NBA SUPERSTAR CHRIS PAUL TO PUBLISH BOOK WITH ST. MARTIN’S PRESS

20 February 2021

It was announced today that Phoenix Suns point guard, ten-time NBA All Star, and president of the National Basketball Players Association Chris Paul will publish his first book with St. Martin’s Press entitled Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court. Publication for the book is planned for September 2021. St. Martin’s Publishing Group SVP/Editor-in-Chief George Witte acquired rights from Anthony Mattero and Jessica Holtz at Creative Artists Agency; Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group SVP/Publishing Director Jennifer Besser acquired an illustrated children’s version of the book. Chris has tapped acclaimed journalist and ESPN broadcaster Michael Wilbon to help him tell the story. A live-action biographical film based on Sixty-One is in development for Disney+.

No ordinary sports memoir, Sixty-One is the deeply personal story of Chris Paul’s relationship with his late grandfather “Papa,” Nathaniel Jones, who had a profound impact on his values and work ethic. The day after Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball for Wake Forest, he received a shattering phone call. Jones, a pillar of the Winston-Salem community where he owned and operated the first Black-owned service station in North Carolina, was mugged and ultimately died from a heart attack resulting from the assault. Days later, in the final game of his high school career, Paul would score sixty one points in tribute to the age of his grandfather’s passing.

In Sixty-One, Chris Paul will speak about his relationship with his grandfather and the crucial lessons he learned from Papa’s example. He also will discuss the close-knit small town black community that raised him, the foundation of faith and family he built his life upon, and what it means to be a positive light within your community and beyond. Sixty-One will be an unusually intimate memoir by a leading voice in sports, popular culture, and social justice issues.

George Witte says, “Chris Paul’s memoir will move, inspire, and surprise readers who know him only as a sports figure. There is so much more to his life, and Sixty-One will reveal it.”

Chris Paul comments, “Sixty-One is a celebration of my Papa Chilly who helped shape who I am today and what I value. His legacy of hard work and service to others is woven through the fabric of my parenting, my community work and how I have approached my basketball career. That high school game where I scored sixty one points was a healing moment through basketball and I am thrilled to work with Michael Wilbon to share this story with the world.”

ABOUT CHRIS PAUL Chris Paul is a ten-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Paul currently plays with the Phoenix Suns and previously played with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Hornets. Off the court, he’s a father, husband, entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. He has served as the President of the National Basketball Players Association since 2013. His business partnerships include the Jordan Brand, State Farm Insurance, Turner Impact Capital, Muzik, WTRMLN WTR, Beyond Meat, PlayersTV, Uncharted Power, Calm, Fanatics, Knowable, Panini Cards, and more. In his home state of North Carolina, he is part owner of the Winston-Salem Dash and owner of the CP3 Basketball Academy. He is the co-founder of Go Hoop Day, a day for celebrating the game of basketball worldwide, and he co-hosts The Baha Mar Showdown, the annual celebrity golf showcase created by Turner Sports and CAA Sports. His production company, Ohh Dipp!!! Productions, creates content across multiple platforms and he has executive produced projects including Chapter 3, Crossroads, The Game Changers, Blackballed, Why Not Us, The Day Sports Stood Still, and American Sole. The Chris Paul Family Foundation continues to provide resources that enrich and strengthen underserved communities across the country.

Paul co-launched the Social Change Fund dedicated to investing in and supporting organizations focused on empowering communities of color and advocating for the human rights of all black lives. His philanthropic efforts have earned him the 2016 ESPYs “Humanitarian of the Year” award, 2016 Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award and the NBA Community Assist Award five times.

#macmillanbooks

Program for “Waffes + Mochi,” a New Netflix Kids Series

Jocie McKade

20 February 2021

Random House Children’s Books and Clarkson Potter will launch a program based on the new Netflix children’s series, Waffles + Mochi, from Higher Ground Productions, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company. The publishing program will include three children’s titles releasing this spring and summer, and a cookbook for children ages 3 to 7 coming in Fall 2021.

