WELCOME SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR VASHTI Q!
You have been such a supportive member since the first day you joined and so you deserve your time in the spotlight. I am delighted to host you.
Title: Do You Judge An Author By His Or Her Genre?
You’d be surprised how many people make assumptions about authors’ personalities based on their works’ genre. Horror writers have dark, twisted minds and are capable of committing the atrocities they write about. Erotica writers are perverts. Writers of romance tend to be like their heroines—beautiful women who are lavished with flowers, candy and romantic dinners by more lovers than they can handle (and who all resemble Ryan Reynolds, Zac Efron, Gerald Butler, or Idris Elba) And comedic writers––well, they’re all clowns who don’t take life seriously enough. Really? Come on, people!
I have lost count of how many times friends and acquaintances have been shocked when they find out that I write horror and dark fantasy. “But you don’t look like a horror writer,” they say. So what is a writer of horror and dark fantasy supposed to look like?
Is this what I’m supposed to look like?
We writers are unusual creatures, no doubt. We’re in our heads a lot. We often like to sit apart from everyone and just observe. We have outsized imaginations and we can be inspired by almost anything: a picture, a movie, someone’s smile, a word, a laugh . . . anything! But––we are not what we write. Think of us as actors. A great actor can play the role of a psycho, chef, cyborg, monster or saint and be very believable doing it, but that doesn’t mean he or she is any of those things.
Check this out!
Ramsey Campbell. Look at this guy. Doesn’t he look like he can play Santa Clause in the next remake of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’?
Yet, he has written his share of nightmare inducing horror stories like: Demons by Daylight, Alone with the Horrors, and Told by the Dead. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about them.
Meet these lovely ladies of Horror
Mehitobel Wilson
Read all about Mehitobel here.
Kathe Koja
Read more about Kathe here.
Angela Graham––Writer of erotica. Does she look like a perve to you?
Nicholas Sparks is a Romance writer. Does he look like a romance writer?
Nicholas Sparks
The comedy writer’s job is to make people laugh. That is serious business.
Read this article from WebMD: Give Your Body A Boost––With Laughter
Dr. Seuss
Learn more about Dr. Seuss here.
Diablo Cody Academy Award Winning Comedic Screenwriter
Read more about this comedy writer here.
There are many genres of writing and even more writers, and I’m not saying that some of us don’t have a few peculiar quirks and habits. What I am saying is that we are all individuals, and the genre we write has nothing to do with who we truly are. So don’t judge a writer by his or her genre. I guess you’ll just have to get to know us.
Check out these links:
Weird Writing Habits of Famous Authors
The Odd Habits and Curious Customs of Famous Writers
8 Strange Rituals of Productive Writers
Vashti Quiroz-Vega writer of horror, suspense, thriller and dark fantasy
What are your thoughts on this? What’s your favorite genre? Have you learned anything new with this post?
AUTHOR BIO:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of fantasy, horror, and suspense/thriller. When she isn’t creating extraordinary worlds or fleshing out powerful characters, she enjoys reading, traveling, kayaking, photography, and seeking adventures. She lives in Florida with her husband and fur baby, a Pomeranian named Scribbles (who’s also her writing buddy).
Twitter -@VashtiQV
Facebook – http://on.fb.me/1g0da7d
Website – http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com
BOOK INFO:
In The Fall of Lilith, Vashti Quiroz-Vega crafts an irresistible new take on heaven and hell that boldly lays bare the passionate, conflicted natures of God’s first creations: the resplendent celestial beings known as angels.
If you think you know their story, think again.
Endowed with every gift of mind, body, and spirit, the angels reside in a paradise bounded by divine laws, chief of which are obedience to God, and celibacy. In all other things, the angels possess free will, that they may add in their own unique ways to God’s unfolding plan.
