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How Do You Write Across Multiple Genres?
I strive to be multifaceted.
A long time ago, when I was just a lad of 9, I wrote my first illustrated, 50-page sci-fi book. A few years later, at 13 or so, I wrote my first 36-page typed sci-fi book. After that, I wrote a technothriller short story at 17 and started my unfinished Source Chronicles fantasy series in the mid-to-late 1990s. After that, I wrote a few things that are Steampunk or Steampunk-esque.
That’s what most of my fiction looks like. However, since the start of 2012, I’ve steadily been writing nonfiction focusing on mindfulness, conscious reality creation, nontoxic positivity, and similar topics. That’s been a regular, weekly occurrence, plus a couple of self-published books, that I continue today.
So, it’s safe to say that I write across multiple genres. While my primary love is sci-fi, that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing that I write. Yet writing across multiple genres takes a degree of focus because of important variations in approach and presentation.
Why am I on about? Let’s get into it.
Every genre has certain tropes and reader expectations
While there are many variations and alterations, as well as unique approaches, certain genres have unavoidable tropes and reader expectations.
For example, when I say sci-fi, you probably think of advanced technologies, space travel, aliens, and maybe all the above. If I say fantasy, you likely think about swords and sorcery, fantastic creatures, and the like. When I mention self-help, you probably expect instructions for approaches to life, the universe, and everything.
There’s more to genres than tropes; there are certain reader expectations. One of the key elements of any genre is that you get a sense of what will be included. When you read romance, you expect a will-they-won’t-they relationship, maybe sex, and so on. A mystery will lead you to work out who committed the crime, while putting together pieces of the puzzle.
Sure, there are exceptions to the rule. Various authors mess with expected tropes and expectations, sometimes for good and sometimes for vanity. If, in the process, you lose the reader, while you might have written something you like, odds are that your sales aren’t where you want them to be.
This is where “write what you know” comes into its primary purpose. You don’t need to be a subject matter expert, but you do need to be aware of the tropes and reader expectations in the genre.
Of course, if you’re not planning to publish, write whatever your heart desires. That sort of thing is all about you, and the creative expression can be incredibly empowering and inspiring.
Why does choosing genres matter?
Why do genres and tropes and such matter? Two main reasons. The first is reader understanding. If you open up a cozy mystery novel, you have certain expectations for what you’re about to read. While the author will give their take on the genre a unique spin, that will still be within the overarching notion of just what a cozy mystery novel is. You buy or check out the book expecting something that resonates with you.
The other reason is marketing. Genres provide direction and intention with regard to marketing. Who I focus on selling nonfiction to might be similar to those I try to sell sci-fi to, but the approach, the nature of the marketing, and overall notion differ. You set yourself up for extra challenges when you market to the readers of a genre opposite to what you’re writing.
I write as both a planner and a pantser. My latest sci-fi novel series? I planned out chapter-by-chapter all 5 of the books and follow my plan as I’m writing them. This blog essay? It’s being streamed out of my consciousness as I sit in front of screens at my keyboard and allow the free-flow thoughts to come. Why does this matter? Because I learned that my fiction, when it has a more clearly defined and planned-out plot, is stronger, better-written, and more focused with less meandering when I plan. This type of writing, by the seat of my pants with a vague formula for presentation and long years of practice, is better for these nonfiction blog posts.
All of this goes into how to write across multiple genres.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
One of the things that most drew me to Steampunk was the broad definition of the genre. Yes, it leans toward sci-fi, but my Vapor Rogues short story and longer novel take a fantasy approach to Steampunk. When I edited Infamy Ascending after initially writing it as part of the sadly defunct NaNoWriMo, I added more blatant Steampunk elements to this otherwise fantasy novel.
Genres have certain traits and commonalities, but there’s always room for experimentation. I have a fantasy idea I’ve started plotting that will dismiss some of the familiar tropes of fantasy for a different approach. Enough will remain to keep it a fantasy novel, but I’m experimenting with some unique elements.
Writing across multiple genres starts with recognition of them, what that means, what is expected, and what can be done differently. Don’t be afraid to take a stab at a unique approach. But also recognize where you might risk losing a reader versus exciting a reader by defying expectations. I think that’s one of the most important parts of the how, when it comes to writing across multiple genres.
Write on. Tell your stories. Kick ass. Take names.
Thanks for reading. As I share my creative journey with you every week, please consider this: How are you inspired and empowered to be your own authentic creator, whatever form that takes?
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