Waffles + Mochi is a new series debuting March 16, 2021 that brings Michelle Obama’s message of healthy eating to children and their families. Through an entertaining combination of puppetry, animation, celebrity chefs, and famous guest stars, Netflix’s new show introduces young children and their families to a world of food, cooking, and fearless eating.

The children’s publishing program begins with a picture book to be released on March 2, 2021, FOLLOW THAT FOOD! , written by Christy Webster, illustrated by Sarah Rebar, featuring an introduction written by Michelle Obama. The book follows best friends Waffles and Mochi as they plan to make a special treat for their new supermarket coworkers. Their search for the perfect recipe takes them around the world as they investigate ingredients, find flavors, and make new friends. Two additional titles will publish on July 13, 2021 – PICKLE PARTY!, a “Step Into Reading” early readers format and RAINBOW OF FLAVORS, a deluxe paint box book with stickers.

In November, Clarkson Potter will publish WAFFLES + MOCHI: THE COOKBOOK for children ages 3 to 7, featuring dishes from the show and other inspired meals for families to cook together, in collaboration with author, recipe developer and New York Times cooking writer Yewande Komolafe.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Netflix and Higher Ground to bring these fun new characters and stories to families,” says Chris Angelilli, VP & Editor-in-Chief & Director, Licensed Publishing, Random House Children’s Books. “Waffles + Mochi’s message about exploration and trying new things is sure to excite and help expand kids’ horizons.”#penguinrandomhouse

Nationwide Digital BookClub

Jocie McKade

19 February 2021

Nearly 16,000 public libraries and tens of thousands of readers across the United States join together to enjoy the latest Together We Read: US digital book club selection. From February 10 to 24, readers with a valid library card can borrow and discuss author Kate Clayborn’s award-winning witty romance ebook and audiobook, Love Lettering, for free with no waitlists or holds. Readers can access the digital book by downloading the Libby app and then participate in an online discussion.

The Together We Read: US digital book club connects readers through U.S. public libraries with a selected ebook for two weeks and only requires a valid library card to get started. This free program is facilitated by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for ebooks, audiobooks and magazines and creator of the Libby app.

“In a time like this, where we’re all spending so much time away from one another, a community experience like Together We Read is so special, and so important,” said author Kate Clayborn. “I hope you’ll find the sense of place and community and romance that I felt while writing Love Lettering—and I hope these characters come to feel as real to you as they do to me.”

In Love Lettering, Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous by designing custom journals for her New York City clientele. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Knowing the upcoming marriage of Reid Sutherland and his polished fiancée was doomed to fail is one thing but weaving a secret word of warning into their wedding program is another. A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. As they gradually open up to each other, both try to ignore a deepening connection between them. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her, before it’s too late.

The Love Lettering ebook is published by Kensington Books and the audiobook is published by Tantor Media. Both the ebook and audiobook can be borrowed from participating U.S. libraries during Together We Read between February 10-24. The title can be read on all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets and Chromebook™ without waitlists or holds. Through Libby, readers can also “send to Kindle®” [U.S. libraries only]. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and there are no late fees. Download Libby to get started.

More information about Together We Read: US can be found here.

MEET THE AUTHOR::: TAMMY GRACE

Jocie McKade

19 February 2021

Special Feature February – Meet the Romance Author

Meet Tammy Grace

Tammy L. Grace is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author who entertains readers with perfect escapes in women’s fiction and clever whodunit mysteries. Her works in women’s fiction include her best-selling Hometown Harbor Series set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and Beach Haven, the first in her new Glass Beach Cottage Series, set in coastal Washington. She also writes the Cooper Harrington Detective Series, featuring a quirky private detective and his faithful golden retriever. Her heartwarming Christmas in Silver Falls novellas are perfect for readers who enjoy Hallmark Christmas Movies.

She is a fan of dogs and includes furry companions in all of her books and has published two dog-centric novels for Bookouture, under her pen name, Casey Wilson.

Tammy’s career as a novelist came from her early love of reading and dreams of writing. She spends most of her days drinking gallons of tea and working in her office with her furry writing buddy. When Tammy isn’t working on ideas for a novel, she’s spending time with family and friends, setting up playdates for her dog, searching for her favorite ice cream, or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She is a huge fan of AcornTV and BritBox and loves binge-watching both. She and her husband have one grown son and a very spoiled golden retriever. You can connect with Tammy on Facebook and she is one of the founding authors of My Book Tribe, a Facebook group of over 10,000 readers.