Lilith, most exquisite of angels, finds the rules arbitrary and stifling. She yearns to follow no plan but her own: a plan that leads to the throne now occupied by God himself. With clever words and forbidden caresses, Lilith sows discontent among the angels. Soon the virus of rebellion has spread to the greatest of them all: Lucifer.
Now, as angel is pitted against angel, old loyalties are betrayed and friendships broken. Lust, envy, pride, and ambition arise to shake the foundations of heaven . . . and beyond. For what begins as a war in paradise invades God’s newest creation, a planet known as Earth. It is there, in the garden called Eden, that Lilith, Lucifer, and the other rebel angels will seek a final desperate victory—or a venomous revenge.
“[A] compelling narrative that . . . strays far from traditional biblical text . . . A well-written, descriptive, and dark creation story.”—Kirkus Reviews
THE FALL OF LILITH (http://a.co/61rGKHL)
We appreciate you so much for stopping by today. Please be sure to pick up your copy of this exciting book. And don’t forget to stop by the rest of Vashti Q’s tour stops here.
Shirley Harris-Slaughter 
Great post, Vashti. Life provides the drama, the terror, the mystery. We writers just try to capture it on paper. I love how you explained that. ♥
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Good point Gwen.
Thanks for adding to the conversation.
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I couldn’t agree more, Gwen! Thank you! 😀 ❤
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Hi Vashti – great analogy and links! Very true – authors (like books) can’t be judged by their cover (or what is between their covers) – I think the key of any good author is to be a great observer of that great play we are all actors in – Life.
Best regards – MikeL
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Mike, you offer a good analogy yourself. We really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by.
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Well said! I agree, it is important to be a keen observer of people, life, and the world in general. Everything we observe gets locked away in the computer we call our mind, and then it resurfaces when we sit down to write. We are our own muses. 😉 Happy to see you here, Mike!
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Most people I know don’t know I write. It’s not something I talk about. Great post! Thanks for hosting, Shirley!
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Laura its difficult to talk about to my husband’s family members. So I don’t talk about it. They never so much as wished me well. They do not support me at all except for maybe 2 who purchased a copy. Its a big family and its so sad.
But thank you for adding to this continuous conversation.
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I can relate, Shirley! My husband has a huge family and with the exception of a couple of his cousins, everyone else turns a blind eye. My sister-in-law has yet to even acknowledge the fact that I wrote a book, let alone wish me well. It is sad. I would be happy for her if it were the other way around––I don’t get it. Oh well.
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Hi Laura! My husband tells everyone we meet that I’m a writer. Ha, ha! It’s a little embarrassing. My sister and her kids love to tell people as well. I talk about it if someone else brings it up, otherwise I don’t. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 😀 xx
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One of my friends said after reading one of my darker fantasy novels, “I thought I knew you. But, now I wonder what’s going on in your head!”
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Ha, ha! That sound familiar, Wendy! Makes me wonder what’s going on in their heads! 😉
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Great post, Vashti! As a romance writer I can confirm I’m not showered with candy and romantic dinners, but a girl can hope! Thanks for hosting, Shirley.
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I did imagine you sitting in a fancy restaurant between Kai and Jem, while one held your two dozen long stem roses and played with your hair, and the other fed you dessert. Ha, ha! 😉 xx
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Hi Michelle. Thank you for stopping by to support Vashti Q. Its good to see you.
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Reblogged this on mallie1025 and commented:
Things to think about writers
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Thank you for reblogging, Micki! ❤
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Are we what we write? Well, Vashti, it is said that we write from what we know. If that is right, then we are a bit, a little bit of what we write. 😀 Just have fun writing! Thank you, Shirley, for hosting her.
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Thank you Joy for stopping by and adding to this conversation.
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Well, knowing about the material we write and being what we write are two different things, my friend. I agree with you in that we should have fun writing. 😉 xx
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You are so right about this topic, Vashti! As a middle school teacher, I sometimes feel restricted in what I can publish because I fear that a parent may read something I’ve written that’s more on the adult end and judge my worth as a teacher based on that particular piece. (Or worse, I worry that a student will want to read it because they love my YA works and want to read something else written by me.) It’s a bit frustrating.
