When you first start out writing fiction, you will soon find the genre you feel the most comfortable writing in. This is most often the genre you read the most. You are comfortable with it – you know what is expected, and people always advise you to write what you know.
This is great if you want to write and publish your novels. However, if you find yourself wanting to make money from writing, you may well find yourself going down the freelance writing route.
It is possible to forge a successful career as a freelance writer by sticking to your preferred genre, but you will find it hugely limits the work available to you. If you want to write full time, and across a variety of projects, it’s important that you become adept at writing across several genres.
It really isn’t as hard as you would imagine. When I first started writing fiction, I wrote horror. In all honesty, this is still my favourite genre. It’s the place I feel at home.
But in order to make myself available for a larger number of jobs, I have branched out into crime, fantasy, and even romance (something I never thought I would do). I’ve also written parenting books (even though I don’t have children) and lots of other non-fiction books.
All you need to do is learn the genre tropes. Google your chosen genre and you will find lists detailing the most important points in the genre.
Once you have familiarised yourself with them, then the fun starts. Break the rules, push the boundaries.
As long as you stick to the most important premise (for example, when I write romance, I often find myself wanting to write the realistic ending – it can’t be done – romance stories have to have the happily ever after ending), then you are free to let your creativity run wild.
Another good way to learn what does and doesn’t work is to read some popular titles in the genre – what does this author do that makes the book so popular? Try to work in some of these points without copy catting.
Every genre hits the same structure – introduce the conflict, heighten the conflict, resolve the conflict – the rest is just mostly window dressing.
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I’ve done a lot of commercial writing jobs, so I don’t have any trouble in changing genres when I write creatively.
I actually find it kind of fun to get out of my writing comfort zone sometimes 🙂
This is great advice. Short, simple and sweet. The story grid also touches along these lines. Know your genre so you can know what people think will happen next, then twist it.
Thanks!
Thank you 🙂 Totally agree with twisting the rules and giving people a surprise!