 pm #
Teresa Medeiros is my favorite author, hands down. I love the way she tells you a story and you feel like you’re there, you’re the characters. That’s what I look for when I’m reading a novel. That, and a happy ending. I would probably read more outside the romance genre, except I don’t like unhappy surprises. That’s what real life is for. I read to escape real life.
I love historicals the best…and probably historical paranormal even better. If it’s out of this world, and the people dealing with it are from days long ago, I’m hooked. I absolutely adored “To Tame a Highland Warrior” by Karen Marie Moning, and it was historical and paranormal.
Ladydawg, I’m with you on that first person stuff. I can read it, and have, but I end up rolling my eyes a lot and just generally don’t enjoy it as much. There’s just something awkward about reading a love scene in first person.
dbrown3400 on 03 Jul 2007 at 1:40 pm #
Sabrina, I get into an author mostly through recommendations just like the Mossy Creek series you’ve mentioned here. Although the Regency is my favorite period, I read many others and I will follow a favorite author into hell and back. I thoroughly enjoyed Garwood’s contempories. I had to have Noah’s story, but am looking forward to the new historical I hear she is writing. The only exception is an author who ventures into a category I would never read and cozy would fit that example. Several of my faves have evolved into writing inspirationals, which I don’t read either.
I read the reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times for new authors or ones I somehow missed. I’ve discovered auto-buys that way. If I like what I read on an existing author, I buy their entire backlist and start at the beginning. Since I review for RT, I encounter genres I wouldn’t otherwise read and surprisingly enjoy them. . .
dbrown3400 on 03 Jul 2007 at 2:18 pm #
I review small press, though, and generally do not know when subsequent books come out by these authors. I originally found several subgenres I like by reading Heather Graham/Shannon Drake and Catherine Coulter. Early on they were writing medieval, Civil War, contemporary and probably covering other bases as well. There are some of McNaught’s contemporaries that I enjoyed, but you need to hit on the right ones first to get hooked. The later ones weren’t her best imho.
Several of my favorite authors, mostly thriller or mystery, have written one or two of a character’s books in first person, but that particular book in the series actually told better in first person. Then they go back to third in their subsequent books.
One of my favorites of all time is Jude Deveraux’s is A Knight In Shining Armor, which I never thought of as time travel, but is, has a beautiful love story with no romping sex (which I usually look for). . .
dbrown3400 on 03 Jul 2007 at 2:36 pm #
I guess I should answer the question. Right now I’m reading a pure science fiction, by that, I mean I’m halfway through and I get the idea that maybe by page 415 (the last page using a tiny font) I might get one spark between the main characters. I would never choose this book on my own. But it is well-written, well-researched and interesting enough to maintain my attention without meeting my normal criteria of a sexy romance. Does this mean I’m going to rush out and start buying science fiction? No. My comfort zone has plenty in it already.
Sorry for the ramble, but I haven’t been around to post for a few days.
Donna
joyrop on 03 Jul 2007 at 3:38 pm #
I have no one comfort zone. I read historical, contemporary, paranormal. I followed Garwood and McNaught into romantic suspense and love their old and new stuff. Outside of romance, I read mysteries, woman’s fiction, literary fiction, history, etc. What can I say? I’m a book whore. I’ll read anything.
Sabrina Jeffries on 03 Jul 2007 at 3:51 pm #
joyrop, a book whore. I like that. I will read a pretty wide variety, but I do tend to gravitate to certain things.
Donna, I LOVED A Knight in Shining Armor. Still do.
Jami Alden on 03 Jul 2007 at 3:52 pm #
I read almost exclusively romance, primarily contemporary but also historical, and paranormal, but only if it comes highly recommended. Like Tracy, if I like an author I’ll follow them almost anywhere. The exception is some authors who have gone too far into romantic suspense and have pretty much lost the romance.
There are two exceptions to that rule for me- Tami Hoag and Tess Gerritsen. I LOVE their straight suspense. Their stories and characters are so good, I don’t miss the romance (although they often have romance subplots, they’re usually very subtle). I can’t say that for some other authors who have made similar transitions.
Karen Hawkins on 03 Jul 2007 at 4:34 pm #
Jami, I heard Tami Hoag speak at a conference and she impressed me so much I went out and ordered her entire list off Amazon and loved them all. She was as tough and straight shooting as her characters. It was neat for me, as a reader, to ‘hear’ her author voice in her work.
