Genre and Tags
Genres
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- 95 Action Fiction - focuses on fast-paced action and physical challenges. Often involves a hero or protagonist facing intense obstacles and overcoming them through physical prowess and skill.
- 845 Adventure - Adventure stories typically have a journey of discovery and exploration
- 2 Disaster - Stories centered around disaster, usually natural but it can be artificial. The disaster itself can be on a global level or extremely localized, imposing peril on only the central characters. Examples from the popularized disaster movie genre include Armageddon, Earthquake, Knowing, The Core, The Day After Tomorrow, and The Towering Inferno
- 40 Historical Adventure - Takes place in a specific historical period or features historical events. Often includes elements of historical fiction and may involve real historical figures. Ex Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- 0 Martial Arts - Stories centered around martial arts. Also popularized by ‘Kung Fu movies’, the primary focus of martial arts stories are the physical fight scenes peppered throughout. Movie examples include Enter the Dragon, Drunken Master, Mortal Kombat, and The Karate Kid
- 28 Nautical - action adventure with a sea-based setting. Examples: Treasure Island, Pirates of the Caribbean
- 18 Spy - lighter-hearted spy - Sort of a Alex Rider and some of the earlier James Bond movies
- 6 Spy-Fi - Spy with Sci-Fi mixed in. This is usually a more technologically advanced situation that most people's every day life. Think Enemy of the State, James Bond Moonraker, Jason Bourne
- 25 Super Hero - Emphasis on action sequences, but with a sci-fi or fantasy element and often capes and costumes. (Unless you listen to Edna Node of The Incredibles (No capes!))
- 11 Swashbuckler - Emphasis on action sequences, but usually with a sword in hand. Tends to cross over with historical nautical action adventures. Examples: Zorro and Pirates of the Caribbean.
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- 24 Buddy Comedy - Focuses on the dynamic between two main characters, often with contrasting personalities, like "Lethal Weapon" or "The Heat."
- 631 Comedy Modern - Funny and less serious stories set in modern times
- 25 Comic Fantasy - Unserious stories set in a fantasy world. Example: Terry Pratchet's Color of Magic
- 12 Comic Sci-Fi - Unserious stories set in a sci-fi world. Example: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
- 3 Comic Horror - Strong unserious element offsetting horror. Example: Scream, Cabin in the Woods, The Lost Boys
- 11 Dark Comedy - Deals with dark, often taboo subjects with humor. Examples include "Dr. Strangelove" or "Fargo," where humor is derived from grim or tragic situations.
- 12 Demonic Comedy - is a light-to-mid-tone supernatural sub-genre where demons, imps, and other infernal beings are placed in humorous, absurd, or comically inconvenient situations that subvert their traditionally fearsome roles. The focus is on witty banter, magical mishaps, and the chaotic contrast between demonic power and everyday life.
- 7 Fish Out of Water - Comedy where characters are placed in unfamiliar environments, leading to humorous situations. "Coming to America" or "The Martian" (with its humorous elements) fit here.
- 23 Satire - Uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.
- 17 Surreal Comedy - Using illogic and absurdity for humorous effect - Example: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Independence Day
- 4 Tall Tale - humorous story with blatant exaggerations such as heroes that do the impossible with nonchalance - Example: Jack and the Bean Stalk, The Princess Bride
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- 25 Alternate History - Story takes place in alternate version of history, such as what if the Nazi's won "The Man in the High Castle" by Phillip Dick. Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card
- 22 Anthropomorphic Fantasy - Animals take on human qualities - The Narnian Chronicles, most animated movies
- 4 Arcanepunk - Magic and Science existing side-by-side - The games Torchlight, League of Legends, and Fables 2 & 3 all have Arcanepunk elements
- 2 Arthurian - stories tied to fantastic elements side of King Arthur, Merlin. Ex: The Crystal Cave, The Once and Future King, Merlin
- 1 Assassin - sub-genre of fantasy tied to assassin's and eliminating political enemies in generally a non-modern world. Ex Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Apprentice
- 6 Cozy Fantasy - Cozy fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy literature that emphasizes comfort, warmth, and a sense of safety, often in contrast to the high-stakes drama or gritty realism found in many traditional fantasy stories. It typically features low-conflict narratives, charming characters, and a focus on everyday life, relationships, or small-scale adventures rather than epic battles or world-ending threats. Think of it as a literary equivalent to curling up with a warm blanket and a cup of tea—it's meant to feel inviting and soothing. Common themes include friendship, community, personal growth, and finding joy in the simple things.