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I see your point. I would be frustrated too. I enjoy writing for adults as well as kids and I would be upset if I couldn’t do both. Maybe you can use a pen name and don’t put your picture on the book––be very mysterious. You may be able to get away with it. 😉
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I’ve thought of that, but a part of me is defiant and doesn’t like to conform to society’s rules. So far, I’ve been able to keep that voice sequestered in her own small, sound-proof box. 😉 For now, I’ve got plenty of YA material that I want to write. I may just leave the adult stuff for when I retire. Lol!
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Ha, ha! Okay, as long as that small, sound-proof box doesn’t turn into a raging volcano! 😉
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Yvette, I don’t think anyone will have a big problem with your genre and the way that you write. There is nothing there that would be offensive to young children of a certain age too. So its all good.
I appreciate you and what you bring to the table.
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Shirley, you are correct that the current genre in which I write would not be offensive, but if I were to write an adult novel, it may become an issue. I think the parents of my middle school students might have an issue with it. For now, I’m happy writing YA novels, but one day, I’m going to let my other ideas out of their cages. lol! 😉
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Reblogged this on Stephen Geez Blog and commented:
Discover VashtiQV!
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Thank you very much, Stephen! 😀
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This is so true, Vashti! And another fabulous stop on your tour. Cheers to you! 🙂
Thanks so much for hosting, Shirley. Always a treat to visit!
Wishing you both a lovely evening. 🙂
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Natalie, its a pleasure having you here. Thank you for stopping by.
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Lovely to see you here, Natalie. Thanks for all your support. You have a great evening too. 😀 xx
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Very interesting post, Vashti. I never really thought about how authors might look in regards to their preferred genre. Stephen King looks like an older nerd, but his mind is full of dark characters and darker environments. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for hosting, Shirley. I love you blog!
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Should read: *I love your blog.
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Beem, I think Stephen King is the only one that is the exception. Based on his appearance, no one would dispute that he is the author of all those nightmare thrillers. I think his writing keeps him up at night. lol
I thought you seen this blog; or maybe it looks like something new every time you stop by. It was my pleasure to host Vashti.
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Oh, yes. I’ve seen your blog many times. I’m just letting you know it’s one of my favorite blogs out there! Keep up the good work.
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Hi Beem! Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I never gave it much thought either, until people began looking at me, as if I had two heads when I told them I write horror and dark fantasy. ‘Why?’ They’d ask. ‘You don’t look like a horror writer’, they’d say. 😉
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Oops! When I *tell them I write Horror . . .
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Reblogged this on The Angry Scribbler.
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Thank you for reblogging, Kester! 😀 xx
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thank you for the reblog, Kim! 😀
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My pleasure. 😀
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Excellent post, Vashti. I can’t imagine you looking like someone who is dark and full of angst. Enjoyed this. Thanks Shirley for hosting.
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Thank you, John! That’s very kind of you to say. I have my dark moments, like everyone else, I guess, but I rather be spritely and optimistic––it’s so much more fun. I’m happy you enjoyed the article. 😀 xx
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😀
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John we do tend to judge authors by their writing genre without even thinking about it.. Sometimes it pans out and sometimes it doesn’t.
I appreciate you adding your thoughts to the conversation. Thank you for being here.
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Thank you , Shirley.
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Reblogged this on The Long and Short Stories of Life and commented:
My friends Vashti Q and Shirley Slaughter have combined to introduce Vashti’s book, The Fall of Lilith, to a new audience of readers. However Vashti has posed a very serious question in the article that follows. “Do You Judge An Author By His Or Her Genre?” Enjoy! Click the link that follows to leave a comment on Shirley’s page.https://shirleyslaughter.com/2018/01/11/congratulations-rrbcspotlightauthor-vashtiqv-rrbc/comment-page-1/#comment-11911
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Thanks for reblogging, my friend!
