Choosing A Genre - The Creative Process

Choosing a genre

When you start with an idea for a story, you will not always be thinking about what genre it belongs to. Your main concern is going to be getting the idea onto paper and starting to write the story itself. However, eventually you are going to have to put your story into a genre before you can finish the story and way before you decide to publish it - be it the traditional route or through a self publishing platform. People who will read your book will want to know what its about and what genre it belongs with.

So, how do you go about choosing a genre? Personally, I like to write what I know, but you may not. As long as you are willing and able to do the research required then it doesn't matter which genre you choose to settle into and call your own. 

Some writers will write in genres they themselves love to read. Others will find their talent lies in writing a genre they would never read themselves. From my own personal writing experience I can say that although THE DYING THOUGHTS series can be classed as supernatural as well as in the crime and mystery genre, I personally do not read supernatural books. I prefer crime, mystery and some romance. I can say that a lot of my books have a supernatural or sci-fi tone to them, but a lot of the time it is not done purposefully, it just creeps into my writing.

So, you've chosen your genre. You've done your research and you're ready to declare that you're only going to write in one genre from now on. That's great, I'm glad you've found a topic you are passionate about and have found an area you can create in and do brilliantly. However, before you class yourself as a romance writer, or someone who writes about alternative realities, or a mystery writer who only caters to fifty five year old women with blonde hair, just remember that writing styles, genres and plots do not stay static. They can change into something different in a heartbeat. You can plan and research and micromanage every word, but sometimes the story takes you where it takes you and there is little you can do about it. It's great if you have an idea of where the story will go and how to get there, but remember that when inspiration strikes, it doesn't always hit the planned target.

As long as you are willing to go along with the story as you write, go along for the ride as it were, then you can't go wrong! Enjoy writing and exploring your worlds.

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