Here’s a look at Tammy’s latest release:

MOONLIGHT BEACH (Glass Beach Cottage Series, Book 2)
Hope, healing, and happiness live here

A grieving widow tries to find a new path forward. A young woman goes missing and a surprise visitor has nowhere to turn. Is a walk along the moonlit beach offering happiness or more loss?

Lily is still making her way in her new career as an innkeeper in Driftwood Bay and training a hearing assistant dog. Along with those challenges, the young woman she agreed to take in is missing. Lily is positive she didn’t run away and fears the worst.

As she struggles with the emotions stirred up by old losses, she and Mac, the veterinarian she’s been spending time with, decide to take a trip together to the San Juan Islands. She worries about the ramifications of her decision, but her final guests of the season, a group of five widows from Vermont, provide Lily some much-needed motherly advice.

The holidays are especially hard, but her son will be coming to stay with her on his break from college and Lily is looking forward to a relaxing break with him, until unexpected family drama arrives at her doorstep.

Will Lily be able to put the broken pieces of her life back together and risk the future a walk along the moonlit beach might promise?

Moonlight Beach is the second book in the touching Glass Beach Cottage women’s fiction series. If you enjoy heartwarming characters, furry friends, and life’s second chances, then you’ll love the latest moving novel from Tammy L. Grace.

Buy Link for major retailers: https://books2read.com/u/bQdyj7

Visual literacy as a tool for learning

Jocie McKade

19 February 2021

Sometimes you need more than just reading books….

The burgeoning field of visual literacy can be universally understood across a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, regardless of traditional literacy levels. A key tool for navigating digital devices, there is often an antipathy surrounding visual literacy borne out of stigma and at times, intimidation. Jake Hope’s new book “Seeing Sense: Visual Literacy as a Tool for Libraries, Learning and Reader Development,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, brings together research and best practice from different organizations and institutions all over the world to showcase the role of visual literacy as a tool for promoting reading. Featuring a Foreword by Philip Pullman, it will be key in raising awareness among librarians and education practitioners, promoting aspiration and achievement among the children and young people they work with. Coverage includes:

an overview of visual literacy as a tool for reading development;
the role of visual literacy in design and display within libraries and resource centers;
advice for library and information professionals on how to gain greater confidence in using and understanding visual literacy as part of strategies to engage readers; and
a number of practical case studies to illustrate the power and potency of visual literacy as a key tool for making reading accessible, engaging, and appealing for all.

Hope is a reading development and children’s book consultant with a keen interest in librarianship, visual literacy, diversity and children’s books. Named as one of top ten librarians of the future in the United Kingdom’s “Love Libraries Campaign,” he has been a regular reviewer and commentator on children’s books for numerous publications and websites, including leading children’s book journal Books for Keeps and the UK’s trade magazine The Bookseller. As Reading and Learning Development Manager for Lancashire County Council, he designed and delivered a year-long promotion of visual literacy as well as the “Lancashire Reading Trail,” an illustrated scheme aimed at encouraging children to read while fostering an awareness of local geography and culture. He has judged numerous book awards, including the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals, for whom he now Chairs the Working Party.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

InterVarsity Press Announces Launch of IVP Kids

Jocie McKade

18 February 2021

InterVarsity Press has announced the launch of a new line of books, IVP Kids, with the first titles releasing in October 2021. The current list of authors for IVP Kids includes Ned Bustard, Dorena Williamson, Luci Shaw, Ruth Goring, Lacy Finn Borgo, Esau McCaulley, Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren.

Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and director of editorial at IVP, said “IVP Kids picture books will emphasize and build on key areas of strength for InterVarsity Press: justice and spiritual formation. The initial lineup of authors and topics has seemed to flow quite naturally out of these commitments. I am looking forward to the launch of the line.”

The first IVP Kids book is scheduled to release on October 12 and is titled St. Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. This book tells the story of Saint Nicholas, a very kind bishop whose generosity was motivated by his devout faith. That generosity has inspired people all over the world for generations and gave birth to the legend of Santa Claus.

