In 2009, the term “mashup” came
into being. Mashup simply defined means taking two or more different genres and
mixing them up. For instance, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, both by Seth Grahame-Smith, are good examples of mashup novels that take either historical
figures or classic literature and combine them with horror. This form of hybrid
work brings up intriguing questions regarding the future of fiction. Is this
form of cross genre a good thing or is it merely pop culture at its worst?
Short story writers have been combining genres for many years. Thus, the
“speculative” fiction label often combines science fiction, fantasy and horror
with mystery, romance, historical and
even literary elements. So this is not new.
However, reviewers as well as readers
are often confused when authors move away from pigeon-holed tried and true
formulas for genre novels and experiment. Charlaine
Harris, for example, tossed aside the usual rules of mystery writing and simply
wrote what she really wanted to create--the secret to her superstar success.
She wasn’t afraid to be different in style and subject and actually have fun
with her writing. “Old school” mystery reviewers and
writers frown on using paranormal elements. They consider it a kind of
cheating. Charlaine didn’t worry about that. The results speak for themselves.
Kim Reynolds, my psychic detective
in four mystery novels, tries her best to repress this ability but it keeps
showing up and helping her uncover murderers. My mystery series is also strong
on romance which is another no-no in old school mystery circles. But I look at
novel writing as a dynamic, growing literary form. So I’ve been somewhat daring
with it. This is also true in my romance novels as well. My heroes, for
example, in my historic romances THE CHEVALIER and TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS
are not paragons of virtue. They’re alpha males, strongly masculine but
decidedly flawed. In my short fiction I often mix genres and write a
combination of elements. In my recently published YA novel, THE DEVIL AND DANNA
WEBSTER, I combine paranormal elements with everyday teen life, mixing reality
and fantasy. In TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS, elements of the supernatural are
combined with Regency romance, historic elements and people of those times.
In the 18th century,
many authors experimented with novel writing, considering it a dynamic form of
written expression. The writers weren’t afraid to be original or different. They created unique novels with unforgettable
characters such as: CLARISSA, TOM JONES, ROBINSON CRUSOE, GULLIVER, JOSEPH
ANDREWS, PAMELA, MOLL FLANDERS and my favorite, TRISTRAM SHANDY. There was
diversity in character, style and plot type which inspired subsequent
generations who followed. The mashup novel is yet another experiment with the
novel form. Will this manifestation last? To my mind, that is not the
significant question. Will the novel survive as a literary form? I think the
answer is emphatically yes because it is an art form that allows for change and
constant evolution.
Do you take chances as a reader or
a writer? Will you read or write books or short stories that do not follow
standard genre formula plotting and characterization?
To celebrate Mother’s Day, I’m giving away a review print
copy of my mystery thriller THE BAD WIFE to someone who comments. If
interested, leave an e-mail address along with your comment.
