December 14, 2006
Genre Identity Crisis
Okay. So… recently I’ve been struggling with my own writing in a big way. First I thought - you know, I just suck at this. I’m just going to stop the torture and quit. And then I found out I sold another book. Which made me think - hey, maybe I’m not so bad at this after all.
Gaw. This business will suck the life out of you sometimes. Won’t it? I wonder sometimes why I torture myself so. I guess because it’s something I really love to do and something I think I can make money at.
Anyway - I digress (NOT unusual) - I was lamenting about my lack of writing and decided I was having “growing pains” as a writer. I think part of my current problem is I’m having a Genre Identity Crisis. I’m not opposed to writing in multi-genres - I do it. BUT, I’m wondering what my true strength as a writer is. I mean, where does my voice and my writing fit in the niche?
A friend (Ames) suggested I try experimenting with different genres. And that is probably the key to this. BUT - how do I go about that? I mean, I’ve tried fantasy and it’s something I like but I clearly suck at world-building (I can say that - it’s my work after all..haha). Science fiction is not for me - too technical. Historical - too much bloody trouble with all the research. Contemporary is easy for me since I can just make stuff up as I go. haha
And then another friend said, “You know, you’re really good at writing dirty.”
Am I? I wondered. She said, “I have to attack my husband every time I read your stuff.”
Hm. Maybe she has a point. Maybe I should just keep writing dirty.
So here’s the question - how do you find your writing niche?



Dirty aside, maybe your strenght is in a non-romance genre? *ducking*
I’m just saying…….
I can’t spell either….
maybe you should write dirty fantasy or historical - y’know cover both basis - LOL
I like to write in many genres - I just get bored too easily.
Don’t know about the niche - I write what I cannot put aside - this week it’s finishing the Cowboy crooner next week it may be a new romantic suspense the week after… maybe a new ghost story - my hearts desire is to write a regency but who knows if I will ever accomplish that!?!?
You find your niche by doing exactly what multiple-name-girl said, you experiment with the different genres. It will become clear what your voice is and you’ll love what you’re writing.
GAW I was stuck in a meeting all afternoon and couldn’t get back here.
I guess I’ll just keep on keeping on.
So for now - SMUT it is! lol
If you figure out the key to this question, please let me know.