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I’m going to dip into the various authors backgrounds later, but I love your introduction, Vashti. I am guilty of imagining writers of erotica clothed in silk negligees and such as they write.🤣🤣Hi Shirley! Thanks for hosting us. I tried to reblog this, but it didn’t take. I’ll try again!
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Linda I was experiencing something out of the ordinary. When I get back on my computer will try to figure it out.
Thank you for your support.
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Always. The reblogging comment appears here twice. Can you please delete one of them? Thanks!
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Ha, ha! That’s hilarious, Linda! Well, just to clarify, I don’t write in the dark, I don’t have pickled hands and feet in jars atop my dresser and I don’t have a head in my refrigerator! Ha, ha! Just kidding with ya! I used to think horror writers were strange folks, back in the day. Stephen King did nothing to dispel this belief––he encouraged it. Thanks for visiting and commenting! I appreciate you! ❤
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Hi Linda, I think I took care of your request. Stuff happens! Lol
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I hope you have a ball and many happy sales!
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Great post and a really interesting article 🙂
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Thank you, D.E.! I’m glad you liked it. 😀 Thanks for visiting, for your comment and for the tweets and RTs! I appreciate your support! ❤
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Pingback: Rave Reviews Book Club “Spotlight” Author | The Writer Next Door|Vashti Q
Hi Shirley! I am thrilled to be a guest on your marvelous blog! Thank you so much for being a host on my “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour! It’s been one awesome blog after another and I couldn’t be more pleased and satisfied with how it is going. ❤ xx
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Oh, yeah – the surface does not always reflect the genre, or what goes on inside our craniums come to that! Great article, Vashti! 😀
Thanks for having us around, Shirley 🙂
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Hi Jan! I’m always wondering what lists the FBI has me on, because I know I must have been flagged at least a dozen times while doing research for some of my stories. Ha, ha! Thank you for stopping by and for your comment! 😀 xx
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Jan, I’m glad you came over. You know I love having you around. lol.
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I have never really thought about how the writer looks and their genre…but I think you make a good point that it is being done. I definitely like to get inside the bad guys head, but I could never be like them:) Enjoying your spotlight tour. Fun post!
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Hi D.L! Unfortunately, it does happen. I was actually told once, ‘How could your stories be scary? You look like you couldn’t even hurt a fly!’ I had to laugh, although he was right, (okay, maybe I could hurt a fly and a mosquito and a roach, but that’s as far as I will go). But, it isn’t about what I am capable of doing––it’s about what my characters are capable of doing. Oddly enough, some people don’t get that. I’m enjoying the spotlight very much. It’s been a great tour with some great hosts. I can’t complain. Thank you! 😀 xx
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Hi Rhani and thanks for stopping by and supporting Vashti.
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I love the movie “A Walk to Remember” and so it is wonderful to meet the writer! Vashti I didn’t know what a treat it would be to host you. Thank you so much for sharing your insights on genres and introducing us to Nicholas Sparks.
Congratulations Spotlight Author!
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It’s my pleasure to be here, Shirley! I’m so happy that you decided to take part in this “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour. I’m happy you’re enjoying the process. Thank you very much! ❤ xx
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Congrats, Vashti, I loved learning so much more about you. It made me wonder what my grandkids think about having a Grandma who writes, horror and paranormal. 😀 Enjoy your spotlight tour. It gets better and better along the way.
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Hi Micki! Aw, you’re so sweet. Thank you! I’m sure your grandkids are exited to have a cool horror writer for a grandma! Kids seem to get it, it’s some adults that are ‘confused’, to put it nicely. I’m having a great time! Thank you, I’m happy you think so. 😀 xx
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Awesome post! Vashti, I have Lilith on my TBR, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
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I’m so happy to hear/read that, Rhani! I hope you enjoy, The Fall of Lilith when you get to it. Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed the post! 😀 xx
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