Genres I love and why!
Books aren’t just words on a page—they’re doorways into whole new worlds. As a self-published author, I’ve found myself falling in love with certain genres that feel like home to me, while also exploring others that continue to surprise me. Romance, rom-com, and dark fantasy are my go-to favorites, while mystery/thriller and fantasy are genres I’m still uncovering with wide-eyed curiosity. Today, I’m sharing why each one inspires me in different ways.
Why Genres Matter
Genres are like flavors of ice cream—you might have your all-time favorites, but there’s always that one flavor you’re curious to try (even if it’s pistachio and you’re not totally convinced yet). For me, genres shape not only how I read but also how I write. They feed my imagination, tug at my emotions, and sometimes even push me outside my comfort zone.
Some genres feel like a cozy homecoming; others feel like an exciting new adventure. That balance is what keeps reading magical.
1. Romance ❤️
Romance will always be my soft spot. It’s the genre that makes me sigh, laugh, and occasionally yell at characters like they can hear me. (If you’ve never screamed, “Just admit you love each other already!” at 1 AM, are you even a romance reader?)
Why I love it: Because at its core, romance is about connection. It’s about people finding each other despite flaws, fears, or circumstances. That spark of vulnerability, the tension, the hope—it’s addictive in the best way.
Famous examples: From Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to Colleen Hoover’s emotional rollercoasters, romance proves that love stories never go out of style.
How it influences my writing: Romance keeps me grounded in the power of relationships. Even when I dabble in darker or more adventurous themes, I find myself circling back to that emotional heartbeat: love.
2. Rom-Com 💕😂
If romance is the heart, rom-com is the giggle that makes it beat a little faster. Rom-coms are pure joy: funny, awkward, lighthearted, and full of those “oops, did that really just happen?” moments.
Why I love it: Because life is hilarious and messy. Rom-coms remind me that love doesn’t always have to be dramatic—it can be silly and sweet too. Think accidental encounters, mistaken identities, or that classic “we hate each other until we don’t” storyline.
Little confession: I will never get tired of sarcastic banter that masks romantic tension. Call it a weakness, call it a preference—I call it entertainment.
Famous examples: Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Sophie Kinsella’s novels always leave me grinning like I’ve just been told a secret.
How it influences my writing: Rom-coms encourage me not to take everything so seriously. A little humor sprinkled into storytelling makes characters feel more real and their love stories even more delightful.
3. Mystery/Thriller 🔍
Now here’s where I’ll be honest—I’m still exploring this one. I’m not (yet) the type who has a wall full of red string connecting clues like a detective in a TV show. But when I do pick up a thriller, I’m instantly hooked.
Why I’m exploring it: Because there’s something undeniably addictive about suspense. I love the way a well-written mystery can make me turn pages like my life depends on it. Do I always figure out who the culprit is? Ha! Not even close. But half the fun is being completely outsmarted by the author.
Famous examples: Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl is a wild ride, and Agatha Christie’s work is basically the gold standard.
How it influences my writing (so far): Mystery is teaching me pacing. Even though I’m just wading into the genre, I’ve noticed it sharpens my sense of tension and makes me think harder about keeping readers engaged with twists and turns.
4. Dark Fantasy 🌑✨
Dark fantasy feels like home in a strange way. It takes the magic of fantasy and dips it in shadows, exploring the morally gray areas most genres shy away from.
Why I love it: Because it doesn’t sugarcoat things. Dark fantasy worlds are messy, dangerous, and full of complicated characters making impossible choices. That rawness feels honest to me.
Personal note: I think I connect with dark fantasy because it mirrors the struggles we all face—fear, doubt, resilience. Sure, there might be monsters and curses, but at the heart of it, dark fantasy is about survival and identity.
Famous examples: Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House or George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.
How it influences my writing: Dark fantasy pushes me to explore the uncomfortable corners of humanity. It gives me permission to write flawed, gritty characters and endings that don’t always tie up neatly with a bow.
5. Fantasy 🧚♀️
Fantasy is another genre I’m still exploring—and honestly, it feels like stepping into a giant, magical playground.
Why I’m exploring it: Because every fantasy book I pick up makes me realize how limitless imagination can be. Worldbuilding, magic systems, epic quests—it’s a buffet of creativity. I haven’t read nearly as much as I’d like, but the more I dive in, the more I fall in love with the endless possibilities.
Confession: Sometimes, I pick up a fantasy book just for the dragons. No regrets.
Famous examples: Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass are huge names in the genre, and I’m slowly working my way through the big ones.
How it’s influencing my writing: Even though I’m still a beginner here, fantasy is stretching me as a storyteller. It encourages me to think bigger, dream wilder, and not be afraid to build entire worlds from scratch.
Genres I’m Still Exploring 📚🧭
Mystery/thriller and fantasy are still relatively new adventures for me, and that’s exciting. It means I get to experience the “wow, I didn’t know books could do this!” feeling all over again. And honestly, that’s one of the best parts of being a reader—you’re never done discovering.
What Readers Can Gain 💡
Each genre offers something different:
• Romance shows us the power of love.
• Rom-com reminds us to laugh through the chaos.
• Dark fantasy digs into the gritty realities of survival.
• Mystery/thriller keeps us curious and sharp.
• Fantasy lets us dream beyond limits.
And together, they create a beautiful balance of emotions, lessons, and pure entertainment.
Ok I’ve gone on long enough.. let’s wrap it up! 📿
So there you have it—my favorite genres: a mix of well-worn loves and exciting new discoveries. Romance, rom-com, and dark fantasy feel like home to me, while mystery/thriller and fantasy are the genres I’m still happily wandering through like a wide-eyed explorer.
As a self-published author, these genres fuel my imagination, shape my characters, and keep my passion for storytelling alive. And now I want to hear from you: What genres make you lose track of time? Share your favorites—I might just add them to my reading list.
FAQs ✅
Q: What’s the difference between romance and rom-com?
Romance leans more on the emotional depth, while rom-coms add humor and lighthearted chaos into the mix.
Q: Why are thrillers so addictive?
Because suspense is a universal hook! They play with our curiosity and keep us glued to the page.
Q: Can writers mix genres?
Absolutely. Some of the most memorable stories happen when genres overlap—like romantic thrillers, funny fantasy, or dark rom-coms (yep, that’s a thing!).
