Confessions of a Multi-Genre Author
Many authors who stick with and write in one genre are successful. They create a following of readers who become engaged because of the expected story lines that are guaranteed by the author. My problem with writing is that there are so many genres to explore. I find it hard to fall in love and stick with one particular type.
When I’m sad, or in a highly emotional state, a poem bubbles up and out of me and scribbles its way across a blank sheet. On a typical day, writing poetry is like looking at the mountains on the horizon over a hundred away. Beautiful, yet unattainable without quite a journey.
When my daughter was growing up, I read many children’s books at night to her, which sparked my creativity, and a couple of story ideas made their way toward publication. I learned how to write a full length novel in the young adult genre, but I’ve never sent them to publishing houses, nor published them myself. Do I revisit them, and see if the characters within and their story still excite me enough to pursue publication?
Journals, writing in them, and creating them have always been a passion that has never left me. Years ago, I had an online journal store when the internet was just in its infancy. I should’ve kept it going, but other interests took over my time, and who the heck buys things online anyway (ha!). I still journal quite often, even if it’s in this format of blogging.
I find many stories are triggered by dreams, events, adventures, news articles, and life in general. Some I know work only as fictional short stories, which I write and send away as contest entries – you never know—other ideas I jot down for later follow-up. Most recently, my interest is leaning toward an adult contemporary fiction story with a romantic plot line. More to come on this idea!
I’ve created a smattering of readership fans through my different writing styles, and I am grateful for their interest in my work. Reflecting now, I believe some authors found their niche within a genre and perhaps are comfortable staying within it (not to mention the healthy royalty cheques!).
Although I’ve been writing for decades, I’ve also been learning as I go along. It’s been a journey, discovering the different highlights of the genres I’ve visited. I guess I haven’t found the perfect spot/genre to nestle into and call my own yet. I know it’s a work in progress.
I invite you to travel with me on this multi-genre writing journey of mine and together, we may find that ‘sweet’ spot, which calls to the reader inside of both us, and it’ll be amazing!
