How do you pick a genre for life?

Last week I began pondering a cumbersome idea. And frankly, it’s been consuming me. How do you pick a genre for life?

I have a love-hate relationship with categorization.

The annoying, fastidious side of my personality appreciates the tidy attempt, providing a simpler way to choose entertainment in the form of books, music, or films—all things I can’t live without.

Lately categories have become a thorn in my side. For me, one of the hardest choices I had to make when I recently self-published Beneath the Satin Gloves all came down to that bloody categorization.

I stared at the screen for a good while and had to partake in some monumental soul-searching. What about history, romance, adventure, comedy, drama, and don’t forget…science fiction?

After biting all of my fingernails until they became unrecognizable, I made some big girl decisions. After all, the right reader may never find my book if it’s in a category that doesn’t fit. No pressure.

So, I threw my baby book into the thriller pile. When applicable I tossed my baby into the espionage heap for good measure.

I just finished the first draft of my second novel. But, the marketing elves reared their ugly heads, stifling my excitement with their shrill, no-nonsense voices of reason saying: “How are you going to define this kooky one, Britt?”

In a lot of ways, my latest work is an inspiring story about self-discovery and surrendering to love. On the other hand, there is a dark past which haunts the main character, creating suspense throughout.

I eventually realized why picking a genre for my books was so damn difficult. It’s like picking one for life.

Stories are fantastic glimpses into the lives of others. Concepts and characters don’t simply appear out of thin air; they’re based on real experiences and real people.

Life is impossible to categorize.

If it were simple to define, it would be dull as all get-out. We would walk around aimlessly, because everything would be ordinary, regulated, and colorless.

What about my life? I see romance, comedy, and adventure. Sometimes drama makes an appearance—and that’s OK, too. Perhaps my life story would be considered an indie dramedy.

When it comes to packaging up entertainment, categories bestow essential borders of interest for us to reference. Yet, there are times when I watch a comedy and I don’t laugh—in fact, sometimes it’s a downright tear-jerker.

Will readers think my books are all about hopeless criminals and serial killers, because of the thriller label? Possibly. Because we all categorize the category, don’t we?

All I know is, I rolled the dice and took a chance. Hopefully readers out there will do the same when they stumble upon my books, mere needles drowning in a haystack of millions.

So, now I have to challenge all of you. If your life story became a book or a movie, which genre would it fit into?

Happy 100th to Julia Child, the coolest broad!

“Life itself is the proper binge.”
– Julia Child

(In case you’re wondering what it says on my apron: “When I said I do, I didn’t mean the cooking.” Obviously, no relation to Julia.)

What are your favorite Julia Child quotes?

One Lovely Blog Award!

To be considered lovely by anybody is just lovely, isn’t it?

So, I am overjoyed to accept the One Lovely Blog Award for a physical perspective from my charming friend Kristi over at Biscuits & NAVY. Kristi is an adorable fashionista with a knack for fun and elegant wardrobe combinations. Check her out!

I would like to thank all of my beautiful followers out there for your continued support and enthusiasm. You are beyond lovely.

Recently, my little blog surpassed 100 followers! Here’s the celebratory happy dance in case you missed it.

To accept, I must say 7 things about myself:

  1. My goal is to write 10 books in the next 10 years. There, I said it. Now I have to do it!
  2. One of those books is probably going to be about pirates. I thought they were cool long before the Pirates of the Caribbean movies came out.
  3. I can’t resist dark chocolate with sea salt. It rocks my world.
  4. I shudder when people crack their knuckles. By Golly, I even shudder just thinking about it.
  5. Lost In Translation is one of my favorite movies. A lot of people said they didn’t get it. I got it, and thought it was spectacular.
  6. I look like a clown when I wear lipstick, so I usually avoid it altogether.
  7. No matter what is happening in the world, I continue to believe in humanity. The power of positive thinking is always enough.

I would like to nominate the following bloggers for the One Lovely Blog Award (please note…the categories below are only a guideline; several of these blogs cover multiple topics.):

Writing

Travel & Food

Photography & Design

“Whatever makes an impression on the heart seems lovely in the eye.” – Sa’di

Ooh, la la…more awards have arrived!

I’m blushing from head to toe. Really!

I received two more stellar awards from two stellar ladies. I am truly grateful to be honored with more love and encouragement from the blogging community.

The Sunshine Award

A big shout out to my radiant blogger Positive Boomer for honoring me with this award. To me, her blog is pure sunshine, so I am tickled that she considers me in the same cheerful company.

Some of you may have read Written by a 90 Year Old, which came from her blog. If you missed it, read it. You’ll love it!

To accept, I must answer 10 questions:

  1. Favorite color: Grey, Green
  2. Favorite animal: Cat, Cow (some of you met Ken during my last award post)
  3. Favorite number: 7
  4. Favorite drink: Water, Tea, Beer (converted after moving to Wisconsin, naturally)
  5. Favorite website: Yoga Journal (great tips for non-Yogis as well!)
  6. Passion: My beautiful husband, teaching movement, and it seems like I’m forgetting something…oh, that’s right! Writing.
  7. Prefer getting or giving presents: Don’t make me choose! Hey, I’m being real. I like presents!
  8. Favorite pattern:  Paisley (it’s all over my apartment)
  9. Favorite day of the week: Sunday
  10. Favorite flower: Cherry Blossoms

I must cheat a bit on all nominations as I am still new at blogging and cannot muster the required handful at the moment.

Here are two for the Sunshine Award:

  1. Live. Explore. Learn. Remember – Cool, fun couple living in S. Korea. They recently taught me about sock vending machines!
  2. Jessica Korteman – Another cool, fun couple. They live in Japan, and travel everywhere. Living the dream!

The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

A big shout out to my fellow blogger The Emerald Maiden for honoring me with this award. She has a really warm, down-to-earth blog that you should check out. It’s always a relief to find people keeping it real!

To accept, I must say 7 things about myself:

  1. I bite my nails.
  2. I think film noir is fantastic.
  3. Australian accents are my favorite. I wish I had one.
  4. I rarely use a handbag. I use pockets or my backpack.
  5. I know how to dance the Highland Fling.
  6. I want to see the entire world before I die. That’s right, all of it!
  7. Teaching kids has helped me to clean up my dirty mouth. I now say things like “Oh goodness!” and “Fiddlesticks!”.

I would like to nominate the following three bloggers for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:

  1. Doree Weller – A fellow writer with a kindred spirit.
  2. Figments of a Dutchess – She’s Dutch. She’s sassy.
  3. The R Premises – Random, angsty, and refreshingly different.