Sure, I've toyed with the idea of writing in a different genre, but it helps to familiarize yourself with the different genres to see where you fit first.
I found a list of book types or genres that gives a good idea.
Science fiction - Nope, never felt I could write in this genre, although I enjoy watching Sci-Fi movies and TV. My one claim to book reading in this genre would be Orson Scott Card's 'Ender' series. What a great series that was!
Satire - Nope, not a Mark Twain writer, which is my definition of satire, although I'm sure writers of satire could define this better.
Drama - I'm more of an action/adventure gal. I think drama involves in depth character sketches. Some writers do this extremely well. I would like to perfect this skill.
Mystery - Yes, bring it on! But not the hard boiled detective type.
Horror - Can't do it. I'm afraid to both watch and read horror, although I admit I have watched Stephen King movies.
Self help - Hmm....wish I could say I had the expertise to write one. I read my share as a young woman trying to sort out the 'what ifs' and 'whys' of life.
Health - I've done some on my blog and enjoyed talking about the benefits of adding fruit to our diet. It was fun. I may do one on vegetables next.
Health - I've done some on my blog and enjoyed talking about the benefits of adding fruit to our diet. It was fun. I may do one on vegetables next.
Guide - Yes, probably could....but sounds kind of boring.
Travel - I did a little. There's a travel writer in me that never got the chance. Ah, if I were younger and had more time to explore.
Travel - I did a little. There's a travel writer in me that never got the chance. Ah, if I were younger and had more time to explore.
Children's - Yes, I have tried. Picture books, but not middle grade, which I am considering.
And yes, to Young Adult of course.
Science - Nope, I do not have the education to write, but I did edit food science books and articles in my day job once. Now if gardening is a science, I could write about that!
History - Yes, I could and have done this. I researched 1920 to 1940 for a nonfiction book, and wrote about the Shoshone Indians for another. I've done a number of nonfiction series on my blog on women in history. Wish I could apply to Historical Fiction
Math - Oh dear, not for me.
Anthology - This has become rather popular lately, but have not done - yet.
Poetry - Yes, but I'm more of a closet poet.
Encyclopedias - I helped a professor prepare and edit a large series of Food Engineering articles for the 'Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems' for the United Nations. Pretty proud of the project and final product.
Dictionaries - Nah, but you know, they need writers for this too.
Dictionaries - Nah, but you know, they need writers for this too.
Comics - Nothing but respect for those who have the talent!
Art - Not my cup of tea, but lots of talent out there!
Cookbooks - Have thought about this, but the world is overrun with cookbooks already. It's more fun to be inventive as you cook. Only problem with this style is you win some, and lose some!
Diaries - Yes, I have kept three in my life. One as a young teenager. Another in college. A third during my 9 months in Malaysia. I also keep a dream diary (when I remember). I highly recommend diaries. You can discover some real gems for your writing.
Journals - Yes, I sometimes log my writing progress and thoughts. I do as needed to motivate.
Journals - Yes, I sometimes log my writing progress and thoughts. I do as needed to motivate.
Prayer books - I occasionally keep a prayer list. I usually list 10 things and/or people I'm praying for, then cross out when answered. You'd be surprised how many prayers are answered! I don't write out prayers or do devotionals.
Series - I would love to write a series. Lucky are those who find an interesting character or subject that warrants one! I keep thinking about this.
Trilogy - I'm working on a sequel to 'The Shells of Mersing' right now, but it's not likely to be a trilogy.
Trilogy - I'm working on a sequel to 'The Shells of Mersing' right now, but it's not likely to be a trilogy.
Biographies - Only as related to some fictional piece I'm working on.
Autobiographies - Yes, tried this once. Boring! But I think you could add Memoirs to this category, which I have tried and like.
Autobiographies - Yes, tried this once. Boring! But I think you could add Memoirs to this category, which I have tried and like.
Fantasy - Have never tried. I would need to read this genre a lot to feel comfortable. Lots of folks adore this genre, so I keep thinking I should try. If Time Travel works, that would definitely be my choice.
Wow, that's a lot of writing options! I should add I wouldn't mind trying adult fiction. At least two of my first short stories were from a male perspective for the adult market. I felt very comfortable writing in the male voice. Another story was Orwellian in nature about an elderly couple, the strangest thing I have ever written.
Flash fiction is kind of fun too. Again for the adult market. I've never written one to completion, but have had some great beginnings. How about you? Where do you fit in your writing? Are you all over the map like I am? ~Sharon
Flash fiction is kind of fun too. Again for the adult market. I've never written one to completion, but have had some great beginnings. How about you? Where do you fit in your writing? Are you all over the map like I am? ~Sharon
THANK YOU Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh and co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG, Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure!!
Sharon M. Himsl
Writer/Author. Blogging since 2011.
Published with Evernight Teen:
~~The Shells of Mersing
fabulous post!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan. Nice to see you here. Thanks!
DeleteI like your rundown on all genres. It was a neat insight into you and your writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way with romance. I also like it with another genre.
A common feeling about romance I think. I always like a little!
DeleteIt's best to write in the genre you are comfortable with and enjoy reading. I'd never try, say, romance, because it requires a skill I just don't have - and I don't read it. I've done non fiction for children because I simply love the excuse for research and then sharing what I have discovered with the little ones, I've written short historical fiction on commission and am wondering whether I could stretch to a novel some time. I don't do SF, although I love it, because my knowledge of science is not good enough to be convincing. I do write fantasy, but it tends to be medieval fantasy based on my knowledge of history.
ReplyDeleteBut don't, really don't, try something you aren't already reading and loving just because it seems to be popular. You won't write well or convincingly. Trust me on this!
Final Day At The Writers Festival
Good advice, Sue :)
DeleteI'm having a hard time commenting with Chrome today, so I apologize if this is a duplicate.
ReplyDeleteThis is quite a helpful list. I also avoid horror stories. I've never figured out why I would WANT to be scared. The same theory keeps me off of most roller coasters.
I so agree, but some do a great job at writing this genre and do really well. I'm so easily creeped out, it's almost silly.
DeleteHa ha ha! I enjoyed your post, especially the Math section. I'm with you! I spent five hours helping my son with sixth grade math yesterday. It was torture. I'm an artist, so I have to draw everything out to understand it.
ReplyDeleteI like your list of genres. It made me consider a few myself. Thanks!
Have a good weekend!
Yeah, that can be tough keeping up with today's math methods :)
DeleteWow, what a list! It was fun seeing your thoughts on all these and what you gravitate toward most. (I completely agree with you about math, LOL.) I'm a total sucker for horror and fantasy, I must admit, which is why most of my comics belong to those genres...
ReplyDeleteHa-ha. I see that in your comics. You do it so well!
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