Mastering Multi-Genre Writing: Four Key Benefits for Authors
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Chapter 1: Embracing Diverse Genres
As new writers embark on their creative journeys, they often find themselves drawn to a specific genre that piques their interest. The reason is simple: crafting a compelling narrative within a genre you adore is far more gratifying. This enthusiasm is evident to both the writer and their audience.
Many authors have thrived by focusing on a single genre, as readers who enjoy one of their books are likely to seek out more from the same author. This is particularly true for those who typically read within a single genre. However, some writers choose a different path as multi-genre authors.
When I began my writing career, two things were clear: I was an enthusiastic reader and I yearned to create my own stories. At the age of 16, I penned a young adult novel about a girl navigating life with divorced parents and a cherished circle of friends. Lacking a computer at home, I used lined notebooks until I finally accessed a computer at my school's library. Looking back, I'm not certain how good it truly was.
By the time I turned 20, I was working on a young adult dystopian novel titled Kale Stone: An Outliers Tale. It took me four years to complete, primarily due to my inexperience with writing. Nevertheless, I persevered, seeking feedback from family and friends. When I finished at 24, I was at a loss for what to do next.
That’s when my husband discovered a service called CreateSpace (now part of Amazon's KDP), and I invested three thousand dollars to publish it. (Yes, that was quite a sum.)
After the release of Kale Stone, I didn’t expect to write again. I had no other ideas within the genre that had initially inspired me. Fast forward to age 27, I continued my passion for reading across various genres. I realized I wanted to revitalize interest in Kale Stone, yet I felt lost on how to achieve that. Thus, I focused on growing my social media presence, a process that took considerable time.
During this period, I started a newsletter, and my husband helped me build a website. As these projects unfolded, I began crafting a short story titled The Backup Superhero, motivated by my love for superheroes. To my surprise, it resonated with readers, leading me to develop it into a series of novellas.
Shortly thereafter, I returned to the young adult genre with Anywhere Else, a contemporary romance. I was astonished to see it perform well, garnering positive reviews.
After a decade of nurturing my writing career, I have explored various genres, including:
- Young adult (dystopian, contemporary romance, horror, family drama)
- Superhero fiction
- Children's picture books
Through this journey, I have gleaned four essential lessons.
Follow Your Instincts
I've often heard the advice that I should have confined myself to a single genre. While it’s possible that I might be further along in my career with 14 published books under my name, I doubt I would find the same joy in my writing or have produced as many works. Sticking to one genre would have led to boredom, ultimately diminishing the quality of my writing. Thus, I encourage you to trust your instincts; they’re usually right.
Read Widely and Deeply
My inclination to write in various genres stems from my passion for reading. I delve into every genre I write in, and this exposure enriches my writing by:
- Teaching me diverse writing styles
- Introducing me to different tones of voice
- Providing fresh perspectives
By immersing myself in a range of genres, I gain invaluable insights from numerous authors, far beyond what I would learn by limiting myself to one.
Redefining Success
Success is subjective and varies from person to person. For some, it might be measured in sales; for others, it’s about social media following or the achievement of personal goals. For me, success lies in the journey itself. I never imagined I would write a book, and yet I have completed 14, overcoming various obstacles along the way (including a challenging upbringing and limited support). To me, reaching this point and having tangible accomplishments is a victory.
Your Readers Will Discover You
Despite being a multi-genre author, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of readers who chose to follow me across different genres. Many have contacted me through email or social media, expressing their willingness to explore new genres because they appreciated my writing style. This journey has shown me that even without confining myself to one genre, I can still make a meaningful impact on my readers.
For further insights, check out:
- Connecting with Readers
- The Importance of Authors Writing for Themselves
The first video titled "Should You Write in Multiple Genres?" explores the benefits and challenges of writing across different genres and offers valuable perspectives from successful authors.
The second video, also titled "Should You Write in Multiple Genres?", delves deeper into the topic, providing insights and advice for aspiring authors considering a multi-genre approach.