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Genre Boot CampFinding your way without fear

Who we are

• Karen Helmle, Reference Associate II, Boone County Public Library khelmle@bcpl.org

• Carrie Herrmann, Public Service Coordinator, Boone County Public Library cherrman@bcpl.org

• Katie Widener, Reference Librarian, Boone County Public Library kwidener@bcpl.org

What We Want to Accomplish

The State of Readers’ Advisory

From 2013 Readers Advisory Services in Public Libraries Report (http://lj.libraryjournal.com/downloads/#_)

• 21% of librarians have issues keeping up with books and genres

• 17% of librarians uncomfortable with unfamiliar genres

How do you keep up?From 2013 Readers Advisory Services in Public Libraries Report

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Erotica in LibrariesWhat to do after 50 Shades of Grey

Erotica DefinitionAccording to the Adult Reading Round Table, “These edgy novels

use much blunter language to describe sexuality.... Sexual relationships are more important in these works than emotional relationships, and the story may not end with a marriage.”

Topics covered in Erotica

• BDSM (bondage/discipline/domination/submission/sadomasochism)

• Multiple Partners

• Exploration of alternative sexual practices

• M/M Fiction

• F/F Fiction

Readers’ Advisory Challenges

• Hot Romance is not Erotica

• Structure of the story

• Erotica is not pornography

• Sexually Graphic is not automatically erotica

• Street/Urban Lit is not Erotica

• Character motivations are not important

• Author’s storytelling choices are not important

Readers’ Advisory Challenges

• Respect reading preferences

• Sexuality is an individual experience

• Find the theme they enjoy

Sex in Erotica

• Explicitness

• Types of Sex

• Quantity of sex

Marketing your Erotica

• A Balancing Act

• Read-A-Like Pamphlet

• Read-A-Like Bookmarks

Use your catalog

Polaris KLU

Collection Development

• You probably already have some in your collection

• 50 Shades effect

• Allow for anonymous requests

• eBook vs. Print

• Collection Development Policy

• Reconsideration Process in place

Print Erotica

• Kensington’s Aphrodisia and Brava

• Harlequin’s Spice and Blaze

• Avon Romance’s Erotic Line

• NAL’s Heat

• Random House’s Black Lace

eBook Erotica

• InterMix

• Carina Press

• Loveswept

• Ellora’s Cave

• Ravenous Romance

• Flirt

• Avon Impulse

• Forever Yours

• Samhain Publishing

• Total-E-Bound

• Loose ID

• Cleis Press

10 Authors to Know

Nicholson BakerMaya BanksJaci BurtonSylvia DayJoey W. Hill

Lorelei JamesTiffany ReiszA. N. RoquelaureSaskia WalkerZane

Go to Erotica Books• Bared to You by Sylvia Day

• The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by A. N. Roquelaure

• Sweet Addiction by Maya Banks

• Long Hard Ride by Lorelei James

• Colter’s Woman by Maya Banks

• Natural Law by Joey Hill

• Their Private Arrangement by Saskia Walker

New Adult Genre

• Newly Emerging

• Young Adult Meets Erotica

• Female between 18-26

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Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance

Urban Fantasy vs. Paranormal

● Defined.● How to tell the difference.● Web resources and much more!

Urban Fantasy Definition

According to Wikipedia:Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting.

Urban fantasy exists on one side of a spectrum, opposite high fantasy, which is set in an entirely fictitious world. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements.

However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods, and the settings may include fictional elements. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.

Paranormal Romance Definition

According to Wikipedia:Paranormal romance is a sub-genre of both romantic fiction and speculative fiction.

Paranormal romance focuses on romantic love and includes elements beyond the range of scientific explanation, blending together themes from the speculative fiction genres of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

Paranormal romance may range from traditional category romances, with a paranormal setting to stories where the main emphasis is on a science fiction or fantasy based plot with a romantic subplot included.

Common hallmarks are romantic relationships between humans and vampires, shapeshifters, ghosts, and other entities of a fantastic or otherworldly nature.

Genre Headings

● Improves reading recommendations● Some readers very picky about their “niche.”

Categorizing Books

● Is Subjective.● One person might put all zombie books in one area. ● Another might divide them by theme. Comedic vs. Horror.

The Family Tree

● Urban Fantasy is a subgenre of Fantasy.● Paranormal Romance is a subgenre of Romance.● They aren’t relatives!

It’s Complicated

● Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy are very similar. In some cases, the differences between the two subgenres are almost indistinguishable.

● Both genres share the presence of magical creatures such as werewolves, vampires, angels, demons and fairies.

It’s Complicated

● Elements of romance, fear, mystery, horror or humor.● The fun is imagining that the storylines could be true.

