"THEY NOT LIKE US"

    Author Differences

 

For authors of all genres, writing is our superpower. Although our ideologies may differ, highlighting those differences also unifies us.

When exploring any literary genre, one quickly notices that while authors may unite under the same thematic umbrella, their approaches to storytelling can vary widely. Even within specific subgenres, no two authors are the same. Just because two writers share a category of fantasy, romance, or thriller authors, it doesn’t mean they tell their stories in similar ways.

The idea is encapsulated by the phrase, “They Not Like Us.” Writers bring their own backgrounds, influences, voices, and techniques to their work, creating unique reading experiences, even in the same genre. So, let's explore how authors differ when writing in the same genre.

 

1. Voice and Tone: The Signature Sound of an Author

One of the most significant differences between authors writing in the same genre is their voice. Voice is an author’s unique personality to their storytelling—how they write sentences, structure thoughts, and express ideas. Even in the same genre, authors’ voices can be as different as night and day.

 

Consider two authors in the mystery genre. One might write with a gritty, hard-boiled tone, while another prefers a lighthearted, cozy mystery style. Both authors craft narratives filled with suspense and intrigue, but how they convey the story shapes the reader’s emotional experience.

 

2. World-building: Depth vs. Detail

In fantasy or science fiction genres, how an author builds their fictional world plays a crucial role in the story. Even when two writers work within the same genre, their world-building methods can differ greatly.

 

Some authors love intricate detail, describing every corner of their universe with meticulous attention. Others rely on minimalistic world-building, leaving much to the reader’s imagination—the approach they choose changes how immersive or interpretative the story feels.

 

3. Pacing and Plot Structure: Fast vs. Slow Burns

Authors in the same genre can differ significantly in how they structure their plots and the pace at which they reveal crucial story elements. Some prefer the fast-paced, action-driven approach, while others take their time, allowing the story to unfold gradually, with more emphasis on character development and setting.

 

For instance, one author might lean toward edge-of-your-seat, breakneck-speed storytelling in the thriller genre. At the same time, another prefers a slow-burn narrative, where tension builds over time, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

 

 

4. Characterization: Archetypes vs. Unique Personalities

Another way authors diverge in the same genre is through their approach to characters. Some authors create characters that fit into familiar archetypes (the hero, the mentor, the trickster), while others subvert these tropes or create complex characters that defy easy categorization.

 

For example, one romance author might stick to the traditional “will they or won’t they” trope. At the same time, another might introduce characters that are more flawed, unpredictable, or atypical for the genre.

 

5. Themes and Motifs: Broad vs. Specific

Authors can explore wildly different themes within the same genre. One fantasy author might focus on themes of power and corruption, while another emphasizes loyalty and friendship. Similarly, recurring motifs, symbols, or metaphors vary among authors, enriching their stories with distinct layers of meaning.

 

 

Conclusion: “They Not Like Us”

Genres provide the framework for stories, but authors’ styles and techniques are deeply personal. From pacing and tone to world-building and character development, no two writers are exactly alike, even if they share a bookshelf. The diversity in authorial voices within a genre keeps readers coming back for more—it makes reading an endless exploration of new perspectives and styles. So, while two authors might write in the same genre, they honestly “not like us”—each brings something unique to the table.