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What is your favourite mixed-genre story/movie/show? Most stories are not just one thing, one genre. So, add a pinch of action and/or adventure to your next piece, and see what happens!
This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter is all about mixing it up.
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What do you think of when you see the words Action/Adventure? It no doubt gives away my age when I tell you that what comes to my mind when I read them are Arnold Schwarzenegger, car chases, the kind of movies where bullets fly around everywhere but nobody really gets hurt, and books like the DragonLance novels.
I love stories about dragons, heroes carrying sword and bow, quests that begin in an inn somewhere. I have always loved the Action/Adventure genre. Indeed, for a few wonderful years I was a member of an online, text-based role-playing group, where we wrote stories together full of fun and adventure, laughter and tears. Those were good times.
It can be easy to forget, then, that both action and adventure are found in combination with a wide range of genres, far beyond Bruce Willis running to the rescue, and lords raising their banners. Pretty much every genre out there works well when you throw a little action and/or adventure in the mix.
Think, for example, about the works of Jane Austen. I doubt she’s amongst the first authors you thought of when you read my opening question. Yet, in Pride and Prejudice, the no-good Wickham runs off with the silly, naïve Lydia, and Mr. Darcy has to track him down and save the day. It’s a touch of adventure that adds some excitement, and helps along a story of romance and social commentary.
John Grisham and Michael Connelly are experts at combining the legal genre with action and adventure. Their lawyers must navigate a murky world of villains, be they big corporations, shady politicians or outright mobsters. One of the most creative Grisham novels, which I would recommend to anyone, is The Brethren. Three former judges are running an elaborate scam from prison, right in the middle of a presidential election. It’s clever, gripping and insightful. One of my all-time favourites.
Another all-time favourite is the North and South trilogy by John Jakes. Set in the run-up to, during and after the American Civil War, it follows two men and their families, who are trying to maintain their friendship whilst living vastly different lives. The novels are a blend of history, politics, action, drama, romance, and at times they get quite dark. They’re skillfully written, offering insight into a turbulent time period.
I believe that it is fair to say that many stories are not just one thing – they fit into more than one genre. As creative people it’s natural for us to blend a variety of resources to help our characters achieve growth and strengthen our plot. It’s not always easy. I, for one, am not the best at writing a battle scene, for example. I find it difficult to determine how much detail is required for the reader to envision what’s going on, without making them feel the urge to skip over the scene and get on with the rest of the story. Also, as I have not ever participated in a sword fight, I fear that anyone who actually knows about these things might cringe at my imagined battle. I’ve watched movies and series before where I felt the need to declare, “That’s not how it works,” about something I do have in-depth knowledge about; I don’t want to do that to others.
That said, exploring different genres is fun. I’ve dipped my toes in many a genre. Sometimes it didn’t work – I am not meant to write Westerns, as I found out. Other times I had excellent fun and found the genre worthy of further exploration.
You never know until you try. So, why not throw a genre or two in the mix when you’re next sitting down to write a story? It might just be your best one yet!
NaNoKit
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The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! 
Next month, this section will contain a little challenge, so keep your eye out for it!
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team |
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Action/Adventure: May 24, 2023 Issue [#11981]
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