Genre picking.

it's definitely a big deal around here, especially for the submission process. But with your awesome story being so many things, can you really just slap a label on it? It turns out you can! And we're here to help, so you don't sweat buckets over it.

Hello Nano Wattians it's Lily-Ann, for some the name might ring a bell.

When considering what genre you should place your story, think first of one thing: what is my story really about?

A queen riding into battle to save her beloved queendom.

A stuttering barista who is madly crushing on the hot brunette.

Or is there a sentient decapitated hand tickling's people's feet at night?

Jeepers creepers!

Once you have plucked your story for the string of "what it is" it's time to pick apart the fibers.

Ask yourself:

Who is my protagonist?

What's their age?

Are they human?

Where is my story taking place?

What are the main tropes at play?

Once, you've made note of your tiny fibers it's time to see where they belong.

These fibers are the building blocks of genre so if you can name your fibers, you can name your genre!

Below are the descriptions of the 10 genre categories we feature for this year's awards. As you go through them start knitting your fibers together.

Have fun and all the best Nano Wattians for submissions!

:D

G E N R E S

》》FANTASY《《

The stuff of daydreams, genre Fantasy involves storytelling that [classically] features magical elements, mythical creatures, or supernatural phenomena, often set in imaginary worlds. It allows authors to explore imaginative realms, create unique rules, and weave fantastical adventures that may include quests, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. This genre provides an escape from reality, inviting readers to immerse themselves in imaginative landscapes and extraordinary possibilities.

》》PARANORMAL《《

The Paranormal genre typically involves supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, or psychic abilities, embedded in a contemporary or urban setting. It explores phenomena beyond the scope of normal experience and often delves into the mysterious, eerie, or unexplained, creating a blend of the supernatural with everyday life. Paranormal stories may encompass various sub-genres, including paranormal romance, horror, or mystery, offering readers a mix of suspense, the unknown, and fantastical elements.

》》FANFICTION 《《

In the Fanfiction genre writers create new stories, often expanding or reimagining existing characters, worlds, narratives from established works or famous personas in the real world. These works can range from alternate scenarios to entirely new adventures for beloved characters. Fanfiction writers engage with their chosen source material, exploring different perspectives and relationships. It's a creative and participatory form of storytelling that allows fans to contribute to and celebrate the universes and people they love.

》》SCIENCE FICTION《《

The Science fiction (SF) genre is one that explores speculative concepts, futuristic technologies, and imaginary worlds. It often delves into the impact of scientific advancements on society, presenting futuristic or alternative realities.

Themes in science fiction include space exploration, artificial intelligence, time travel, extraterrestrial life, and dystopian futures. SF allows authors to speculate on the possibilities of scientific and technological progress, examining both the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas. It's a genre that stimulates the imagination while addressing fundamental questions about humanity and the universe.

》》MYSTERY, THRILLERS & HORROR《《

Mystery, thriller, and horror are genres that evoke suspense, tension, and a sense of the unknown in literature.

Mystery: Involves the solving of a puzzle or crime, often with a central enigma that drives the narrative. The focus is on uncovering secrets and solving mysteries through detective work or investigative processes.

Thriller: Emphasizes intense excitement, anticipation, and often involves danger or suspenseful situations. Thrillers typically feature protagonists facing high-stakes challenges, with plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Horror: Aims to evoke fear and dread, often through supernatural or macabre elements. Horror stories explore the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown, creating an atmosphere of unease or terror. Themes may include supernatural entities, psychological horror, or the macabre.

》》CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE《《

The contemporary romance genre focuses on modern love stories set in the present day. These novels explore romantic relationships, often featuring characters navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth in contemporary settings.

Themes commonly include realistic portrayals of relationships, communication challenges, and the emotional journeys of the protagonists. Unlike historical or fantasy romance, contemporary romance reflects current societal norms and explores relatable scenarios, making it a popular and accessible genre for readers seeking stories of love and connection in a contemporary context.

》》YOUNG ADULT CONTEMPORARY 《《

The contemporary young adult (YA) genre centers around stories that explore the challenges, experiences, and relationships of teenage protagonists in modern settings. These novels often address coming-of-age themes, self-discovery, and navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Contemporary YA literature delves into realistic issues such as identity, friendships, family dynamics, romance, and societal expectations. By reflecting the concerns and aspirations of today's youth, this genre provides relatable narratives that resonate with young readers, capturing the essence of their lives and fostering empathy and understanding.

》》NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY 《《

New Adult (NA) is a genre that caters to readers in the age group between young adult and adult fiction, typically featuring protagonists in their late teens to early twenties. These stories often explore the challenges and transitions associated with entering adulthood, including themes such as higher education, career pursuits, first serious relationships, and the quest for independence.

New Adult literature delves into more mature and complex situations than young adult fiction, reflecting the transitional phase between adolescence and full adulthood. The genre aims to capture the unique experiences and emotional growth of characters navigating this pivotal stage in their lives.

》》HISTORICAL FICTION 《《

Historical fiction is a genre that weaves fictional narratives within the framework of historical events, settings, or periods. Authors in this genre meticulously research historical contexts to create a vivid and accurate backdrop for their stories.

By blending real historical elements with fictional characters and plotlines, historical fiction provides readers with an immersive experience that both entertains and educates. This genre spans various time periods and cultures, offering a diverse range of stories that capture the essence of different eras while often exploring universal themes of human experience.

》》NOVELLAS 《《

Novellas are shorter works of fiction, longer than a short story but shorter than a full-length novel. Typically falling in the range of 20,000 to 40,000 words, novellas allow authors to explore a focused narrative with a concise plot and a limited number of characters. This format allows for depth and detail while maintaining brevity. Novellas are known for their ability to deliver a complete and engaging story within a shorter reading time, making them a popular choice for readers seeking a compelling narrative without the time commitment required for a full novel.