I'm finally admitting something to myself. My current project is actually a contemporary novel.
No matter how much I want it to be magical realism, it's not. I could go through and add details to make it so but it's not something I want to force. It wouldn't be authentic.
The thing is, I read mainly paranormal YA and the trilogy I have planned to start next month is exactly that.
Do you think genre jumping is risky for a new author, even if I'm unpublished?
Would it frustrate my readers if and when I do get published?
Right now I plan to move forward with my latest contemporary YA novel, the one I wrote for me. I'll see where it takes me.
What do you think? Is genre jumping risky? How do you feel about it as a reader?
Creative Wishes,
22 Comments ~:
As my reading tastes are eclectic - I say so long as the story is compelling, powerful, amazing, fun and just a great read then I say go for it - the genre will just find itself!! :-)
Take care
x
I firmly believe that a writing project is a living "thing" with a will of its own. Like a child you gave birth to, you can't decide on the day she was born that the child will be a lawyer when, as she grows up, you recognize all her passion is for teaching. A story is the same. It evolves and becomes what it was meant to become. If you try to force it into one genre and it wants, stubbornly, to be in another one, you will not find as much success in the final draft. Let it be what it is, and it will be phenomenal. Good luck with it!
You'll never know which genre will ultimately lead you to publication, so exploration is a good thing. However, I do believe that once you are published that you focus just in that genre until your little more established before branching out, unless you intend on using a pen name...then all is good! :)
In YA, I definitely don't see an issue with genre hopping. I've written contemps (okay, tehnically they've all morphed into suspense)and fantasy, and have a horror novel in the works.
When you're not published and are still finding your way, it's not an issue. But I do have one friend who has written a woman's fiction novel (and is looking for an agent), and is published in both erotic romance and horror (no sex in this one I believe) under the same name. All I can say is, "Huh?????"
I just saw someone else post this same question.
You are not alone.
Write what you love, write what you know, write what you're interested in and the words will come.
Just keep writing.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Heather
I think the best time to genre hop is while you're unpublished. I started out trying to write YA, but it wasn't quite right - it was too old. So then I tried writing children's. But that wasn't right either. It was too young for what I was wanting to write. Then I realized it. I write for tweens. But I kept trying to fit my work into other genres. Just write what feels natural :)
I don't know about anyone else but I love variety. I mix my Fantasy with a little Sci-Fi. It just has to do with what works with the story. When it comes down to it it's about writing what you're passionate about. :)
I agree with Kitty. Let the words flow and don't worry about the genre for the time being.
Hi Jamie - Just another Insecure Writer stopping by. First,let me say,if I knew how to give these sward,I would definitely sign you up for the most beautiful blog award. This is a gorgeous space.
Second,I think genre hoping is good for writers. It makes you stretch and keeps you fresh. Sometimes that's just how a story needs to be told. If readers like you style and voice, it would seem that the genre shouldn't matter too much. Just sayin'.
I've written a few contemporaries, but most of my novels are more fantasy or magical realism or sci-fi--something with a twist to them rather than straight real life stuff.
I think it's good to experiment!! so more power to ya. Especially if you're unpublished. After you're published you can get stuck in a "box" that defines you, and it's more risky to experiment. Your readers will expect a certain genre, and the marketing becomes trickier.
You're just starting out - now is a great time to jump!
Hi, Jamie!! You know - I'm not entirely sure about genre jumping. I would think that if you stick to YA - whether it's MR or Contemp., the dynamics of your story telling would essentially be the same. It's just some of the elements that would be different. I think true fans would enjoy either.
One of my favorite authors is Shannon Hale and she's done YA and Adult novels and I've enjoyed both. My advice is to write the story you love, whatever genre it may be. Just run with it! :)
Best of luck to you!!
I think you should the book that is in your heart at the moment the best way possible and send it out. Don't worry about genre hopping until you're published. Just be true to yourself and your craft.
Look at Lauren Oliver! She has jumped all over the place since her debut, and it hasn't hurt her career any. :-)
I think writing in more than one genre if fine. I do it and hopefully some of my readers follow.
I think you need to listen to your intuition~ It is pulling you in this direction; go with it! Listen to your heart, but use your voice :D
Ultimately you have to write what sings for you. Like you said, you can't force it. I say go for it.
Hi Jamie! I found you via the blog hop. I did this. I genre jumped like crazy until I finally figured out where I belonged. This is what someone told me: If you are good, you can write anything. Problem? Publishers need a well-defined slot to put you in. So...genre jump all you want right now. But figure out what you write best, which is usually what you love to read the most, and excel at it. Best of Luck!!
I tend to gravitate toward supernatural fiction and Historical fiction thrillers.
This said, most of my ideas stem from one of these genres. Those that speak to me the loudest are the ones I pursue.
Someday I may get the urge to write a literary fiction, (something totally out of my usual genre), when and if this happens, then I'll go for it. Whether or not it gets published does not matter. My need to get rid of all those stories floating around in my head, trumphs tradition. Guess creative people need to create.
Long and short of it, do what works for you. The rest will come.
I've jumped genres over the years. I love variety and challenge. Of course it doesn't all work out, but sometimes an idea sweeps me away and I'm able to make it work out.
Hi Jamie!
You've already gotten so many great answers.
I read by genre, not author, so if it's a genre I like and a good premise to boot, I don't care if the author's last book was something else.
No matter where you jump, do it with both feet. :)
I think that new authors are in a position to take the most risks. I say go for it and genre jump.
Post a Comment