- 12 Crossworlds/Portals - characters from the real world find their way into another, magical world, through a portal of some kind and often find themselves involved in a struggle to save this world or characters within it. Classic example would be ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. and Alice in Wonderland. Often exploring themes of identity, escape, and discovery.
- 8 Demon Urban Fantasy - is a modern-world supernatural sub-genre where demons operate—often secretly—within contemporary cities, influencing crime, politics, magic, or everyday life. These stories blend fast-paced action and gritty urban atmosphere with occult intrigue, demonic bargains, and characters who navigate both human and infernal threats.
- 25 Dragon Fantasy - Stories centered around dragons - ex: Joust, Dragon Riders of Pern
- 22 Fairy Tales - Typically short stories of folklore and legends featuring fantasy creatures. Often tales of allegory.
- 0 Fairycore - Aesthetic-driven fantasy focusing on magical forests, fae courts, and forbidden romance.
- 1 Flintlock - fantasy settings with first gen guns. example - Fable III, Greedfall, Mistborn
- 3 Gaslamp - Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting. Same timeframe as Steampunk, but with a focus on fantasy elements, often featuring manners, intrigue, and old-world charm. Ex: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing
- 897 General Fantasy - Has fantastic story elements and story has not yet been updated with a more specific sub-genre.
- 16 Grimdark - Grimdark is a subgenre of speculative fiction with a tone, style, or setting that is particularly dystopian, amoral, or violent. Also referred to as "anti-Tolkein" where might makes right. Ex: A Song of Ice and Fire
- 39 High/Epic Fantasy - takes place in a fictional fantasy world. The future of this world is in the hands of a hero or group of heroes who must undertake quests and battle evil. A classic example of this genre would be 'Lord of the Rings'.
- 22 Historical Fantasy - usually set in a historically accurate period of this world, but where magical creatures or supernatural forces exist. Examples: Clash of the Titans, Pirates of the Caribbean series
- 3 Lost World - Usually a story where the prehistoric still thrives. Such as King Kong or Journey to the Center of the Earth.
- 47 Low Fantasy - takes place in a real world setting with magical elements. Though elements such as werewolves, vampires, and ghosts have their own sub-genres in Paranormal. Examples: Harry Potter
- 28 Magical Realism - Blends magical elements with realistic settings and situations, creating a sense of wonder within the ordinary.
- 28 Medieval Fantasy - set in a medieval society on Earth with knights, Kings and Queens, epic quests and legendary characters such as King Arthur. May also include wizards and magic.
- 32 Mythic Fantasy - New spins on old stories - Think Percy Jackson and the Olympians or American Gods
- 2 Progression Fantasy - Fantasy stories where protagonists grow stronger over time, often influenced by RPGs, cultivation novels, or game mechanics.
- 33 Science Fantasy - set after the decline and fall of a technological society, either on Earth or other planets. Often dystopian. May include aliens or remnants of technology the characters perceive as magical.
- 3 Sword and Planet - Fantasy-like swashbuckling set in Sci-fi worlds. ex Treasure Planet
- 5 Sword and Sandal - Bronze Age Fantasy worlds that typically have Greek or Roman empire themes. Examples: 300, Clash of the Titans, Gladiator (if it had fantasy creatures or magic)
- 79 Urban Fantasy - real world and fantasy world collide. Typically full range of magical, vs specific creatures like Werewolves, Vampires, and Ghosts, which are part of the Paranormal genres - Examples of Urban Fantasy: Artemis Fowl, Percy Jackson, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- 2 Wuxia - Martial arts focused fantasy, often taking place in alternate history China.
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- 17 Big City / Urban Life - Stories centered on city living, independence, anonymity, ambition, reinvention, and relationships shaped by urban environments.
- 16 Campus / School Life - Stories centered on school, boarding school, college, or university life, where personal development and relationships are central.
- 9 Character Study - Centers on the inner life, psychology, contradictions, and personal development of one or a few characters more than on external plot.
- 570 Coming of Age - Follows the personal growth and development of a protagonist from youth to adulthood, or through a major stage of emotional maturation.
- 2 Culinary Fiction - Stories centered around food, cooking, or restaurant culture, gaining interest for their unique settings
- 11 Cultural Fiction - Focused on exploring and celebrating specific cultures, cultural fiction often provides insight into the traditions, customs, and perspectives of different communities.
- 4 Dark Academia - Gothic-inspired fiction set in academic institutions, blending intellectualism, murder, and aesthetic dread.
- 8 Domestic Fiction - Domestic Fiction is broader and includes home life, marriage, cohabitation, daily emotional tensions, and private life beyond strictly family conflict.
