A Leap of Genre?

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?










Comments

  1. 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.

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    1. You do yours so well I can't imagine you not!

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  2. I'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!

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  3. I 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.
    Great post ;)

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  4. I'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 :)

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    1. You're doing so well with what you do, there's no need to change!

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  5. I tried something "completely our of my comfort zone" with "The Nano Experiment." I am a white male. The protagonist is an African-American female.

    It turned out to be my biggest seller with 71 reviews on amazon at an average of 4+

    Richard Brawer
    www.silklegacy.com

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  6. Yes, 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.

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  7. Well 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

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  8. I 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.

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    1. Yes, I could see how that would be a problem.

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  9. No. At this time I wouldn't write out of my preferred genre.

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  10. Since 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...

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  11. I 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.

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  12. I write contemporary romances and my own writing is changing, evolving into more suspenseful romances. I love the danger. :)

    I 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. :)

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    1. Well, I know for a fact you just did something different...!

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  13. Well... 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.

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  14. I'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. :)

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  15. I 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.

    But 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

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  16. 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.

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  17. I 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.

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