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As fantasy readers, how would you feel if one of your favourite authors suddenly turned out a crime story or an epic romance for mainstream? The question came up in a discussion last weekend and I'm curious to know your thoughts. One group of people maintained it would feel like a Betrayal whilst others felt it wouldn't bother them and if anything, they'd be encouraged to try these books.

Thoughts?

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I was actually drawn into the fantasy genre by David Eddings (or exactly, by the cover art, good old Geoff Taylor), and I love the Balgariad and Mallorean (to a lesser degree), and tolerate the other two trilogies (couldn't stomach Althalus, will never finish reading it I believe), BUT I do think that Eddings did his best writing in the two contempory novels, High Hunt and The Losers, both written before his fantasy ones. They are fabulous books with some of the most wonderful character development I have read.

And Ray Feist, another fav, did branch out into horror for one book, Farie Tale, which was great.

So, I don't think I would mind if some of my other fav authors did the same. I mean, it all becomes about the author in the end doesn't it?? It's not the genre that makes a good book, but the story and style and stuff, which is all up to the author. I read on a writers board that if any fantasy story you write can't be translated into a contemporary setting, then you don't have a story. It would take some imagination to translate some of the stories I have read, but it is do-able.

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"You risk tears if you let yourself be tamed."
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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I can see nothing wrong with this........changing genre can keep the creative juices flowing and keep you from becoming staid. It may even lead to plots and ideas you would not have imagined in different circumstances

I don't tend to just read fantasy....(hope I am not uttering blasphemy here).....often for something different I will read something light hearted like the latest offering from Robert G Barrett or for something a bit deeper the Ellis Peters Cadfael books. So can't see why writing would be any different. Sure you have your favoured area but sometimes it is good to go off the beaten track a bit..........

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Well phew! I'm glad to hear it because I love fantasy (obviously!) but I read plenty of other types of books. Historical fiction when done well like Sharon Penman is just addictive and I love a good thriller like most other people. Sebastian Faulks has offered one of the best series of books I've read in an age. I agree with you Obelixx that it comes down to the writing and the story itself. Is it writing that draws you in and then won't let you go? Is this writer a true storyteller so you find the book almost hypnotic? And finally is it a great tale? If you can tick the boxes then it's a very decent author who can probably cross over genres successfully without alienating him or herself from a following.

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I think Lisa said it best by saying 'becomes about the author in the end doesn't it?? ' Because if the author can keep up the pace with a different style or writting and still keep it a great book then do it. I don't think it makes a difference as long as you captivate your audience

*just my opinion* ">

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Appreciate these comments very much...just in case I ever make the leap ">