Many authors, both traditional and self published, write in multiple genres. If you’ve written young adult fantasy for years but want to try adult thrillers, there’s nothing stopping you! However, when I started digging for tips on how to write different genres, there’s not much out there.
This post will give some easy to follow suggestions and tricks for writing in multiple genres! Let me know if it helped you!
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE (AGAIN!)
You can do what you are led to do, but knowing your new audience ahead of time will help heaps in the long run. I stress this point because I was a flopping fish for a while after publishing my first dystopian novel–it seemed my whole audience and friend base had little interest in it. I’m here to save you the heartache of wondering if you “did something wrong”–nope! You just need to branch out and ensure you’re directing your new genre to the correct audience!
If you don’t know how to do this, here are some tips I found helpful on how to reach your new audience!
- Make a list of authors who inspire you in this genre. Follow them on social media. Take notes on what their audience looks like and how they engage them.
- Be active on social media (whichever platform(s) you prefer) and join groups/communities in the new genre. Say you’re a bestselling romance author but you want to write zombie fiction–find some zombie apoc groups on Facebook. Share content on your pages that is authentic and shows your new genre(s).
- Engage that audience by following new accounts, commenting, etc. Some accounts/bloggers even host interviews and such, so watch out for fun, creative ways you can enter new communities!
- Mostly: don’t be afraid to watch that audience and get to know them in your own unique way! Knowing who your book will reach before you hit “publish” is not only helpful, but inspiring!
UNDERSTAND WHAT MAKES THAT GENRE “TICK”
When you’re writing a new genre, it doesn’t hurt to put effort into understanding what makes the genre tick! Many genres follow a formula, while, of course, containing twists and turns unique to that novel!
Keep in mind that each book is different and you should write your book true to how it should be written, but key elements to a genre are pretty crucial. If you’re writing a thriller, but there’s very little action or the stakes are super low, you might want to reevaluate the genre. On the same note, by understanding your audience and watching readers interact, you can even note what the genre lacks–some dystopian authors love triangles, some don’t. By understanding common tropes and what readers would prefer, there’s inspiration to be found there, too!
I will note, however, the step of grasping what makes a genre tick comes easy to some people (it comes easy for me so I never have to go very in depth) but not everyone, and that’s okay! While it helps to study the genre, don’t get stuck in this step, either!
Tips on how to do this step:
- Read books in the new genre you wish to write. This is a step I kind of suggest you do before you write, so a billion outside influences don’t hamper your story, but you can still understand the genre without reading hundreds of books in the genre. (Note: honestly, I don’t do this for every genre, at least, not excessively. I will read many thrillers but my dystopian list is way smaller. It’s okay to be picky, haha! After all, if you read a mediocre book in that genre, you don’t want that in the back of your mind. Ick!)
- Write out key differences or elements you notice in the new genre. For example, write the “order of events” for a few books in that genre. Do they all have any key elements in common? Is the pacing about the same? Are there any elements you dislike or could put a twist on?
- Compare different genres, noting what elements are more focused on in each genre. A historical fiction novel might put sole focus on character development, while a thriller novel might have higher plot stakes. Understanding contrasts to genres helps you understand what makes the new genre tick.
- If you’re on social media groups or chats, this might be a fun question to ask: what makes *genre* different from the others? What makes it stand out? What elements can it absolutely not do without?
KNUCKLE DOWN AND WRITE
I mentioned not getting stuck in the studying stage… Well, to write in a new genre, you have to knuckle down and get ‘er done!
Start writing. See what comes naturally and what you struggle with. Keep going and try to get the first draft finished. Don’t forget, this is your novel. Regardless of the genre, regardless of the audience, it is your book. Put your heart into it! Don’t be afraid to pour your biggest troubles or biggest hopes into it. Readers know when your heart is in a project! Don’t let anyone cut you down or stop you.
Maybe the new genre completely sets you free and you write like the wind. Maybe the new genre trips you up and you have to pace yourself slowly. Your writing pace is your writing pace, so own it, just keep moving forward!
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GROW AS AN AUTHOR
You don’t have to stay in one genre if you dislike it or want to try something new. It is so important for authors to have confidence in their abilities, as well as zeal for continuing to better themselves!
If you look down on yourself, your writing, your genre, you can’t progress. If you have confidence in yourself, your writing, and your genre, you can start accomplishing goals. Your dreams are not out of reach! So if you’re feeling intimidated by trying a new genre, or even juggling a few genres, chin up. I’m a firm believer in hard work, dedication, AND enjoying the journey!
So if you’re tackling multiple genres and struggle with confidence and dedication, you can do this. Part of growing as an author is learning what works for you and what doesn’t. Hint: no two authors are the same. Don’t try to be. Own your voice and keep writing.
Oh, and quick reminder, sign ups to join my street team are open! If you like dystopian, post apoc, fantasy, thrillers… stories full of heart, action, and thought-provoking themes… sign up here!
God bless,
Angela