Writing a multi genre book caused a few challenges and I’m still not sure whether I chose the best path. Having said that, of all my books, it was most fun to write!
The Genre I chose were Memoir, Travel, History and Fantasy. This list was not exhaustive. I could have added ‘Motivational and Inspirational,’ and certainly added ‘Self Help’ when looking at BIC categories on Amazon and Nielsens.
Now I needed to think of the target audience for my new book ‘From Redundancy to Rejuvenation.‘
The book – I call it that because it’s not really a novel – is multi layered too because the book is a bit quirky. These are the following themes running through and thus the possible target audience:
- a smattering of poetry ~ this would appeal to those who enjoy exploring senses and feelings in words. I could describe the sensation of being made redundant after a life time teaching but somehow I found poetry so much more dynamic. The places I loved leant themselves to verse so well too – just looking about me made my heart sing, if you’ll excuse the cliche.
- snippets of history ~ It seemed right to add paragraphs, almost asides, of the facts and people who inspired me, and I wrote them as if I was writing a short news item.
- memoir ~ I wrote about what really happened to me; where I explored and how the experiences changed my perceptions along the way.
- travel ~ The book tells of a journey, almost a pilgrimage, as I walked along The Fife Coastal Path; not all at once but in easy chunks. I like to think that my descriptions transport my readers so that they are walking along side me for a wee while. Walkers would love this book, immerse themselves in the scenery and hopefully be inspired to follow in my footsteps.
- fantasy ~This was the more light hearted theme, making ‘From Redundancy to Rejuvenation’ an allegory for life – almost a parable. As I walked I met all kinds of strangers in my imagination; real characters from the past. We walked and talked; sometimes we went on a journey together but on each occasion I learnt a little more about myself.
- a writer’s life ~ a theme running through the book is how to become a better writer through many of these conversations and so it would certainly appeal to authors too.
- letting go ~ This one underlies almost every chapter. What is holding us back in life to to reach our potential? Do we sometimes have to let go of the most precious things in our own lives to be free to be what ‘God’ intended? Although the purpose of this book is not to be overtly religious, it is certainly spiritual and I hope that my grapple with faith seeps through the fabric of my words to the very end.
And so I have a multi genre book which is also multi layered in style. It won’t appeal to everyone but to readers looking for something a bit different; those who might be searching for answer themselves; those who have been through some kind of huge change in their lives; authors finding their way; those who love to find new and wonderful places to walk but also to those who like to see and feel a sense of history in the places they visit. If you enjoy fact, facts and more facts then it might irritate, since I explored the essence of The Fife Coastal Path and its people, rather than an in depth study.
Since the cover is so special it would make a lovely gift too, for anyone who appreciated the beauty in the world around them!
It was a bit of a gamble – a risk many would say – but it has also been a lot of fun.
‘From Redundancy to Rejuvenation ~ A Writer’s Fantasy Walk Along The Fife Coastal Path’ can be ordered from all good book shops. It is also available on line at:
Amazon.com (where you can see the first five star review from across the pond!
Diana Jackson 