It’s Complicated

● Characters might have psychic powers.● Ghosts may be involved.● Characters might have superhuman abilities.● The main character usually lives.● Shapeshifters may be involved.● Time travel could occur.

It’s Complicated

● Elements of legend.● Elements of magic.● Include folklore.● Include horror elements.

It’s Complicated

● Some stories are police procedural.● Some stories are good vs. evil● Some are humorous detective stories.

It’s Complicated

● The genres are changing.● PR is doing more world building.● UF is adding more sex and romance.

Follow the Clues

● UF is usually written in 1st person.● PR is usually written in 3rd person● Not unusual to read viewpoints of leading lady, lead male

and possibly the villains.

Follow the Clues

● PR - setting doesn’t play a large role in book.● UF usually takes place in an urban setting that has a

dangerous undertone.

Follow the Clues

● Paranormal romance is the story of two people falling in love with supernatural elements included.

● The book must focus on the relationship above all else.

Follow the Clues

● Urban fantasy may have a romance, but the story is not built around it.

● UF’s main character is usually trying to solve some type of supernatural mystery.

Follow the Clues

● Paranormal Romance’s protagonist tends to be a more traditional feminine character.

● Can be full of angst.● May suffer from low self esteem.

Follow the Clues

● Urban fantasy’s female protagonist is a tough chick!● She often has a power forced upon her thru accident or

birth.● Doesn’t wallow in angst.● Doesn’t suffer from low self esteem.

Follow the Clues

● Paranormal Romance characters always have a Happily Ever After!

● Urban Fantasy -there is usually a romance but a happily ever after ending is not guaranteed.

Follow the Clues

● PR - a human is having a relationship with a supernatural creature.

● UF- characters may both have supernatural capabilities.

Follow the Clues

• PR romantic couple professes undying love for each other in melodramatic manner.

• Loads of sensuality throughout book.

• Varying degrees of sexual experiences, depending on the author.

Follow the Clues

● UF romantic couple communicates through sarcasm and swear words. Humor may be included.

● Couple may not last to end of series.● The sex scenes usually aren’t as descriptive as PR.

Follow the Clues

● PR’s couple needs to overcome some type of paranormal obstruction in order to be together.

● UF’s main characters need to overcome a supernatural obstacle in order to save the world!

Follow the Clues

● PR has a lower level of action and violence.● Creatures are written to be less scary than UF.● For example, vampires are sparkly and hot!● Vampires may choose to drink only animal blood instead of

human blood.

Follow the Clues

● UF higher level of violence and action.● Stories are dark, gritty, scary and exciting.● Male character seems much more dangerous.

Follow the Clues● PR’s main character’s supernatural power develops quickly

over one book. ● UF’s main characters supernatural powers develop slowly

thru the series.

Follow the Clues

● PR tends to lean towards one novel.● Squeezes in multiple points of views to introduce characters.● Makes us care about them.● They have a problem, then a resolution.● Each book is neatly wrapped up by the end.

Follow the Clues

● UF tend to have a series.● Main character makes many mistakes along the way.● Tries to fix them thru series.● We get to read how character changes and grows as a person

thru series.

But I Will Argue…

● I don’t think Urban Fantasy is about the city.● I think the city is a character in the books● Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books, Shreveport,

Louisiana● Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, Chicago● Kat Richardson’s Greywalker series, Seattle

Follow the Clues● PR book covers tend to have the couples holding each other

in a romantic clench.● Covers tend to be more sexual with varying degrees of

nudity.

Paranormal Romance

Follow the Clues

● UF covers tend to have the main character armed to the teeth.

Urban Fantasy

Follow the Clues

● PR - Back cover of book will comment on relationship dilemma for main characters.

● UF - back cover will discuss character’s situation.

The Final Clue!

● Ask yourself, if the romance is removed will the story still stand?

● If no, it’s Paranormal Romance.● If yes, it’s Urban Fantasy

PR Dark Go To Authors

● J. R. Ward - Black Dagger Brotherhood Series● Sherrilyn Kenyon - Dark Hunter Series● Christine Feehan -Dark Series● Lynsay Sands - Argeneau Family

J. R. Ward

● Books are dark and twisted● Extremely emotional● Characters are full of pain and longing.

Sherrilyn Kenyon

● Tortured Heroes● Kick Butt Heroines● Reformed Villains● Tearjerkers

Christine Feehan

● Known as one of the first authors to start paranormal romance● Strong characters● Sensuous love scenes

Lynsay Sands

● romantic comedy● snarky humor● Vampires are relatable, they are doctors, chefs, lawyers etc.

