Crossing genres, vampires and writing

Happy weekend everyone! I know I know, I've not written much on my blog lately. Things have been, for lack of a better word, crazy here. I'm nearing the release of my epic fantasy KEEPERS OF WATER and have also been plotting some new stuff. One of the items I'm working on starting involves vampires, but not in the way my other vampire book was. This made me think a bit about the direction of that species and how it relates to the ability to cross between genres.

Most of those who have read my work know that I tend to write mostly fantasy based novels. That was true up until my release of my horror novel WHEN DARKNESS FALLS. Since then I've decided to expand what I write and see where it goes. I have to say, it's almost scary the different catagories some of the plot ideas can range into. For instance.

My upcoming release KEEPERS OF WATER could easily be put into high fantasy, epic fantasy or even urban fantasy. More and more the lines are become blurred between genres. Where once an author was forced to stay true to one line of writing, we are now breaking through those barriers and writing what we want. I think this option can ultimately lead to so many more fantastic books for readers to have available to them to read. Though some may still remain focused on one line, many authors are embracing this change.

Along with this change, I've also noticed more authors expanding the genres they write. Some great indie authors are venturing into both fantasy, mystery, thrillers and other outlets. Though this might seem daft to some, it is a great thing. You get fresh new voices, but it also allows the mark of these great authors to be exposed to a great audience that might not otherwise know of their work. The biggest issue I can see with this, is if you have readers that are turned off by the other genres you might right. Hopefully, if you can keep things catagorized well enough, it shouldn't allow cause a stir of waves from your readers.

So what am I doing that will be crossing things over you say? Well for one, I have a short novella I am going to be starting next month titled BLOOD, WINE, and RAZOR BLADES. Catchy isn't it? :) This one has a vampire who is a lead dectective that works on crimes. In this one, Vampires are part of society, even though there is still animosity between the races. Think of this as more of a supernatural mystery murder type novel. Vampires, magic, humans and an unsolved murder. SO much fun.

So I guess my ramblings today is mostly that, genres are no longer the cut and dry they used to be. Whether this is good or bad will always be left up to the reader to decide. From my standpoint, as both a writer and reader, I think it is fantastic. My question to you, my friends, is what is your thought?

As always, happy reading and writing everyone!

R.G. Porter