Oh, it’s such fun when there’s a new word. LOL was just okay’ed by the OED. And OMG, right? And a few dozen others entered the list of acceptable and now-useable-in-educated-society words.
(NB and whoo hoo, fellow Scrabble players. Does that make you a happy camper? That’s also now acceptable.)
But here’s a new one that’s now making the rounds in mystery-thriller world: Thrillzie.
Thrillzie?
From what I can glean, a thrillzie is sort of an amalgam of thriller-plus-cozy. A word to describe a book that has thriller aspects, but isn’t sexy or bloody or gory or violent or over the top. Like a cozy. A cozy thriller, you see? A thrillzie.
So whaddaya think? My first reaction was to laugh. The evolution of genres is so interesting to watch—and even more interesting to be part of. Who’d have thought in addition to mystery and thriller and paranormal and chick lit and mom lit and hen lit and “literary fiction” and the newly-cool “a novel of suspense” that there’d be steampunk, and zombie-lit, and…what else is there? And I do admit, I’ve wondered, with our ever-increasing need to “label” every genre, if there could be a cozy thriller.
It's a tempting title. And certainly a tempting genre. (Ray Benson has just written the charming and adorable novel, The Black Stiletto. Ray, would you call it a thrillzie?)
And isn’t there a market, say, for a fast-paced, action-filled, high-stakes high tension, excitingly-finished (I’m not going to say climaxed) novel about a smart, competent, clever and tough heroine?
What would you call that? Romancing the Stone, a movie, I know, that’s a thrillzie if I ever saw one. (And I bet I’ve seen lots of them.) What would I have called “Romancing” if I didn’t have the word thrillzie? What other moves and books are there that would fill that slot? My own DRIVE TIME, I bet, could be in that category. Would I want that? Hmmm.
We all just got over the controversy about “cozy,” remember? (Just call them: traditional.) And though many readers and writers embraced cozy, it does have just a bit of condescension attached. Doesn’t it? It now means—cute, and crafty, and a book with no, um, unpleasantness of any kind. And “cozy” certainly telegraphs “written by a woman.”
But how about a Spenser for Hire book? Robert B. Parker (and we miss him every day) didn’t do sex and violence—in fact, part of the wonderfulness (oh, Microsoft Word isn’t liking that word, and is underlining it in red) of his books is how UN-graphic the sex and violence is. Which makes it even sexier. Right?
But hey, I wouldn’t have wanted to be in the room with Robert B. Parker when someone suggested he call his books “thrillzies.”
To give something such a diminutive name—and thrillzie certainly is, along with cutie and kittie and I don’t know, schatzie--is that a diminution of the value? Like: easy peazie? Or is it something to kiss on both cheeks and welcome into the family of writing?
I just Googled it, and “thrillzie” is not there. So we’re definitely in on the cutting edge. (OMG.)
But do you heart thrillzie? (To “heart” something is now also acceptable.)
And now Microsoft Word is bugging me about using thrillzie. Underlining it in red. I just clicked on “add to dictionary.” And so it goes. Will you be adding it to yours?
really, thrizzie, why not call it a coziller :)
I don't know if I like the term but hey I'm not know for my crystal ball into the future either.
Deb
Posted by: debbie haupt | March 30, 2011 at 08:04 AM
What a stupid name.
Romancing the Stone is a chick-flick version of an action movie. "Chick action" maybe?
Posted by: Karen in Ohio | March 30, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Debbie, coziller. Hmmm...not quite sure about that one! Lovely to see you here!
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Chick action? Well, interesting. But would a man read that? Should there be a name for this genre, at all?
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Karen, you're so funny. "Stupid." Why didn't I think of that??
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 08:36 AM
I'm not feeling the love for the term Thrillzie.
Thrillzie sounds like something a bit XXX rated, and as for Coziller. Isn't he that big lizard that went crazy on Japan??
I think I write them (cozy thrillers), and I love the books you've mentioned...but let's not tell anyone that's what it's called.