Bustard said, “I am thrilled that IVP is launching IVP Kids and honored that my work is one of the first stories to grace the line. Additionally, it is a joy to have this particular story of mine chosen. I have been working on it on and off for over two decades—writing and rewriting it to try and get the balance right. I love church history, and I love stories of enchantment, and in this book I have sought to combine them both together. My hope is that St. Nicholas the Giftgiver will stir together history and legends in such a way as to provide wonder.”

Bustard is a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, author, and printmaker, and he has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, conferences, and bars. Some of the books he has written, illustrated, or edited include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide, Bede’s History of ME, History of Art: Creation to Contemporary, The Reformation ABC’s, and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

The second book from IVP Kids, releasing on October 26, is The Celebration Place by Dorena Williamson. This fully illustrated book casts a prophetic vision for what the worshiping church, the body of believers, is intended to be. With a special mention of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, The Celebration Place reminds us that the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom is not only a heavenly manifestation but something to be joyfully lived out now. Williamson has a passion for all children to hear the message of God’s diverse kingdom. She writes children’s books that adults need too and is the author of ColorFull, ThoughFull, GraceFull.

Williamson said, “I am honored to partner with the new publishing venture IVP Kids! In 1995 I said yes to God’s call and planted a multiracial church with my husband. For twenty-five years, I’ve experienced the joy of worshiping and doing life with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The Celebration Place is an expansive view of that beauty and a taste of God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven!”

Other titles that are scheduled for IVP Kids include

The O in Hope by Luci Shaw and illustrated by Ned Bustard (November 2021)

Shaw’s poem uses the letter O to point to examples of hope and love. Paired with Bustard’s art, these words and illustrations will bring delight to readers of all ages.

Isaiah and the Worry Pack by Ruth Goring (November 2021)

One evening when Isaiah admits that he can’t sleep because his mind is cluttered with his fears and worries, his mom uses a guided-imagery activity to help him recognize the relief and joy of trusting Jesus with all of our cares.

All Will Be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo (Spring 2022)

Borgo tells the story of a young girl, Julian, whose beloved grandmother is dying. Julian’s interaction with her grandmother is an opportunity to learn more about Julian of Norwich and that we can trust God with all things because he loves us.

(Tentative title) Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit by Esau McCaulley

In this story, Josey and her dad spend a Saturday in preparation for a special Sunday at church. In the process, Josey learns about the goodness and beauty of God’s design of diversity in his kingdom.

(Tentative title) Little Common Prayers by Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Hutson, and Tish Harrison Warren

This collection of short prayers for all occasions and experiences (play time, rest time, car rides, school days, joy, sadness, wonder, etc.) is meant to help children and parents in their everyday family faith formation together. These prayers are simple with thoughtful language that is honoring to both the child who prays and to God who listens. Oakes and Hutson are forming members of the children’s band Rain for Roots.

Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said, “Throughout our seventy-three history, InterVarsity Press has maintained a unique commitment to meet readers in their undergraduate years and walk alongside them with the publication of thoughtful Christian literature throughout the rest of their life. It’s always been our desire to nurture a commitment to lifelong reading, and at various times in the past we have published books for younger readers, including John White’s Archives of Anthropos series and John Bibee’s Spirit Flyer books. However, IVP Kids represents a new direction as we seek to share with children content regarding things that matter deeply to God, things like discipleship, formation, and how to live lives of mercy, justice, and peace in a world desperately yearning for that. I am delighted by the titles we have lined up for the early months of IVP Kids and look forward to the effect these books will have on young readers for years to come.”

Check out this video to learn more about IVP Kids.

SNEAK PEEK: BLUE FIRE BY E.C. BLAKE

Jocie McKade

18 February 2021

BLUE FIRE BY E.C. BLAKE

From the author of the acclaimed fantasy trilogy The Masks of Agyrima, published by DAW Books, comes another epic YA fantasy adventure.

Centuries ago, the people of Nevyana were forced to leave their old kingdom across the sea after it was devastated by the War of the Twelve Gods. The only three Gods to survive that war, Vekrin of the Earth, Arrica of the Sun, and Ell of the Moon, agreed to leave the affairs of men alone–but not until they gave their followers a few final magical Gifts.

