Genre and audience lurve

[valis2]

This whole CC rehashing makes me wonder anew: what is it exactly about CC's writing that causes such devotion in her fans?

I'm thinking one piece of the puzzle might be genre. Readers generally feel differently about certain genres. Car repair manuals, for example, do not inspire fervent declarations of adoration.

Keep in mind I've only read a little of her work, and that was a while ago. But I'm thinking that it has to do with her fusion of angst and humor. Make someone laugh, and you generally inspire a warm feeling; make someone feel something for a character, and you do the same. I think she does both with her writing, and that might be one clue to her popularity. I mean, humor and crack!fics certainly make one laugh, but I don't think they go to the same place that a story that combines both does.

I also think genre selects audience, to a degree. I wonder if angst!audiences are more passionate about their reading than, say, fluff!readers. Hmm...food for thought.

Comments

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I also think it might be hooked into genre, too. A bit of plot, some funny stuff, some angsty stuff...it's a good formula.