the magic in your writing

How often have you stopped to look at your story only to realize it jumped genres somewhere between the inciting incident and the midpoint?

Fiction genres are transforming as fast as technology. In fact, computers in a story once indicated the tale was science fiction. Today, it's realistic fiction. Unless, of course, that computer talks or exhibits human features. However, we all know, soon that will be commonplace as well.
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Most of my stories have elements of magic. They aren't fantasy. They aren't fully magical realism, but they do contain allusions to magic, sparkly moments of serendipity, unbelievable coincidences.

Isn't that what fiction is? Isn't our job as writers to infuse a story with a little bit of that "wow, what?" or "wait, huh?"

Some books are poster children for genres:

Harry Potter-dragons, magic, and trolls, oh my! (Fantasy)
Carrie-blood, creepy events, fear of turning the page (Horror)
The Lunar Chronicles-androids, outerspace beings (Science Fiction)

Some books leave us wondering where they'd be shelved:

Breakfast of Champions-referred to as metafiction since the author's alter-ego dances across the pages. Plain weird. Plain awesome.
The Bone Clocks-funny, dramatic, grounding, dark.

​This is where new genres emerge. Most recently, writers are buzzing about magical realism. The best examples of this genre can be found in the writing of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.   Magical realism is very much like folklore or mythology. The story might begin in this present world but all of a sudden you find yourself with strange characters and stranger events. Magical realism is lyrical and lovely--exactly what writing should be.

Take a look at your story. Determine its main genre and delve deeper. Are there elements of mystery, romance, dark fantasy, or other genres? When you're ready to query, be sure you've asked beta readers or critique partners what they think. You might be surprised.

Just remember, your book is more than a label. However, you need to market it to agents and readers, so they know which audience might be the best fit. From there, hopefully, you can draw in a wider readership through reviews.

You are a storyteller. Tell your story in its truest and best form.

That's my story, what's yours?

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