However, if you do write multiple genres within the same umbrella category (think: speculative fiction, contemporary, or mystery-thriller), you aren't likely to run into issues when marketing your books to readers. Granted, you probably won't encourage readers to pick up vastly different genres. More and more, readers have begun to rely on an author's reputation when choosing future reads, rather than the genre of the read itself. Make your name synonymous with that genre, and you'll find readers who will consistently enjoy your work.īut if you do want to write multiple genres, you don't necessarily have to publish under different pen names, as has been suggested. It's often been said that to find commercial success, published authors should stick to writing in one genre. Truth #8: It's okay to write in multiple genres If you know exactly why you want to break a particular writing rule, you're all that more likely to do so in a way that has real power and will make an impact on readers. I only suggest that you do so with purpose. That said, it's okay to forge your own path. Personally, I believe all writers should have a strong understanding of these commonly accepted rules, as many can indeed prove very successful. There are many "rules" and guidelines that can help writers craft incredible stories. Truth #7: It's okay to break writing rules Trying to write like someone else will only leave you frustrated and questioning your writing skills. These two items may take some time and exploration to discover, but I promise it will be worth the effort. Learn to rock your unique writing style and creative process. What works for one writer - be it a particular plotting technique, a certain writing schedule, or a style of prose - may not work for you, and that's okay. You are never going to write like every other writer. We all work in vastly different ways, writing vastly different stories. Truth #6: Your writing Style and Process Will be unique Harness what makes you you, and you'll tell a fresh and exciting story readers won't want to miss. It's all about finding the right perspective. Can you tell a familiar story through a new lens? How can you take a classic trope, archetype, or cliché and flip it on its head?ĭon't forget about the beauty that is you, my friend. Your personality, your struggles, your interests and experiences - these all give you an outlook on life that is entirely original, so use that. We are, after all, working within the confines of the human experience, and that only goes so far. Will every story be reminiscent of another? Sure. Sometimes it seems as though every story in the universe has already been written, but that's just not the case. Writing is like any hobby or skill, you need to learn the ropes and then practice, practice, practice before you produce anything of merit, but you absolutely will get better with time! This truth may be similar to the previous, but I don't think it can be overstated: you are as great a writer as you work to be. "I just don't know if I can do this," they say. "I love my story, but every time I try to write it, it sucks." Over the years, I've spoken with many writers who've expressed disappointment in their skills. That hard work and dedication to your craft? That is what makes you a writer. Not inherent talent. But there are plenty of writers, both published and unpublished, who've fought tooth and nail to strengthen their skills simply because they wanted to tell their stories. To piggy-pack off our previous truth, you also aren't any less of a writer if you aren't some sort of writing prodigy. Truth #3: You don't need talent to be a writer If you're writing now, you're a writer - and that's that. The simple truth is that it doesn't matter when you discovered your love for writing, nor even when you began pursuing it, if those two moments aren't the same. Their passion seems to be an all-consuming fire they simply don't feel alive if they aren't writing! No one would ever doubt that such a writer wasn't a "real" writer, yet so many of us do question our writerly self-worth. You often hear stories of authors who've been writing since birth. Truth #2: You aren't any less a writer if you start later in life
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