Our little secret shhhhh.
Hugs~
Posted by: Nancy Naigle | March 30, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Nancy, exactly! I knew "Coziller" reminded me of something. Perfect.
And yes, our secret. I feel the same way. We just have to think of a cooler name. I don't mind the idea of letting people know there's a past-paced mystery-thriller that's "tougher" than a cozy, but not gory and violent.
But why does the name they give it have to be cute?
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Count me among those who love the term Thrillzy. Side note: I've been spelling it with a y at the end whenever I've written the word. I think it's perfect. A thrilling cozy. Absolutely!
But I would definitely pluralize by changing the y to i and adding es. My grammar school English teachers would be proud! Wouldn't they?
*grin*
Posted by: Julie | March 30, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Everything is about names -- preferably acronyms depending on the vocation. In the Library field there is ALA, YALSA, and NELA just to name a few. "Traditional Mystery" is 7 syllables and a lot of typing and potential for red lines in spell check. Cozy is 2 syllables and fewer spelling fiasco potentials. Thrillzie is also only 2 syllables ... but I am not thrilled. Maybe "TMWP" -- Traditional Mystery with Pizzazz?
Posted by: Lynn | March 30, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Julie Hyzy's Thrillzy. Is just about as terrific as it gets! Love it!
Lynn, TMWP? Timwip? I'm goin' with thrillzy. And if Julie says it has a y, she's the boss!
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 12:18 PM
The very cool Raymond Benson has just written a book exactly along these lines--a charming and adorable mystery/thriller/adventure called The Black Stiletto.
Ray? You out there? Would you call TBS a thrillzy?
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I don't like the term. Too cutesy.
The genre concept sound appealing, though, so I hope the tag doesn't stick.
Posted by: Ramona | March 30, 2011 at 12:24 PM
One of my critique readers said my latest manuscript is like Romancing the Stone in India. At first I didn't like that description, but now it's growing on me -- kinda like Thrillzie ;)
Posted by: Gigi Pandian | March 30, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Ramona, I agree..the genre type is terrific. We've just got to think of a better name.
ANd Gigi--that's a fantastic description. WOnderful!
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 01:57 PM
Hi Hank and everyone-- The Black Stiletto, I would say, is definitely a thriller, but I like to think it's a woman's thriller-- it's got a strong female protagonist and there's lots of action and suspense, but there's also romance, relationships, family, and cozy-ish stuff. Not sure I'm gonna adopt the word "thrillzie" but it might very well be a good description. My agent and I had a lot of trouble with describing it when we were submitting the novel to publishers-- we hope it's something different and not in a pigeonhole. :) :) (And if anyone is curious, check out the video at http://www.theblackstiletto.net).
Posted by: Raymond Benson | March 30, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Hilarious. All of it. Thrillzie, hopefully, will go the way of so many other absurd words that people come up with. How many more ways are there to minimize and trivialize writers???
Posted by: Lisa Holdren | March 30, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I'm not sure I could ever get used to the word thrillzie, but the rest of the world has a way of ignoring my preferences. When we see a book advertised as a knitting thriller, we'll know the merger is complete.
Sandy (who writes mystery/suspense but is sometimes described as a thriller writer)
Posted by: Sandra Parshall | March 30, 2011 at 05:00 PM
It's funny--I do like the idea of a cozy thriller...and I do think my books may be in that realm.
Raymond, what other ideas did you and your agent consider? (And I am loving TBS--it's an absolute original.)
Hey, Sandy! Lovely to see you here!
But we talked about how people prefer "traditional" mystery to "cozy" mystery. So that means.."cozy thriller" would really mean: traditional thrlller. Hmmm.
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 30, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I like reading them but I'm not sure I can bond with the work "thrillzie" or "Thrillzy" ..... maybe Cozer?
Hmmm...I'll have to sleep on it...
Posted by: Nikki B | March 30, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Hank, apparently the term "chick lit" is now frowned upon in the biz, so we didn't use that at all. We went out with "women's action/adventure". It was a tough sell, but Oceanview are great and they *got it* on the get-go.