- 2,751 Drama - Stories with serious tone
- 33 Experimental - Stories that explore unconventional structure, narration, style, or storytelling methods, often pushing beyond standard genre expectations.
- 138 Family Drama - Family Drama emphasizes conflict within family relationships.
- 88 Family Saga - These novels span generations, exploring the dynamics and intricacies of a particular family over time.
- 22 Friendship / Found Family - Stories in which friendship, chosen family, loyalty, and support networks are central to the emotional core of the narrative.
- 30 Identity / Self-Discovery - Stories focused on figuring out selfhood, purpose, belonging, values, or direction in life, beyond a simple age-based coming-of-age arc.
- 126 Literary Fiction - Fiction that emphasizes prose, theme, interiority, character complexity, and artistic or psychological depth.
- 62 Rich Boy - A classic early online gay fiction sub-genre centered on wealthy or socially privileged young men, often involving class difference, family expectations, status, secrecy, privilege, or the risks of being gay within moneyed environments.
- 4 Road Story / Journey - Character-driven travel stories where movement, encounters, reflection, and change are central to the plot.
- 197 Slice of Life - Focuses on ordinary, everyday experiences, emphasizing character interaction, emotional nuance, and the small but meaningful moments of life.
- 6 Small Town Fiction - Stories rooted in the intimacy, familiarity, gossip, conflict, and social interconnectedness of small-community life.
- 6 Social Fiction - General fiction that explores class, institutions, prejudice, social systems, cultural expectations, or the pressures of society on personal lives.
- 9 Workplace Fiction - Stories centered on jobs, careers, offices, professions, or work-based relationships, with professional life shaping the emotional and social conflict.
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- 15 Alternate - Nazi's win WWII, Napoleon win's the Battle of Waterloo, Roman Empire never fell without fantasy/speculative fiction items (other than alternate history). The Man in the High Castle
- 3 Ancient Greco-Roman - In reference to ancient Greek and Roman times. Cultural, political, societal. Ideas, original Olympic games, orgies, Creaser's, senators.
- 7 Ancient Orient - Near East, Ottoman Empire, Middle East, Mesopotamia. Early, middle, late Bronze Age, Iron Age.
- 14 Cold War - Stories set in the height of the cold war from 1950-1990. Early Tom Clancy novels
- 42 Historical Drama - Features a dramatic narrative set in a historical period, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people or families living through significant historical events.
- 39 Historical Literary - Exploration of human condition in the past.
- 6 Historical Thriller - Incorporates elements of suspense, espionage, or political intrigue within a historical setting. Plots may involve conspiracies, espionage, or historical events with a thriller-style pacing.
- 2 Industrial Revolution - Conversion to modern inventions and processes. Not limited to railroad, cotton gin, electricity.
- 8 Medieval - Medieval Drama, love, poetry, romance. Think Game of Thrones
- 139 Non-Contemporary - Stories set in previous times
- 3 Victorian - Set during the Victorian era (1837–1901), these novels capture the social, cultural, and technological changes of the time. Dickensian novels are classic examples.
- 16 Western - Places the story in the American West during the 19th century, exploring the challenges and adventures faced by pioneers, settlers, and Native Americans.
- 9 World Wars - Stories set in the time frame of WWI and WWII and in between about 1914-1945
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- 3 Body Snatcher - Revolving around the invasion or replacement of human bodies by extraterrestrial beings, parasites, or other entities, body snatcher horror explores the loss of control over one's own body.
- 8 Gothic - (aka gothic romanticism; and dark romanticism): fiction mixing themes of horror, romance, and death
- 5 Haunted House Horror - Focused on haunted or cursed locations, haunted house horror plays on the fear of the unknown and the supernatural events that occur within a particular dwelling. Ex: Amityville Horror
- 306 Horror - Modern - General Horror stories set in modern times
- 20 Monster - a genre of literature that combines good and evil and intends to evoke a sensation of horror and terror in its readers by presenting the evil side in the form of a monster. Ex Dracula, Frankenstein
- 27 Psychological - Emphasizing the psychological aspects of fear, these stories often delve into the mental and emotional torment of characters. The horror is often rooted in the characters' minds rather than external threats. Ex: Hannibal Lector novels
- 2 Splatterpunk - distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, counter cultural alignment, ex: Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Purge
- 9 Weird Science - Weird fiction either eschews or radically reinterprets ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and other traditional antagonists of supernatural horror fiction. Ex: Stories by H.P. Lovecroft
- 8 Zombie - civilization collapses due to overwhelming swarms of zombies. Typically only a few individuals or small bands of survivors are left living. Ex: The Walking Dead, World War Z
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- 6 Amateur Sleuth - Features characters who are not professional detectives but get involved in solving mysteries due to personal interest or circumstance.
