Write in One Genre

Recently a friend asked me what I thought about the wisdom of sticking to writing in one genre. I told her I'd think about it. I think better when I'm typing...so here we are. Think along with me.

Today we'll explore the case for single-mindedness, or focus, if you will. Tomorrow we'll move on to the opposite point of view, that being write whatever you're passionate about at the time. Wednesday I'll let you know which side of the fence I fall on, and you can tell me where you've landed. Ready? Let's go...

The most compelling reason to write in one genre alone is so that readers know what to expect. What am I talking about? Here's the standard 'radio station' example.

Let's say you're a talk radio fan. Every time you get in the car, you switch on the ol' heated political talking-head as you're driving. You look forward to it because you like the fella's snarky comments and it brings you up-to-date on what's happening in the ruling class, which is important when you're a plebian. Always good to know what's barreling down the pike toward you.

So one day you toodle out to the car and flip on your station. A country western twanger belts you "You Done Stomped On My Heart and Knocked That Sucker Flat." You chalk it up to a program manager who's on drugs. Surely tomorrow will be better.

Nope. The following day they serve up opera, and the next they're on to Bieber's 'Baby'. Three strikes and they're out, baby. You'll no longer listen to that station because you don't know what to expect...and you don't always like what they're playing.

Same with writing. If you garner a tribe of historical fiction readers and then switch to horror, your original pack of natives are going to scatter. They expect historical fiction from you. It's what they want. You veer out of that track and they'll no longer buy any of your books. Recently on Novel Rocket, James Rubart wrote a succinct post making this point. You Can Only Write in One Genre. Period. End of Story.

So, in a nutshell, here are my
Top 3 Reasons to Write in One Genre

1. Readers know what to expect
2. Easier to market
3. Focuses and hones your writing, inching your way toward expertise in that particular genre


Pretty compelling, eh? Stay tuned. We'll argue the opposite tomorrow.

Keepin' Fresh

What should a writer do with a few spare minutes? Creativity is key!

What Genre Should You Read?

freedigitalphotos.net

Who doesn't love to curl up with a great book that's shadowy and twisty-turny and screams at you if you dare to shut the cover before you're finished? Well...apparently a lot of people, considering the high sales of sweet Amish stories and fluffy romantic fiction.

As much as I think one should read outside their favorite genre, there's no denying that there IS a favorite genre each reader holds near and dear. What's yours? Are you sure? Whether you are certain or not, have I found a quiz for you!

Pop on over to Quibblo's What Genre Fits You Best? All you do is answer a few simple questions and voila. You'll discover what you love to read, which will either confirm your suspicions or elicit a "No way!"

My result was historical fiction. No surprise there. What's yours?

New Kid on the Blog Block

Love historical Christian fiction? Love freebies? Have I found a site for you!

Christian Fiction Historical Society is a wealth historical tidbits, info about books on the market and upcoming titles, plus daily giveaways. The goal of the site is to unite those who love to write historical novels with those who love to read them. What a huge win-win for everyone involved.

But don't take my word for it. Pop over and check it out.

Clearing Up the Confusion

Just when I think I've mastered lay and lie, affect and effect rear their ugly heads. Sheesh. What's a girl to do? Here's what. Bookmark a handy dandy site that I recently discovered.

Confusing Words is dedicated to clearing up the confusion of befuddled writers around the world. They have a collection of 3210 words that are the most troublesome to writers AND to readers.

It's super easy to use. Words are grouped according to the way they are most often confused or misused. I may never have to irritate my crit partners again. Well, at least for improper use of a word, that is.

Disclaimer: Heads up that this is an older site, so there are no bells and whistles or eye candy. Just basic information.

Retail Therapy

Do you ever wake up with zero motivation? Except, of couse, for the motivation to roll over and go back to sleep. The only driving force that got me out of bed today was this:

What a little beauty. The Capresso Burr Grinder model #559. Mmm, mmm, mmm. A fan-freaking-tastic cup of java started my motor this morning...

And here's what will keep me inspired to make dinner:

Once I finished the paperwork for a home equity loan, this top-of-the-line saute pan was mine.

As you can tell, I was clearly motivated to shop yesterday. Why? I like to blame the second law of thermodynamics. In super easy lay terms: all natural systems degenerate when left to themselves. Granted, my grinder and my frying pan had a little help with that degeneration, but it was seriously time for them to give up the ghost. Now that I have new tools, I am ready to crush coffee beans and fry up a storm. Which made me think...

What tools motivate writing?

A new laptop, that's a gimme, but who's got a pile of cash laying around to pick up a new MacBook every time their inspiration wanes? So for those who aren't related to Bill Gates, here's a list of a few pick-me-ups that just might nudge you to spend some serious time with your characters.

A New CD ~ music has a way of wooing the muse

A New Red Pen ~ or purple or color-of-your-choice, and make it a G3 or some other super smooth roller

A New Chocolate Supply ~ set a goal of doling out a piece to yourself after you've reached your writing goal for the day

A New Book ~ seems counterintuitive to spend your writing time reading, but sometimes reading great writing kicks your own up a notch

A New Sweater ~ one you'll only wear when writing so go for funky or quirky

Desktop Doodle ~ I hear ya...what's a doodle? Well, when I wrote my Viking time travel, I had a small statue of Olaf Trygvasson for inspiration. For Gallimore, I had a small knight replica. Whatever works for you.

Those are just a few ideas. Keep the conversation going. What tools motivate your writing?

Practicing the John Hancock

When your big day finally comes, and you're sitting at a book signing table, what are you going to write?

(no, I'm not on meth...doggone YouTube for freezing on this particular frame)