Stacy S on 03 Jul 2007 at 5:52 pm #
If one of my favorite authors start writing another genre, I’ll try it. So far I’ve always liked it. Julie Garwood is one I’ll read anything she writes. I just read Christina Dodds paranormal and thought it was awesome.
Lismore on 03 Jul 2007 at 7:34 pm #
I am willing to try another genre, except for sci fi. I am afraid that I would miss an excellent read if I didn’t at least try and get out of my comfort zone occasionally.
Kelly Ann on 03 Jul 2007 at 8:25 pm #
I usually read historical romance but I will follow a favorite author sometimes. It really depends on the story. I don’t really care to read contemporary romance, though I have a few times. It really depends on the subject too. I like CS Lewis & the Harry Potter books, I guess I read a lot of different stuff, but I’m pretty darn picky about my romances. I do agree about how the authors voice really affects the story, I too have to be engaged by the 1st chapter in order to finish reading, though I’ve gotten 1/2 way through a book, hated it, read the last few pages & threw it away before too! My delicate sensibilites you know!
I have to share this site with you http://www.strangegirl.com/austenquiz/ you can take this quiz & find out which Jane Austin character you are. It’s pretty neat!
twolilhahas on 03 Jul 2007 at 11:00 pm #
haha Thanks, Kelly Ann. I’m Elizabeth Bennett.
I just finished reading a book that went both into and out of my comfort zone. Something about a hero whose dragon wings spring out of his back during sex that just freaks me out…not to mention the scales that erupt when he gets really angry. But, he was incredibly sexy, too. And he sure loved his woman. So, I can forgive him the gross stuff. I tend to like paranormal, but I definitely hate scales.
foreverdelayed on 04 Jul 2007 at 12:25 am #
I don’t really have a comfort zone. I read a little bit of everything. I love cozies,mysteries, historical fiction, non-fiction, paranormal romance, sci-fi, fantasy and horror. My only requirement is that the book grab my attention in the first 30 or so pages.
amy1242 on 04 Jul 2007 at 8:32 am #
There are times when I want something a little more thought provoking, so I read a Jodi Picoult. But then after that, I HAVE to read a good romance, generally Regency, Historical, sometimes contemp. I liked the Robyn Carr, Virgin River series. A little too PG rating for my normal tastes, but it’s something I can get my daughters to read when the time comes to introduce them to romance. I will read almost anything, but come back to my romances again and again. And, I DO follow favorite authors into uncharted territory. I really enjoy the change once in a while. It’s refreshing. So don’t hesitate to try something new, goddesses. You’ve got me with you where ever you venture! Go for it!!
pri.r. on 08 Jul 2007 at 6:40 pm #
Personally i’m a creature of habit, so i’ll always head towards historical romance sections of our local bookstores, saying that i love Sabrina Jeffries school for Heiresses series… and can’t wait till the “Beware of a Scots Revenge” comes out…which judging by the slowness of australian bookstores will only come out next year…if i’m lucky. *sigh*
I favour particular authors, because for me it comes down to not wanting to be dissapointed when reading, and as formulaic as that sounds i do sometimes try to venture outside my historical romance bubble and try some contemporary romance novelists ie: Julie Garwood’s Buchannan series, they’re a perfect mix of crime and romance, oohh and Susan Mallery, she’s one of my favourite contemporary romance novelists…
i must say though i detest sci-fi…it’s just too far out of my bubble for comfort.
pri.r. on 08 Jul 2007 at 6:42 pm #
another thing, johanna lindesey’s books are good, except when she goes paranormal… they’re just not as believable as her other romance novels… who else reads johanna lindsey?? or susan mallery?… infact do our goddess authors have their own favourites and if so who?
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Jul 2007 at 7:12 pm #
Pri.r., I hope you enjoy Beware once it wends its way across the sea!
Yes, we all have our own favorites. You might try searching the site, because we each list our favorites in comments to various blogs. I too read Johanna Lindsey, although I really don’t recall any paranormals … or are you speaking of her futuristics? I did like the one I read. I’ve never read Susan Mallery. If you want to check it out, I have a list of my keepers on my website at http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/recommended-books.php