- 1 Caper - Light-hearted mystery that is easy to read, witty and not too intense. Can also be more comic in nature. Examples: Clue, Scooby Doo, Hardy Boys, or Janet Evanovitch books
- 9 Classic Mystery - Often involves a murder in a closed setting like a village or a manor, with the crime solved by an amateur or professional detective by the story's end.
- 12 Cozy Mystery - also referred to as "cozies", are a sub-genre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. This is also a sub-genre with strong tropes that define it
- 37 Detective - stories where the protagonist is a sleuth of some sort, ranging from nosy neighbor to retired detective that is puzzling out the details of why a crime was committed and who did it. More intense than a cozy, more serious than a caper, but not as hard core has hard boiled/noir. Example: Agatha Christie books
- 6 Historical Mystery - The historical mystery or historical whodunit is a sub-genre of two genres, historical fiction and mystery fiction. Raiders of the Lost Ark
- 288 Light Mystery - Contains light mystery elements such as crimes to solve, but solving a crime is not the focus of the story.
- 2 Locked Room Mystery - A sub-genre where the crime, usually a murder, happens in circumstances where it seems impossible for the perpetrator to have entered or left the scene.
- 7 Noir/Hard-Boiled - (Strong Trope Alert) in noir the protagonist isn't a detective, but a victim, a suspect, and/or a perpetrator of crime. Hard-Boiled is a literary genre that shares some of its characters and settings with crime fiction (especially detective fiction and noir fiction). The genre's typical protagonist is a detective who battles the violence of organized crime that flourished during Prohibition (1920–1933) and its aftermath, while dealing with a legal system that has become as corrupt as the organized crime itself. Detectives of hardboiled fiction are often antiheroes. Notable hardboiled detectives include Philip Marlowe, Mike Hammer, Sam Spade, Lew Archer, Slam Bradley, and The Continental Op.
- 9 Police Procedural - is a subgenre of procedural drama and detective fiction that emphasizes the investigative procedure of a police officer or department as the protagonist(s), as contrasted with other genres that focus on either a private detective, an amateur investigator or the characters who are the targets of investigation
- 16 Psychological Mystery - Delves into the mind, exploring themes of sanity, identity, and often includes elements of suspense or thriller.
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- 15 Autobiography - is a self-written account of one's life. Takes stock of the autobiographer's life from the moment of composition. While biographers generally rely on a wide variety of documents and viewpoints, autobiography may be based entirely on the writer's memory.
- 0 Biography - is a detailed description of a person's life. It involves more than just the basic facts like education, work, relationships, and death; it portrays a person's experience of these life events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae (résumé), a biography presents a subject's life story, highlighting various aspects of their life, including intimate details of experience, and may include an analysis of the subject's personality.
- 115 Creative Non-Fic - writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives. Creative nonfiction contrasts with other nonfiction, such as academic or technical writing or journalism, which is also rooted in accurate fact but is not written to entertain based on prose style. Many writers view creative nonfiction as overlapping with the essay.
- 8 Letter - letter is a written message conveyed from one person (or group of people) to another through a medium. [1] The term usually excludes written material intended to be read in its original form by large numbers of people, such as newspapers and placards, although even these may include material in the form of an "open letter".
- 20 Reference - books in the reference nonfiction genre contain relevant information on a subject and where you can go to learn more about that subject. The books in this genre can be about anything people might need to know about. They can be marketing guides for writers or lists of travel destinations in a country or area – anything where one can list information in an easy to use way to help people find the information on a topic.
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- 2 Cryptid - Features creatures from folklore, mythology, or cryptozoology, such as Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, or Chupacabra. The narrative often revolves around encounters with these mysterious beings.
- 6 Cursed Objects - Focuses on objects with supernatural or cursed properties. The plot typically involves characters trying to understand or break the curse associated with the object.
- 17 Demonic Paranormal Romance - centers on a romantic relationship involving a demon or half-demon, blending supernatural allure with emotional depth, danger, or forbidden attraction. The stories balance sensual chemistry and heartfelt connection with infernal magic, moral tension, and the thrill of loving someone who isn’t entirely human.
- 3 Haunted Tech - Combines paranormal / horror with modern technology, such as cursed devices or AI gone wrong.
- 60 Paranormal Mystery - Mystery story with paranormal elements such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves or magic. May also features a detective or investigator who deals with supernatural or occult cases. These protagonists use both conventional and supernatural means to solve mysteries.
