Reader loyalty and books out of comfort zone

cynic

I was reading this article yesterday about renowned authors who completely switched genres in their careers.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes. ... ostory/64385180.cms

We all have our favorite authors. We have practically read all books written by them, and cannot wait for their next one. What if your author switches the genre that is out of your comfort zone? For an author, it is excellent to explore new genres. But what about reader loyalty? Would you pick a book from your favorite author if it was a genre you strictly avoid.

Do share your thoughts.

Mousetrap

Well, why not? It's interesting,actually. Even if it's a genre I don't fancy, if it's a writer whose works I've consistently enjoyed, I'd gladly check out a book of different genre to see how it fares.

I can't recall enjoying all the books of any author. Some are good, some aren't, so unless I take the risk, I'll never know.

nike1234

Just like authors we should also keep on reading books of different genre.Also some authors have ability to keep their readers engaged no matter what they write, whichever genre they choose to write in. So would love to read books written by my favorite author even if its a genre i strictly avoid.

soothsayer

The genre hardly matters to me. So long as the author has delivered whatever I like, it is fine

jhsurti

I might attempt to read but I have my doubts. Especially when the genre is the one I don't have any interest in. No matter who writes, if I have no interest in the genre, it's a no-no for me.

Slit69

I feel the same as jhsurti. I have strong doubts that if it is a genre that I 'strictly avoid' that the author would make a difference. A genre that is 'outside of my comfort zone' might get a try when written by an author I like, but I'm skeptical the author would make enough of a difference. So if Stephen King were to write a romance novel or a cookbook, I doubt I would read it.

Fortunately many genres have overlap with other genres, such that there are not that many I would 'strictly avoid'.

wangwilly

I feel very disappointed with J.K. Rowling crime fiction series "Cormoran Strike". It feels like she's very amateur in the mystery or crime fiction genre. I hope she will just focus to the "Harry Potter Universe" or any other fantasy series because her writing style is very unique and have a magical touch to the fantasy genre.

viksorion

I would read books from any genre with my favored authors but then I can read any author from my favored genre. And in the end you have to read something... So all goes.

pearkydarlz

Well..if it is my favorite author I would give it a try..no harm trying something new right..with any book its not good reading it if you don't like the book even after reading the first ten pages..so the same goes for the new genre from our favorite author..

metac

I'd try, definitely. Reason why I'd follow a favoured author's shift is a subliminal mix of genre, writing or narrative style, characterization, and some times even the mood for different stuff; Would this author - whom I'm comfortable with and I've grown fond of - bring some difference to my relish, with his native style, of another genre? Can this author's unique touch (in my mind) thrive, enlighten and surprise in a new genre?

A case of new wine in an old bottle, I guess. I love surprises.
Yes, disappointments abound, as do delightful discoveries.

J K Rowling is such a case, for me. It's not much a disappointment but rather, a disconnect.

Her native wit and layered style abide with Strike's novels. So do that subtle woman's touch, perspective and perceptions with the serious subject matter, but there's nothing new she's brought to the table when it comes to the genre itself. I do appreciate that she's flexing her confident wings and perhaps enjoys the trappings of a new literary genre.

Some authors make a brilliant transition, some remain 'meh'. Some I grow indifferent to.

But I'd certainly be open to leaps across genres.