Page Fright
Hosted by authors Sydney Kain (Our Love Language is Murder: coming Feb 2027), and Liza Petrov (Pre-Query). PAGE FRIGHT follows the journey of Sydney and Liza as they find their place in the literary world. Each week they offer a unique take on the ins and outs of the publishing industry, discuss craft and the vulnerability it takes to be a writer, and they answer questions from fans. New episodes every Tuesday.
Page Fright
Is Your Favorite Genre Taboo?
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Is Your Favorite Genre Taboo? Exploring Boundaries in Writing and Society
In this episode, Sydney and Liza dive into the social and artistic implications of writing in genres considered less serious or taboo, such as horror, romance, and dark themes. They discuss how societal perceptions influence genre credibility and how writers can navigate genre boundaries while staying true to their creative vision.
Key Topics:
- How societal views label genres like romance and horror as less serious or 'taboo'
- The impact of genre on perceived literary value and audience expectations
- Exploring why certain topics (e.g., sex, violence, mental health) are taboo and their role in storytelling
- The psychology behind taboo subjects and their cathartic or educational value
- Strategies for writers to handle sensitive or taboo content responsibly
- The influence of gender and societal norms on views about female authors and erotic scenes
- The importance of research versus imagination in writing realistic versus fantastical worlds
- How trigger warnings can both protect and limit storytelling
- Personal approaches to character development and genre exploration
- The evolution of genre respectability through history and publishing trends