- 210 Romantic Paranormal - is a paranormal story with romantic elements. If you have a story that is primarily a romance, but with paranormal elements, use Romance -> Paranormal Romance.
- 46 Shifters - Stories that feature multiple types or types other that werewolves of humans capable of assuming animal aspects or full changing into animals
- 86 Vampires - Stories that focus on Vampires - Example: Twilight
- 43 Werewolves - Stories focusing on werewolves specifically. Teen Wolf
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- 18 Ballad - a poem that tells a story and was traditionally set to music. Usually follows a form of rhymed (abcb) quatrains alternating four-stress and three-stress lines.
- 12 Blank Verse - a poem with regular metrical but unrhymed lines, almost always in iambic pentameter.
- 0 Cinquain - a short poem consisting of five, usually unrhymed lines containing, respectively, two, four, six, eight, and two syllables. Cinquains may be paired and manipulated to create longer forms. For example, the mirror cinquain has lines of syllables 2, 4, 6, 8, 2, 2, 8, 6, 4, 2. Cinquains are often used in teaching schoolchildren early forms of poetry.
- 2 Confessional - Features intimate and personal revelations, often drawing on the poet's own experiences, emotions, and struggles.
- 0 Ekphrastic Poetry - Responds to or describes a work of visual art, capturing the essence of a painting, sculpture, or other visual medium through words.
- 5 Epic Poetry - a lengthy narrative poem, typically set in the far past, involving heroic and extraordinary adventures and dealings of people with gods or other superhuman forces.
- 457 Free-Verse - poetry that follows natural speech patterns, but does not rhyme or follow a regular meter
- 0 Ghazal - A poetic form with rhyming couplets and a repeating refrain, often exploring themes of love, loss, and longing. It has its roots in Arabic and Persian poetry.
- 47 Haiku - a short poem of three lines with five, seven, and five syllables respectively. While there are several schools of Haiku writing, the most faithful to the original will use some aspect of the natural world as its subject, and will not contain any personal references to the writer/observer.
- 18 Limerick - a poem that is typically humorous and bawdy, written in five-line, predominantly anapestic trimeter with a strict rhyme scheme of AABBA, in which the first, second and fifth lines rhyme, while the third and fourth lines are shorter and share a different rhyme.
- 11 Lyric - a poem that expresses personal feelings or emotions, typically written in first person. There are several general groupings of lyric poetry, including elegies, odes and sonnets.
- 25 Mixed Forms - a mixture of two or more forms of poetry
- 24 Rhyming - a poem containing two or more words that repeat the same or similar sounds in the final syllable, usually placed at the end of lines placed so they echo each other
- 5 Sonnet - a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, typically containing ten syllables per line, traditionally using iambic pentameter. A sonnet must contain a turning point (or, volta), in which the thread of the theme changes direction. There are three main sorts of sonnet: Italian (or, Petrarchan), Shakesperean, and Spenserian; each of these has a different rhyme scheme. The Italian rhymes ABBAABBA CDCDCD or ABBAABBA CDECDE; the Shakespearean uses ABAB CDCD EFEF GG; the Spenserian ABAB BCBC CDCD EE.
- 19 Translation - a poem translated from another language
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- 4 Academia / STEM Romance - Romance set in STEM, academia, or featuring scientists/engineers;
- 6 Billionaire Romance - Romances involving wealthy protagonists, often with power imbalances and glamorous lifestyles.
- 472 Contemporary Romance - Set in the present time, focusing on the romantic relationships of characters in modern settings.
- 27 Cozy Romance - Low-conflict, feel-good romantic stories often set in small towns or involving comforting professions like bakers, bookshop owners, or teachers.
- 2,239 General Romance - Stories that focus on relationship
- 14 Grumpy and Sunshine Romance - A romance trope pairing a brooding, serious character with a cheerful, optimistic one. Frequently found in rom-coms
- 74 Historical Romance - Set in a specific historical period, often featuring historical events and figures.
- 48 Paranormal Romance - Involves supernatural elements such as vampires, werewolves, or witches in romantic relationships.
- 6 Regency Romance - Regency romances are a subgenre of romance novels set during the period of the British Regency (1811–1820) or early 19th century. Regencies usually feature a great deal of intelligent, fast-paced dialogue between the protagonists and very little explicit sex or discussion of sex
- 7 Rock Star Romance - Romantic stories involving characters in the music or entertainment industry.
- 61 Romantasy - Romantic Fantasy (Romantasy) - A blend of fantasy and romance, often involving magical worlds, powerful love interests, and emotional high-stakes. Popularized by authors like Sarah J. Maas.
- 42 Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com) - Focuses on love stories with humorous elements. Films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Crazy Rich Asians" exemplify this genre.
- 51 Romantic Sci-Fi - Blends romantic elements with futuristic or science fiction settings.
- 28 Romantic Western - Romantic stories set in the American West during the 19th century.
- 32 Slow Burn Romance - A romantic story where the relationship develops gradually, building tension and emotional connection before any physical intimacy.
- 29 Spicy Contemporary Romance - Modern romance stories with explicit sexual content, focusing on emotional intimacy and popular tropes like enemies-to-lovers or fake dating.
- 20 Sports Star Romance - Sports star romance features at least one main character who is an athlete or involved in the sports industry. These stories typically combine romance with drama, competition, and passion, as the characters face challenges both on and off the field. Some common themes in sports star romance are enemies to lovers, opposites attract, and second chances.
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- 2 AI Consciousness - Explores sentient AI and post-human ethics, often questioning identity, consciousness, and morality.
- 29 Apocalyptic and Post-apocalyptic - concerned with the end of civilization, either through nuclear war, plague, or some other general disaster. Post-apocalyptic fiction is set in a world or civilization after such a disaster. Example: 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, I am Legend
- 0 Biopunk - A subgenre of sci-fi focused on genetic engineering, body modification, and biotech gone awry.
- 8 Cyberpunk/Tech Noir - is a subgenre of science fiction in a dystopian futuristic setting that tends to focus on a combination of lowlife and high tech. Ex Cyperpunk 2077, Bladerunner, A.I. Robocop (original)
- 18 Dystopian - Stories set in a police state or dictatorship. Example: 1984, Clockwork Orange, Australia in 2021, Bladerunner
- 13 Hard Science Fiction - "Hard Science" Fiction. Stories whose scientific elements are reasonably detailed, well-researched and considered to be relatively plausible given current knowledge and technology. This genre has a very, very strong aversion to anything fantasy or anything that can't be explained directly with ties to known science. Example: Jurassic Park, The Martian
- 12 Libertarian Sci-Fi - is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses individualism and private ownership of the means of production. Ex: Atlas Shrugs, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
- 17 Military Sci-Fi - in essence, the addition of science fiction elements into a military fiction story. These stories are told from the point of view of the military, or a main character who is a soldier in the military. It usually includes technology far superior to that of current day, but not necessarily implausible. (Note that some military science fiction stories fit at least somewhat into the "hard science fiction" subgenre as well.) ex - Battlestar Galactica
- 1 Post Cyberpunk - Futuristic settings with advanced tech but less nihilism than traditional cyberpunk, often with social commentary.
- 34 Science Fantasy - is a mixed genre within speculative fiction that simultaneously draws upon or combines tropes and elements from both science fiction and fantasy. Ex: 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, Star Trek, Star Wars
- 1 Silkpunk - Asian-inspired science fantasy blending mythology, biological technology, and historical aesthetics.
- 426 Soft Sci-Fi - stories in which the science involved is not detailed, typically dealing more with cultural, social, and political interactions often set in near future.
- 0 Solarpunk - Utopian or hopeful science fiction with ecological sustainability, community, and harmony with nature.
- 29 Space Opera - Space opera emphasizes science fictional space warfare often with risk-taking space adventures and chivalric romance. Set mainly in outer space, it features technological faster-than-light travel, weapons, and sophisticated technology, on a backdrop of galactic empires and interstellar wars with aliens, sometimes even Far, Far Away. Ex: Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactaca, Babylon 5.
- 2 Space Western - Sci-fi story with western elements Example: Firefly
- 3 Steampunk - Sci-Fi Historical usually set in Victorian age or 19th century American West and based around steam technology. Ex: Wild Wild West, Timekeepers
- 0 Utopian - the Idealized "perfect" human society. Example: Star Trek, 3001: The Final Odyssey
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- 3 Environmental Thriller - thrillers tied to environmental events that are typically threatening the world. Ex: The Day After Tomorrow, Geostorm
- 13 Espionage - The spy thriller is a genre of literature that centers around a storyline with secret agents and espionage. Part action-adventure and part thriller, spy stories often follow a government agent racing against the clock to thwart a big attack or uncover an enemy's plans in order to save lives—sometimes even the world. Common tropes - agent driven of some agency or another, a feeling of big brother watching, time limits, and possibly deadly love interests.
- 10 Historical Thriller - thrillers where the action and intrigue take place in an earlier time period.
