I write articles for the paper.
I'm writing a weight loss memoir.
I have a YA fiction novel out on a Kindle.
I even finished a couple religious fiction manuscripts.
And I'm an editor and a blogger too.
 |
| My writer friend, Angie, and I. We're both writing memoirs. |
I know which one I think is my favorite and the one I excel at, but does saying it out loud then make it suddenly the only genre I can write in?
Authors are always telling us to stick to a genre and stop branching out, b/c you'll lose your audience. I get the logic behind that statement, but I want to be able to write in different genres.
What do you think? Can a writer get away with writing in a lot of different genres?
Hi Rena,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and following my blog.
You certainly sound like you've got your hand in many pots. I think if you can remain consistent and true to all genre's than go for it.
Following back. :)
That's the thing. I think I should just focus on one genre to really improve my talent there.
DeleteHey Rena, No I don't think the genre is the issue. I think the theme is. Write what you know, but the setting doesn't have to be the definitive issue. Harry Turtledove, for example, writes good historical fiction, as well as fantasy. Robert E Howard wrote fantasy as well as horror, as well as, for his time, contemporary fiction. I think the theme is more important than the setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
Torggil
Maybe once I establish my fans, they'll follow me anywhere. =)
DeleteSo nice to meet you, Rena! Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it can be a good thing to write in many genres. I think it stretches us and provides valuable experience. I do think, though, that sometimes we need to narrow it simply to stay focused. Like when I am finishing a chapter in my historical fiction WIP, it's easier for me to concentrate if I devote my time in a day (a week, or whatever) to just that. I guess it just depends on what else we have going on, too, and how much of this other stuff helps pay the bills! :)
I certainly am grateful for the experience. I hope I can focus on one thing at a time too.
DeleteI think you can move in and out of genres. I don't know if everyone could though. (think Stephen King- who by the way I'm convinced he's in that creepy genre because he's a creepy looking dude. okay maybe not really.)
ReplyDeleteDid you ever read his memoir on writing? It's an incredible story.
Delete"Plums defy."
Yes. Any writing is writing - and those are my profound thoughts. haha :)
ReplyDeletehaha. Thanks!
DeleteLike you, I write in a couple of different genres. The only problem I see in it is branding. I'm as yet unpublished in novel-length fiction, but even there, which way do I slant my blog (I ask myself): YA or Inspirational Romance? It's hard to decide. I suppose whichever genre gets published first will become my official brand.
ReplyDeleteYep that's likely what will happen to me too.
DeleteYou're a really busy lady. I think it's good not to place yourself in a box of writing the same genre, where's the fun in that? Maybe we should all experiment and write something at the other end of the spectrum from what we usually do. Thanks for visiting my blog and following.
ReplyDeletethanks. I'm not a boxy person either.
DeleteYes! It just depends on what they feel like writing about! stopping by from A to Z
ReplyDeleteYou're gifted, Rena. And that's why you write so many different genres. Keep writing. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. You're very sweet.
DeleteI think it really depends on your goals for your writing. If I couldn't write all the different things I wanted to write, it wouldn't be the same for me. I do it because I just have to write what's in my head, whatever genre that happens to be. But if you're focused on writing as a career, building a readership, and branding, then in the beginning you have to be known for one thing... or so they say.
ReplyDeleteI'm A-Z blog hopping. It's nice to meet you.
Christine
Coffee in the Garden
In the Care of the Great Physician
That's what I'm worried about. branding.
DeleteDefinitely. I think writers who show they can do well in such contrasting genres are pretty talented
ReplyDelete