Mystery/suspense/thriller (this can include horror)
Genre includes representatives of the following: Mystery/suspense/thriller (this can include horror) Romance Science Fiction/fantasy Sports Western Nature/adventure
Much of the fiction consumed by modern readers lies in genre. People like what they like Readers cling to subject matter and patterns. Most genre pieces do come down to formulae, and such formulae are transparent and predictable. Consider the formula for the genre you wish to pursue. Work out a plot schematic, a setting, and characters incorporating this. Then craft a short piece of genre fiction (1200 ? 1500 words) following the formula and schematic you have constructed.