- 7 Legal Thriller - is a type of crime fiction genre that focuses on the preceding of the investigation, with particular reference to the impacts on courtroom proceedings and the lives of characters. Ex: Runaway Jury
- 4 Medical Thriller - a sub-genre of mystery novels, and they have mysteries that center around medical procedures, diseases, injuries, and medical facilities.
- 12 Military Thriller - often shares elements with techno thriller, but with a plot that is more focused on military objectives or technologies. Main characters are typically military personnel, and the narrative is often global in scope. Many things Tom Clancy
- 11 Political Thriller - is a thriller that is set against the backdrop of a political power struggle. They usually involve various extra-legal plots, designed to give political power to someone, while their opponents try to stop them. They can involve national or international political scenarios. Anything Tom Clancy
- 36 Psychological Thriller - emphasizes the psychological condition of the hero that presents obstacles to his objective, rather than the action. Some psychological thrillers are also about complicated stories that try to deliberately confuse the audience, often by showing them only the same confusing or seemingly nonsensical information that the hero gains
- 29 Supernatural Thriller - Thriller using paranormal as the driving fear. Ex: Poltergeist, Amityville Horror.
- 532 Suspense - Stories that provide a bit of mystery action, that doesn't amp it up to 11 as a thriller
- 8 Techno Thriller - story whose theme is usually technology, or the danger behind the technology people use, including the threat of cyber terrorism such as State of Fear.
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- 0 Western - Alternative History - Challenge or subvert the traditional conventions of the genre by providing a more nuanced and critical perspective on the historical events and characters. They might question the morality of certain actions or depict Native American perspectives more accurately.
- 0 Crime Western - Combine Western themes with the conventions of mystery or crime genres. They may involve detectives or lawmen solving crimes in a Western setting.
- 4 Outlaws and Bandits - Focus on the perspective of outlaws or antiheroes rather than traditional lawmen. They may explore the motivations and struggles of those on the wrong side of the law.
- 4 Weird West - Fantasy in a Western. (Cowboys and Centaurs)
- 6 Western Historical - Classic Old West story. This is an 'old west' story with focus on 'old west' tropes, versus the Historical Western, which is focused on more historical accuracy while being set in the West.
- 49 Western Modern - Set in a more recent time period or even the present day, these Westerns explore the enduring themes of the genre in a contemporary context.
- 27 Western Romance - Western with Romantic elements vs the Romantic Western that is a romance story with a western setting.
- 1 Western Sci-Fi - Western with sci-fi elements - think Cowboys & Aliens or Wild Wild West
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- 3 Fantasy World Building - Miscellaneous elements of non-Earth fantasy world that is about the world or things in the world. This genre should not be used on a story located in the Fiction category. It is meant for fragments and miscellaneous extra material located in the World Building category.
- 6 General Fiction World Builder - World building for general fiction. Including outlines of stories that were intended, but never made it to the page.
- 1 Science Fiction World Building - Miscellaneous elements of usually future world that is about the world or things in the world. This genre should not be used on a story located in the Fiction category. It is meant for fragments and miscellaneous extra material located in the World Building category.
- 2 Paranormal World Building - Miscellaneous elements of Earth, related to how the paranormal functions in your fictional world. This genre should not be used on a story located in the Fiction category. It is meant for fragments and miscellaneous extra material located in the World Building category.
