What is Genre Blending?

“Genre blending” is one of the hottest buzzwords in publishing right now, but what does it actually mean? 

While it may be straightforward to define genre blending as the blending of familiar genre elements–such as the newly coined dystomance (dystopian romance)–it’s a bit more complicated than that when you factor in what’s selling. 

Traditional publishing is very risk adverse right now (and the indie market…as well as the algorithm…is more competitive than ever). If we factor that in, then the call for “genre blenders” typically means “genre blending but familiar,” like a fairytale retelling that’s also sci-fi. Think CRESS by Marissa Meyer (which I love so much btw). While Marissa Meyer was hugely inspired by Sailor Moon for book one, it’s more commonly known as Cyborg Cinderella. The series is immediately positionable and therefore commercial while still retaining a unique quality that makes folks sit up.

A completely new concept is difficult to position. 

Basically, successful (commercial) genre blending often still feels incredibly safe. 

Le sigh for me. I write very bonkers concepts, and I’ve long-since accepted the difficult road I paved for myself. But at least “safe” has expanded over the years. 

In fact, back when my Bad Bloods series was published in 2016–which is described as X-MEN meets AMONG THE HIDDEN–dystopian fantasy wasn’t seeing much support in traditional publishing. You could write a dystopian or a fantasy, but rarely a blend. (For example, THE HUNGER GAMES doesn’t have superpowers; mainstream X-MEN takes place in modern society with a slightly near-future feel but it’s no more dystopian than JURASSIC PARK.)

Since then, though, we’ve definitely invited more blending than ever before. And I love that we’re now seeing more genre blenders!! THESE VENGEFUL GODS is a dystopian fantasy that I was so happy to read. Similarly, GIDEON THE NINTH is a fantastic gothic fantasy sci-fi. 

Watching genre blending progress over the years is definitely exciting. It gives me hope that I’ll connect with an editor who loves my book about monsters on the moon or time-traveling grim reapers. Or maybe I’ll finally learn how to self-publish one of these days. Only the future knows! (I drew my main characters from my monsters on the moon book for fun! Check them out below!)

Genre blending is truly one of my favorite parts of writing. I wish we had more room for more experimental fiction. I would love a cozy sci-fi or medieval horror. In fact, I was just watching THE EAST PALACE on Netflix last night, and it’s exactly what I look for in a genre blend. It combines horror, fantasy, and historical in such a fascinating way. There are common tropes (like seeing the dead after you’ve previously died) but with unique twists (& monsters) that give it a breath of fresh air. If you love K-Dramas, definitely give it a shot. The way the writers show how the spirit realm interacts with the human realm is SO satisfying. 

I aim to write such a fascinating genre blend. 

So what makes a great genre blend? Most importantly, the genres should complement one another. The easiest way to do that is to make sure your story has a strong emotional core that both genres can easily fit around. Not only is that core your commercial hook, it’s what will make the book feel familiar yet unique to those reading. 

I hope these tips help you write your genre blender.

Have you ever blended genres? What are your thoughts on this rising concept? 

~SAT

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