Vekrin and Arrica gave their followers the gift of Blue Fire, a powerful force that could provide light, heat, and protection–or be turned into a powerful weapon. But Ell chose instead to utterly transform her followers into the almost feline Nightdwellers, nocturnal creatures with fur, teeth, and claws.

Enmity quickly arose among the three groups, and now the Nightdwellers rule the night, killing any ordinary humans they catch out after sunset. Vekrin’s followers became the Citydwellers, retreating behind stout walls of stone, protected by the Blue Fire-powered firelances of the Priests. And Arrica’s followers became the Freefolk, able to travel through the wilderness protected by a Fence of Blue Fire, but always in danger of Nightdweller attack.

When sacred objects for channelling Blue Fire are stolen, three sworn enemies, Petra of the Citydwellers, Amlinn of the Freefolk, and Jin of the Nightdwellers, set out to find them, and their paths converge on a collision course with the truth. Can they bridge the centuries-old division among their communities? Or will their search for the truth and the explosive power of Blue Fire signal the end of Nevyana?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

E.C. Blake is a pseudonym of Edward Willett, the award-winning author of more than sixty
books of science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction for readers of all ages. Based in Regina,
Saskatchewan, Canada, Willett won the Aurora Award (Canada’s top science-fiction award) for Best Long-Form Work in English for his 2009 novel Marseguro (DAW Books), as well as a Saskatchewan Book Award and others, and has been shortlisted for these and other awards many times.

His latest novel under his own name, The Moonlit World, Book 3 in his Worldshapers
series, came out from DAW Books in September. Willett is also host of The Worldshapers
podcast (theworldshapers.com), which features interviews with other science fiction and fantasy authors about the creative process. More information about E.C. Blake can be found at: EdwardWillett | Award-winning science fiction/fantasy author

MEET THE AUTHOR: VK Tritschler

Jocie McKade

17 February 2021

MEET V.K. TRITSCHLER
A Little ‘Kiwiadian’…..and a lot of romance

I am a weird combination of New Zealander and Canadian (Kiwiadian as my brother would say) who is now living in the bright sunshine of the South Australian coast with my family. My writing career is relatively new, having only taken flight when I joined the local whttps://www.facebook.com/vktritschler/riting group and realised all the mistakes I had been making. Now, with my ever increasing pet entourage, I have completed three books in the last year. The first, a paranormal anthology, dove into the ideas of alternate universes. The next, a romantic suspense, allowed me to showcase my new home sharks and all. And lastly, my latest, is a light romcom based in the garden city of Adelaide which has a very Emily in Paris feel to it. I love travelling, which is currently virtually or via my books.

But I also love to hang out with friends, also having to do virtually a lot this year. 2021 will be better right? I love to chat with my readers, and each review gives me a warm fuzzy.

Here’s a look at VK’s latest release: TRADE SECRETS

What happens when your dream job turns out to be a hot mess?

Emily earned a spot in a top Adelaide advertising agency and was excited to be starting her professional career. But on her very first day she gets coffee spilled on her by Meg, her new and complicated co-worker; runs into Jimmy, her wildly inappropriate boss; and gets stuck in an elevator with Harry, who is the hottest guy in the industry and her company’s biggest competitor.

When Jimmy enlists Emily to spy on Harry and his company, things become more complicated.

But Emily finds that her life isn’t as perfect as she’d dreamed. Now, she has to choose between handsome Harry, who may not be all he seems, and bawdy Jimmy, who is exactly what she fears. Secrets and hidden agendas rip apart Emily’s dreams. Will she pick the devil she knows or the one she doesn’t?

EXCERPT OF TRADE SECRETS

Now tucked into a corner of the room, she watched as people in suits came and went, the hustle, bustle, and noise reminding her of bees flocking to the fields of nectar. It gave her another idea to share with Meg, so she pulled out her notepad and began to scribble it down when a shadow was cast over her.

“Hello again.”

She found the face of the man she had been drooling over in the elevator. Everything she had been doing paused involuntarily, included her heartbeat.