Tags
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Age / Life Stage
- child 162
- pre-teen 1
- teen 1,880
- new adult 12
- young adult 2,036
- middle-aged 1,142
- mature adult 1,473
- senior 138
- Character Roles / Occupations
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Interests / Topics
- academia 3
- animals 144
- activism 1
- class differences 10
- cooking 2
- dance 2
- disability 89
- fame 3
- gaming 0
- hiv-aids 25
- internet 2
- journalism 0
- law 5
- music 106
- poverty 2
- psychology 228
- secrets 19
- sports 122
- technology 6
- theater 3
-
Paranormal / Speculative Elements
- alchemy 0
- aliens 173
- angels 96
- curses 4
- demons 168
- dragons 5
- fae 4
- ghosts 149
- gods 11
- immortal 26
- mages 73
- magic 493
- mind control 56
- monsters 5
- mutants 31
- necromancy 1
- parallel worlds 3
- portals 1
- possession 1
- prophecy 2
- psionics 86
- reincarnation 1
- shifters 9
- sorcery 85
- telekinesis 1
- telepathy 2
- time travel 12
- were-creatures 231
- witchcraft 73
- with wings 48
- wizards 55
- vampire 213
- zombie 37
-
Identity / Orientation
- asexual 6
- bisexual 266
- closeted 16
- gay 2,934
- lesbian 45
- non-binary 18
- out protagonist 10
- pansexual 12
- questioning 17
- transgender 41
-
Relationship Dynamics
- age gap 19
- boss/employee 3
- brothers 114
- classmates 9
- coworkers 10
- exes 1
- forbidden relationship 18
- friendship 810
- interracial 62
- long-distance 0
- long-term partners 15
- love triangle 5
- menage 39
- mentor/mentee 0
- neighbors 4
- open relationship 1
- polyamory 4
- rekindled romance 2
- rivals 8
- roommates 90
- secret relationship 17
- strangers to lovers 22
- teacher/student 2
- teammates 0
- unrequited love 5
-
Setting
- africa 28
- alternate earth 269
- antarctica 6
- asia 55
- australia 175
- big city 11
- boarding school 8
- boat 37
- bus 5
- castle 4
- college 180
- cruise ship 1
- desert 4
- europe 385
- farm 1
- forest 6
- frontier 1
- haunted house 1
- high school 213
- hospital 1
- island 3
- kingdom 6
- mountain 2
- north america 1,006
- off-planet 124
- plane 10
- prison 0
- ranch 7
- road-trip 37
- rural 223
- school 204
- small town 12
- south america 12
- space 102
- suburban 154
- summer camp 0
- train 14
- travel 101
- underground 0
- university 113
- urban 252
- vacation 71
- workplace 117
-
Sex Content
- anal 793
- bdsm 93
- casual sex 208
- fetish 95
- first time 431
- group sex 60
- incest 40
- masturbate 175
- no sex 927
- oral 570
- violent 84
-
Content Warnings
- attempted rape 3
- bullying 5
- child abuse 8
- coercive sex 1
- domestic abuse 2
- eating disorder 0
- emotional abuse 4
- graphic violence 16
- hate crime 3
- homophobia 10
- major character death 6
- murder 14
- physical abuse 4
- rape 85
- self-harm 2
- sexual assault 1
- substance abuse 4
- suicide 73
- suicidal ideation 8
- terminal illness 0
- torture 2
-
Theme
- acceptance 31
- belonging 28
- betrayal 11
- christmas 132
- coming of age 694
- coming out 421
- death 109
- depression 199
- destiny 7
- faith 4
- family conflict 24
- forgiveness 4
- grief 14
- halloween 96
- hate 102
- healing 12
- holiday 106
- identity 12
- justice 13
- love 1,040
- loneliness 13
- loyalty 13
- memory 4
- mental health 70
- mortality 6
- redemption 4
- sacrifice 6
- suspense 334
-
Tropes
- accidental bonding 9
- chosen one 1
- coming home 4
- enemies to lovers 19
- fake dating 3
- fated mates 10
- fish out of water 8
- forced proximity 10
- found family 19
- friends to lovers 11
- friends with benefits 2
- grumpy/sunshine 16
- happily ever after / happy for now 17
- hurt/comfort 10
- mistaken identity 0
- mutual pining 5
- only one bed 6
- opposites attract 10
- redemption arc 1
- rescue romance 6
- second chance 2
- secret crush 1
- secret identity 5
- slow-burn 30
- soulmates 4
-
Time Period
- alternate timeline 4
- ancient times 72
- classical antiquity 0
- contemporary 1,659
- edwardian 1
- future 236
- medieval 110
- near future 1
- renaissance 12
- industrial age 28
- 20th century 334
- late 20th century 38
- victorian 2
- world war 13
-
Tone
- angsty 14
- atmospheric 16
- bittersweet 12
- cozy 7
- dark 518
- eerie 7
- funny 21
- gritty 18
- hopeful 15
- introspective 10
- light-hearted 964
- melancholic 9
- playful 25
- serious 898
- tense 7
- uplifting 19
- wholesome 11
-
Plot Elements
- adopt 82
- blackmail 4
- competition 3
- crime 249
- death-defying 80
- discovery 7
- escape 5
- fighting 180
- fostering 64
- inheritance 2
- investigation 10
- kidnapping 5
- mystery to solve 22
- parents 224
- philosophy 135
- religion 190
- abuse 289
- politics 76
- quest 9
- rescue 6
- reunion 5
- revenge 4
- runaway 6
- secret revealed 17
- survival 11
- training arc 1
- war 60
-
Format / Work Type
- autobiography 85
- biography 17
- ensemble cast 0
- faq 5
- flash fiction 2
- interview 9
- journal 15
- prompt 269
- review 7
- stream of consciousness 1
- vignette 2