PR Light Go To Authors

● Katie MacAlister - Dark One Series -Aisling Grey Series, Light Dragon Series

● Michele Bardsley - Broken Heart Vampires● Molly Harper - Naked Werewolf● Dakota Cassidy - Accidentals

Katie MacAlister

● Lighthearted● Writes about Dragons and Vampires● Funny as heck

Michele Bardsley

• Zany scenes

• Small town romance

• Poignant

Molly Harper

● Feel good novels● Light charming novels● Funny● Crazy plot twists

Dakota Cassidy

● Quirky and offbeat characters● Light● Known for using pop culture references● Over the top corniness

Urban Fantasy Go To Authors

● Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels series● Jim Butcher - Dresden Files● Kim Harrison - The Hollow Series● Faith Hunter - Jane Yellowrock Series● Laurell K. Hamilton - Anita Blake Series

Ilona Andrews

● Embodiment of the kick-butt UF heroine.● World building is the best in the genre.● Every aspects of society is detailed.● Kate Daniels is way cooler than any other heroine.● Awesome action.

Jim Butcher

● Harry Dresden is the perfect anti-hero● Sarcastic and funny● Gritty and dangerous world of magic and mayhem● Harry always feels the need to be a “knight in shining armor”

for women.

Kim Harrison

● First book was just ok. Stick with it!● Characters have realistic lives.● Lots of action, romance, conflict.● Side characters have depth.● Author isn’t afraid of issue, dating, grief, abuse, addiction.

Faith Hunter

● Heroine is a shape shifter.● Page turners.● Great character growth.● Unique premise● Second only to Ilona Andrews.

Laurell K. Hamilton

● Exotic World.● Borders on erotica.

Crossover Authors

● Karen Marie Moning - Darkfever Series● Patricia Briggs - Mercedes Thompson Series● Kelley Armstrong - Women of the Underworld Series● Darynda Jones - Charley Davidson

Karen Marie Moning

● Male character is very mysterious● World building is interesting● Mythology is a fun mix of magic and and Irish legends about

the Fae.

Patricia Briggs

● Mixes mythology, and fantasy in a way to feel magically real.● Main character, Mercedes Thompson is tough without being

pushy.● Great side characters, charming romance.● Brave and resilient.

Kelley Armstrong

● Excels at plot, pace and characterization.● Great romantic themes.● Most real life paranormal world.● Main female characters are strong with unique stories.

Darynda Jones

● Exciting newcomer.● Charley is the Grim Reaper.● Charley is endearing.● Wacky.● Great sense of humor.

Hard to Come By, the Male Protagonist

● Mark Del Franco - Connor Grey● Anton Strout - Simon Canderous● John Levitt - Dog Days

Mark Del Franco

● Ex-druid (a priest in the ancient Celtic religion).● Private investigator of the paranormal.● Readalike for Jim Butcher.

Anton Strout

● Simon Canderous is a reformed thief and a psychometrist.● Paranormal policeman.● Think a Ghostbuster/Men in Black mash up.

John Levitt

● Former Magic Enforcer● Now just plays the guitar for a living.● Always gets sucked into doing the work.● Hero is likable and believable.

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STEAMPUNKClockwork and Counter Culture

Steampunk: the origin story

I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term for Powers, Blaylock and myself.

Something based on the appropriate technology of the era; like ‘steam-punks’, perhaps.

K. W. Jeter in Locus Apr. 1987

Steampunk came out of the Cyberpunk movement of the 1980’s. The movement was popularized and defined by three writers: K.W. Jeter, Tim Powers, and James Blaylock

What is Steampunk?According to the O.E.D:steampunk n. : a writer of science fiction which has a historical setting (esp. based on

industrialized, nineteenth-century society) and characteristically features steam-powered, mechanized machinery rather than electronic technology; (also) such writing as a subgenre of science fiction.

According to the Urban Dictionary:Steampunk is a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-

Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan "What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner." It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes.

2 Key Attributes of Steampunk

SettingTraditionally, set in the 19th century British Empire or the American West.Alternatively, set in a fantasy world, an alternate historical setting, or post-apocalyptic.

TechnologyModern devices (or at least

anachronistic devices) depicted as if it was created using the

available technology of the 19th century. Steam Powered over combustion, Clockwork over

digital, Airships over Airplanes etc.

Ancestral Steampunk

The True Victorians

H. G. Wells

Jules Verne

Mary Shelley

Proto-SteampunkKeith Laumer's Worlds of

the Imperium (1962)Ronald W. Clark's Queen

Victoria's Bomb (1967) Michael Moorcock's

Warlord of the Air (1971)

The Names to Know:

James P. Blaylock, HomunculusK. W. Jeter,

Infernal Devices.Tim Powers,

The Anubis Gates

Names to Know:

William Gibson & Bruce Sterling,

The Difference EnginePaul Di Filippo,

The Steampunk TrilogyNeal Barrett Jr.

