Mrs. Gann

House B Language Arts

Book Bistro

February 11, 2005

GENRE

genre (ZHAHN-ruh):

A type of literature. We say a poem, novel, story, or other literary work belongs to a particular genre if it shares at least a few conventions, or standard characteristics, with other works in that genre.

A specific category of literature, marked by a distinctive style form or content.

A  type of literature or film marked by certain shared features or conventions. The three broadest categories of genre include poetry, drama, and fiction. These general genres are often subdivided into more specific genres. For instance, precise examples of genres might include murder mysteries, western films, sonnets, lyric poetry, epics, tragedies, etc.

Questions to ask yourself:

1.         What “big” category does your book fit into? (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama)

2.         Within that big category, what is its more specific genre? (Mystery, science fiction, “chick book,” etc)

3.         Who is the target audience for your specific genre?  Brainstorm below who might be interested in reading your book

Remember to look at what “audience” means:

Audience: The people for whom a piece of literature is written. Authors usually write with a certain audience in mind, for example, children, members of a religious or ethnic group, or colleagues in a professional field.