Genre Identity Crisis
Thursday, December 14th, 2006Okay. 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?
I’m totally in love with my hero. Every time I visit with him, I think about how hot and sexy he is and how he epitomizes the essence of what I love in a man. Sarcastic, witty, hot, sexy (I think I already mentioned that, but it bears mentioning again). I described him once to a writer pal that he had the adventuresome spirit of Indiana Jones, the sarcasm of Han Solo, and he looks like Clive Owen. Yum.
available at
It has Lily body mist, 2 scented towelettes & a notebook. Next week is a “Dirty Girl on the go” gift set with Travel Diary, 2 luggage tags, towelettes & lip balm. And on the RELEASE DAY I will give away a signed copy of my first ever in print book – YAHOO!