The Prophecy Machine

Names to Know

Ann & Jeff VanderMeer, edsSteampunk

Jonathan Barnes, The Somnambulist

Gail Carriger, Soulless

Cherie Priest, Boneshaker

Steampunk Across CollectionsScott Westerfield,

Leviathan

Gail Carriger,

Etiquette & Espionage

Marissa Meyer,

Cinder

Brian Sesnick,

The Invention of Hugo

Cabret

Diana Wynne Jones,

Howl’s Moving Castle

Alan Moore & Kevin O’Neal,

League of Extraordinary

Gentlemen

Brian Augustyn & Mike Mignola,

Gotham By Gaslight

Steampunk Culture: Where Fiction Becomes Fact

Steampunk is no longer restricted to the pages of books or movie

screens it has become a counter culture with its own artists, musicians, magazines and

conventions. It has been featured in popular television programs and

has even spread to incorporate more common fandoms…

Images Via: geektyrant.com , ministryofpeculiaroccurrences.com, steampunkworkshop.com, rebloggy.com

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Graphic NovelsMore Than Just Masked Men

A Few Definitions to Know:

•Comic Strip: A short sequence of 1 page or less

•Comic Book: Serialized comics appearing in a magazine- sized booklet

•Graphic Novel: Novel –length comics or a collection of comic books/strips that tell a single narrative arc appearing in book form

•Manga: Stylized Japanese graphic novel in which both page and panels are read right to left.

•Anime: Animation of Japanese origin that can share both style and narrative tropes with manga.

But what’s a “comic”?

Graphic Novel Genres

• Biographies and Memoirs

• Westerns

• Romance

• Crime and Suspense

• Science Fiction/ Fantasy

• Horror

• Life (or something like it)

• Superheroes

Biographies, Autobiographies, & Memoirs

• Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir

• Maus

• Persepolis

• Fun Home

• Blankets

• Harvey Pekar’s Cleveland

Westerns

• Loveless

• Bouncer

• Law of the Desert Born

• All Star Western

• East To West

• Dead West

Romance

• Happy Marriage?!

• Love and Capes

• Blankets

• Stardust

• You’ll Have that

• Midnight Secretary

Crime and Suspense

• Sin City

• Road to Perdition

• A History of Violence

• Criminal

• Sleeper

• Kabuki

• Chew

Science Fiction & Fantasy

• Fables

• Saga

• The Sandman

• Y the Last Man

• We3

• League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

• Punk Rock Jesus

Horror

• The Walking Dead

• American Vampire

• Locke and Key

• From Hell

• Bedlam

• 30 Days of Night

• Constantine

Life (or something Like it)

• Chicken with Plums

• Building Stories

• It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken

• Ghost World

• Epileptic

• Strangers in Paradise

• Scott Pilgrim

Graphic Novels from Other Series

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer

• Firefly

• Dresden Files

• The Exile

• Moon Called

• Derrick Storm

...So about those masked men

Image via: geekrest.com

Image via: bestgeekblogever

Image Via: dccomics.com

Image Via: comicbookmovie.com

The 20 Graphic Novels Every Library should own Non-FictionUnderstanding Comics: The Invisible ArtMausPersepolis

Finished CollectionsSin CityScott PilgramY the Last ManRoad to PerditionKick-AssEx- Machina

Individual NovelsBlankets300A Covenant with GodThe Dark Knight ReturnsThe WatchmenV For VendettaThe Dark Knight ReturnsCurrent SeriesFablesHellboySandman (Sandman Overture started 10/13)The Walking Dead

Erotica Resources

• Fantastic Fiction for Adults

• Ellora’s Cave

• Erotic Readers & Writers Association

• Under the Covers Book Blog

Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Resources

● http://bestfantasybooks.com/● http://paranormalromancewriters.com/topics.cfm● http://urbanfantasyreads.com/● https://sites.google.com/site/sherabookwhisperssite/home

Steampunk Resources

http://www.ministryofpeculiaroccurrences.comhttp://www.goodreads.com/genres/steampunkhttp://www.steampunkmagazine.comhttp://gailcarriger.comhttp://youtu.be/z6-AmXihFsU -PBS off the book

Graphic Novel Resources

Websites:• Goodreads: Graphic Novel

• Image Comics

• Marvel

• DC

• Vertigo

• Dark Horse

• Vis Media

• Top Cow

Print:

• Previews

• Booklist

People:

• Local Comic Book Shop

• Patrons!