Should a writer stick to one genre?
Most of the writers I admire seem to stick with one particular genre in their work. Romance novelists write contemporary, historical, paranormal, erotic and other types of books. One thing they all have in common though is their penchant to be fictional romance stories.
History books, some of my favorites due to research for my own work, are almost always based on nonfiction and relate events from the past as accurately as possible. Whether it is following the battles and soldiers of wars, the clothing and hairstyles of a particular era or relating a country’s historical timeline, it is all based on facts.
Mainstream fiction also is a genre that is defined by its writers. Not necessarily romances or nonfiction, these books often follow crime or suspense or famous people’s lives and are not subject to being defined (at least to me) as a particular genre. When one enters a bookstore each shelf of books is listed under its own type of label, be it adventure, travel, romance, teen romance, references…so many types of books.
I adore writing romance. Historical romance to be exact. And yet, at times I find myself intensely attracted to a story about other characters, other times and other areas of interest.
As writers we develop our craft in our own ways. For me, I believe romance is a perfect way to express myself. However, maybe I should incorporate crime or suspense…I enjoy reading these books. And what a writer enjoys reading often works its way into the writer’s own stories.
One genre or many, one era or another…writers write what they feel,
KW
I’ve heard that it’s best to stick to one genre. However, I’ve seen some authors who have branched off and done just fine. Nora Roberts is an example of this. There was another romance author I read who also did sci-fi fantasy, I think her name was Holly Lisle, and she had quite a few books out there in both genres. So I think it’s best just to write what you’re feeling passionate about when you are feeling passionate about it and just make sure it’s the best book possible.
Thanks for your comment, Kati! “Write what you’re feeling passionate about” is how I feel exactly! After all, THAT is why a writer becomes a writer!
I’ve heard that it’s best to stick to one genre. However, I’ve seen some authors who have branched off and done just fine. Nora Roberts is an example of this. There was another romance author I read who also did sci-fi fantasy, I think her name was Holly Lisle, and she had quite a few books out there in both genres. So I think it’s best just to write what you’re feeling passionate about when you are feeling passionate about it and just make sure it’s the best book possible.
Thanks for your comment, Kati! “Write what you’re feeling passionate about” is how I feel exactly! After all, THAT is why a writer becomes a writer!
My latest book refuses to stay in a particular genre…
I found a new term for books that inhabit the spaces between genres–Interstitial…
My latest book refuses to stay in a particular genre…
I found a new term for books that inhabit the spaces between genres–Interstitial…
I don’t believe a writer should limit their creativity unless they them selves feel comfortable writing in a specific genre. Imagination should be freed not contained. Just my thought on the subject.
I wish you well 🙂
I don’t believe a writer should limit their creativity unless they them selves feel comfortable writing in a specific genre. Imagination should be freed not contained. Just my thought on the subject.
I wish you well 🙂