Fully Booked EP234: Making Genre Mashups Work

Blending genres is one thing, but making readers believe they belong together is something else entirely. And when you're combining supernatural elements with crime fiction, there are even more considerations. This week's guest, Caryn McCann, explains how mythology can deepen a mystery by raising the stakes, shaping character motivations, and driving the narrative, but if the supernatural becomes the solution to the mystery, readers can feel cheated. Caryn shares how she carefully combined Chinese mythology with crime fiction while keeping every investigation grounded in evidence, logic, and procedural credibility. That commitment to authenticity didn't just strengthen the stories. It also gave Caryn unexpected marketing advantages, opening the door to creative partnerships and helping her reach readers in ways traditional advertising couldn't. Her experience is a reminder that the qualities that make your book different can also become your greatest marketing asset.    Caryn McCann https://carynmccann.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast