A few days ago a friend put out the idea of publishing a boxed set. Nothing unusual there. A lot of authors are doing it these days. Take a quick look on Amazon and you can find any number of boxed sets filled with cowboys, military men ... even a few with ghosts.
But my friend's idea was different.
She suggested a mixed set. A little bit of everything. Historical. Contemporary. Suspense. All together like a tin of mixed nuts.
The response was much like the idea itself: mixed.
But it got me to thinking. I would prefer to join the set if it were all one genre. However, what if my particular genre isn't chosen? I currently write contemporary westerns and western suspense.
What different one would I be willing to write to be included?
I think the genre I would be willing to try would be historical. It's not that far of a leap, right? I mean there are cowboys, horses and feisty heroines. I know a lot of stuff about horses. I know a ton about cowboys. That's why I write them. But I don't know a lot about history.
I hate research. Loathe it. And there is a lot of research in historicals. Just ask any historical author worth her salt.
Damn.
I think a historical for me any time in the near future is out.
I don't think there's any other genre for me.
What about you? Would you try something completely out of your comfort zone?
But my friend's idea was different.
She suggested a mixed set. A little bit of everything. Historical. Contemporary. Suspense. All together like a tin of mixed nuts.
The response was much like the idea itself: mixed.
But it got me to thinking. I would prefer to join the set if it were all one genre. However, what if my particular genre isn't chosen? I currently write contemporary westerns and western suspense.
What different one would I be willing to write to be included?
I think the genre I would be willing to try would be historical. It's not that far of a leap, right? I mean there are cowboys, horses and feisty heroines. I know a lot of stuff about horses. I know a ton about cowboys. That's why I write them. But I don't know a lot about history.
I hate research. Loathe it. And there is a lot of research in historicals. Just ask any historical author worth her salt.
Damn.
I think a historical for me any time in the near future is out.
I don't think there's any other genre for me.
What about you? Would you try something completely out of your comfort zone?
This is a really good question. I did write a historical, and loved doing it, but I also loved the research. However, I was researching my own neighborhood and all the material was readily available at the library. Other than women's fiction, which I really love, I can't imagine stepping any further outside the comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteYou do yours so well I can't imagine you not!
DeleteI've thought about your question before and knew immediately that I would love to write a Scfi novel. I'm addicted to Scfi movies, especially those out in space - can't count the times I've watched Firefly and Serenity - cowboy space series, but I can't. I tried once - not happening!
ReplyDeleteDo it!
DeleteI think it depends on what you love and the story. I've written fantasy, paranormal, historical and contemporary romance so far. I didn't choose the genres...the story and characters did. Since I don't outline, they are the driving force to what genre I write. The common theme among them all is a strong heroine.
ReplyDeleteGreat post ;)
Thanks for weighing in!
DeleteI've always wanted to write a historical-research stopped me too, D. At this point in my career I can't see me stepping outside my genre-too many series I need to finish-but maybe someday :)
ReplyDeleteYou're doing so well with what you do, there's no need to change!
DeleteI tried something "completely our of my comfort zone" with "The Nano Experiment." I am a white male. The protagonist is an African-American female.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out to be my biggest seller with 71 reviews on amazon at an average of 4+
Richard Brawer
www.silklegacy.com
That's awesome! Congrats!
DeleteYes, I would have no problem being a genre jumper. I may write in contemporary with suspense right now, but I have ideas in paranormal, time travel, YA, NA, horror, thriller....I am and always have been a little bit out of the box and can easily jump to another idea with no problems. I'm eclectic like that. it keeps my mind filled with fresh thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
DeleteWell t his is right up my alley! I wrote historical Regency until I began reading contemporary gay romance. Two TOTALLY different genres. I love it! I still plan on going back to the historicals but for now I am happy where I am
ReplyDeleteThat's great you found your spot!
DeleteI do write historical romance as well as romantic mystery thrillers. I also write short stories in every conceivable genre, not to mention poetry, plays, and nonfiction articles. A lot of what I write does require research but I enjoy doing it. There's one drawback--although I enjoy the variety, it doesn't encourage building a readership, and that's a problem.
ReplyDeleteYes, I could see how that would be a problem.
DeleteNo. At this time I wouldn't write out of my preferred genre.
ReplyDeleteNo rock stars in your future???
DeleteSince I write historical (medieval) I think I'd stay in the vicinity of historical--I could do a Western historical, say. Maybe try a paranormal historical. But I don't think I'd try a contemporary right off. Or a YA or...
ReplyDeleteLOL I get it!
DeleteMurder mystery.
ReplyDeleteTweeted.
That would be fun!
DeleteI love to read just about any genre and I write in two. I chose that route because some of the stories bouncing around in my head demanded it.
ReplyDeleteI love your histies!
DeleteI write contemporary romances and my own writing is changing, evolving into more suspenseful romances. I love the danger. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to write more paranormal romance but I have some amazing favorite authors who write that and I don't know if I can live up to my own high standards. :)
Well, I know for a fact you just did something different...!
DeleteWell... I already write contemporary westerns, some with suspense and some more contemporary than western. I also write paranormal (vamps, werewolves, angels and even a demon). The other genre I really want to write is science fiction (I fell in love with it while writing Star Wars fan fiction). I even have a story started. As for historicals, I actually have several Civil War historicals started. The research is enjoyable, but too time consuming right now with working full time. I guess the genre I really wish I could write is YA. I'd love to write a YA fantasy or science fiction story. I actually have several ideas but have no idea where to begin.
ReplyDeleteYes, you really jump around!
ReplyDeleteI've crossed genres, but mainly stayed within sub genres of romance: western historical, contemporary, humor, suspense, psychic. A lot of series. I've done children's and short story mystery series. Branding comes into play on this. If moving around too much, branding is diffused. However, I've gone where I wanted to. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!
DeleteI stayed within the romance realm, but have done horror, para, contemporary. Its fun. Like you though, I'm suspecting historical would not be my thing. I think. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteBut taking at a shot at writing outside of our comfort zone offers an adventure. Take your leap of faith and try something new.
:)
Bobbi Romans
I actually like challenging myself outside the box. Years ago I belonged to online writing exercise group--where each week one of us sent out a list of writing prompts and you were supposed to pick a couple to do, just as warm-ups. And I wrote a couple of sci-fi things, poetry, fantasy. I kind of miss that kind of spontaneous writing.
ReplyDeleteThat's great!
ReplyDeleteI write adventure, urban fantasy stuff. My writing has a lot of action that creates the opportunity for excitement. I think I'd like to write a romance because it's so personal. The characters have to stop and live in the moment in order for the story to move on. I think that takes a whole different skill set to be written well.
ReplyDelete