I know you would love to write both romance and science fiction. But should you? There is a belief that sticking to one genre will improve your chances of success.
I can’t help but agree. I believe writers have a greater chance of building loyal readers from one genre.
If you stick to one, you will go places. Switching genres is confusing to your loyal fan base if you start writing another genre.
It may even turn away the readers you worked so hard to get. So, how should you go about this?
What do you like to read?
Stick to what you know. Would you write mystery if you are an avid fantasy reader? Chances are you know the genre tropes of the latter better.
I can’t see myself writing romance or thrillers. I love horror and sometimes with a dash of dark fantasy.
I started reading in my late teens, mostly YA horror. R.L. Stine was my favorite author.
What authors do you like to read? What have you read in the past or have read recently?
What do you like to write?
Ummm… Well, I think that should be pretty obvious. Stick to what you like to read. But be sure what you like reading, you like writing also.
Maybe, if you haven’t yet read another genre you’d like to write, start brushing up on the tropes. Read lots of books in the genre you prefer.
The more you read, the more likely you will find the type of story you want to write. Take your time searching for it.
Does TV or film count?
Absolutely! Some purists feel film and TV ruined writing. They complain visuals are influencing modern writers too much.
But there is no proof it is harming literature. Media has influenced writers like Stephen King, Graham Greene, and J.K Rowling.
There is no harm in using what you see to tell a story. Not all writers are visual. But some writers feel it helps their creativity.
Still undecided?
It’s best not to get caught up in choosing a genre. Ask yourself why you want to write a book.
Why that genre? Does choosing it feel right? If it does or doesn’t, choose another. Or stick to it.
You can also explore and try one genre. If that type of book won’t work for you try another. Most writers find their genre right at the start.
But some play around with different genres. But again, ask yourself what you like to read and what you like to write.
If you are still having trouble, why not ask for help? I’d love to give you some insights into the genre right for you!
You can also check out this video by Jenna Moreci.