Posted by: Raymond Benson | March 30, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Cozer sounds like the thing in the refrigerator in GHOSTBUSTERS! LOL!
Posted by: Avis | March 30, 2011 at 08:24 PM
The term Cozy thriller always made me think of Norman Bates in a comfy robe and slippers. But the term works when trying to describe the type of book I like to read. But thrillzie does have a slightly erotic sound to it. But I could get used to it if I have to.
Posted by: Leslie | March 31, 2011 at 05:33 AM
Raymond, LOVE Oceanview. What a classy and wonderful group of people.
And yes, chick lit is, I guess, out of fashion. But for some reason, I always thought that was okay--straightforward, no pretensions. And somehow not derogatory.
Leslie, erotic, huh? Now there's a thought.
And look out! The COZER! (You all are so funny...)
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 31, 2011 at 06:48 AM
As someone who isn't fond of the word "cozy," I confess that thrillzie--or thrillzy--also makes me cringe.
I've been leaning toward calling mine funny mysteries. But that wouldn't work for someone writing a non-funny traditional mystery.
Maybe we should take a leaf from noir mysteries. Pick a less lugubrious color and define our books that way. I'm in favor of grise (gray). Although green (verte) and yellow (jaune) are also nice.
Francophiles will notice I'm using the feminine form of these adjectives. Why not?
Posted by: Donna Andrews | March 31, 2011 at 06:59 AM
Great thread! I think the thrillzie sub genre reflects the vast changes in the status of women. Women want protagonists who take on the BIG bad guys, like international terrorists or corporate titans who have gone over to the dark side. No sleepy small town life for these gals! Yet,no matter how adventurous, these women just don't feel the need to grind up or pulverize their adversaries. Men just don't understand that blood red is for nail polish. Oh, and did I mention they like to shop, and they aren't going to apologize to anybody about it. Power shopping takes real stamina, guys!
Posted by: Kath Russell | March 31, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Kath, that's right on the money. I really like the sub-genre, too. (And agree with you about the shopping. Trying on jeans? Bathing suits? Yikes.)
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 31, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Thrillzie? (just got the redline from MSWord)
Sounds like a Disneyland ride for eight-year olds: the Haunted House ride, Pirates of the Caribbean. A roller coaster with soft dips.
How about skipping labels and give mysteries ratings like movies: G=cozy or (ugh) thrillsie. PG13=no explicit sex, yes violence, may contain vampires. R=Brace yourself, you're gonna get blood and sex. X=not for the faint of heart.
Just sayin'...
Posted by: Rochelle Staab | March 31, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Rochelle...what a great idea. Maybe. Hmmm.
What think, you all?
Or maybe the covers provide their own labels?
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | March 31, 2011 at 02:27 PM
How long will it take the publishing industry to shorten Traditional Mystery to Tramy? Though historical Tramies may end up as Past-Tramies ...
Regarding the color scheme: in Italy mystery novels are called Gialli - Yellows.
Posted by: Regina Krah | April 01, 2011 at 04:46 AM
Tramy? Yikes. But that means, Regina, that a thriller/mystery might be a Thrillmy. Thrill-me. Which does make some sense!
And so it seems that Donna's idea--is a reality? Amazing.
Why are they called Gialli? (What a lovely name for a character, huh? Dibs.)
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | April 01, 2011 at 06:43 AM
A Suspenzy would make sense too - suspense with the pants held up.
As far as I know the term Gialli derives from an early series of mysteries with a distinvtive yellow cover.
Posted by: Regina Krah | April 01, 2011 at 07:52 AM
I just can't get behind "thrillzie," Hank. You're right--too diminutive. I like Donna's idea and Gialli's point about taking a phrase from a Romance language. Roman rouge? (sounds like it could be saucier than we want, though.)
"Femme Fatale" has already been co-opted, happily.
Posted by: Dana | April 01, 2011 at 08:35 AM