“Oh, hello.” She smiled, placing the notepad back onto the table and wishing she had been to the bathroom five minutes ago to tidy her hair.

“May I?” He pointed to the chair opposite her.

Oh my God, her brain screamed, he wants to have lunch with me.

“Sure,” she stammered, casting an eye over her half-eaten salad. She wasn’t sure she could physically eat in front of him because at this point, she couldn’t seem to swallow.

“Thanks,” he said, placing a coffee and a salad plate on the table. “I’m Harry Craig.”

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9VXSGD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trade-secrets-22
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trade-secrets-vk-tritschler/1137951048
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1536251359

SNEAK PEEK: BLACK CORAL BY ANDREW MAYNE

Jocie McKade

17 February 2021

BLACK CORAL BY ANDREW MAYNE

For a police diver in Florida, solving a cold-case mystery brings a serial killer out of hiding in a deep, dark thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Naturalist.

Sloan McPherson and the Underwater Investigation Unit have discovered a van at the bottom of a murky Florida pond. Sealed inside the watery tomb are the bodies of four teenagers who disappeared thirty years ago after leaving a rock concert. To authorities, it looks like a tragic accident. To Sloan, it looks like murder. Every piece of evidence is starting to connect to a string of cold case vanishings throughout Florida. Clue by clue, Sloan navigates the warm, dark waters where natural predators feed, knowing that the most dangerous one is still above the surface—nesting and dormant.

But when a fresh young kill is found in the Everglades, Sloan fears that her investigation has reawakened a monster. How can she catch someone who’s a genius at hiding in plain sight? By acting as prey. The dangerous gambit is working—only too well. She’s being lured into a deception of the madman’s own design. Has Sloan set a trap for a serial killer? Or has he set one for her?

You can purchase BLACK CORAL at:

Amazon
Indiebound
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrew Mayne is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose books include The Naturalist, a Thriller Award finalist and Black Fall an Edgar Award finalist Black Fall. He’s the star of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week special Andrew Mayne: Ghost Diver, where he swam alongside great white sharks using an underwater invisibility suit he designed and also was the star of A&E’s Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne.

Social media links

Website: AndrewMayne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmayne/

5 Fascinating Sub-Genres You Might Not Know Exist

Jocie McKade

17 February 2021

Everyone reads fantasy and science fiction stories without thinking twice about the special contexts. A fictional story can take place in any setting, time period or circumstance imaginable. Review 4 interesting subgenres that you have heard of but never thought about in depth.

Low Fantasy

Low fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that is the opposite of high fantasy. In high fantasy stories, there are fictional worlds and universes with fictional creatures that live within them. In low fantasy stories, the real world exists but is invaded by mysterious, magical events or creatures. Usually, there are a few characters who are exposed to this magic but manage to hide their discoveries from everyone else.

Body Horror

Body horror is a subgenre of horror in which horrific events happen to the body. A classic example is Frankenstein that involves a scientist performing experiments on a creature’s body that comes alive and wreaks havoc on society. Often, the character’s body parts undergo grotesque transformations that are out of his or her control.

Alternative History

Alternative history is when the writer changes the outcome of a historical event. An example is changing the ending of a major world war. A writer may wish to create a nuclear explosion in Europe or the U.S. that obliterates millions of people.

Historical Fiction About Business

Fans of alternative history may be interested in historical novels about business. Some of these fictional stories are based on real life stories of business icons who developed multimillion or billion dollar companies. The authors trace the character’s life from beginning to end to understand the factors that made them so successful.

Lost World

The lost world subgenre is a part of fantasy or science fiction. A typical story is a team of scientists who stumble upon a lost world or civilization that has been undiscovered for tens of thousands of years. The best known example is Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1912 story The Lost World. This lost world could occur in various settings, such as the jungle, a remote island or another planet. Lost world fiction may include details about historical events and cultures, such as time travel and prehistoric people, that are rarely known to contemporary readers.

A good story, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, and the context behind that story is important to understand. You’ll find hundreds of subgenres underneath a handful of classic genres. Become more knowledgeable about what you’re reading to truly appreciate the work in front of you.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

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