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As a writer, it’s easy to fall into the habit of sticking to one genre. Perhaps you’ve mastered the art of writing cozy mysteries or have developed a strong following for your romantic comedies.
While there’s great value in honing a specific craft, writing in multiple genres offers incredible opportunities for growth, exploration, and versatility. It challenges your creativity and helps you become a more well-rounded storyteller.
In this blog, we’ll explore how expanding your creative range by stepping into new genres can benefit you as a writer, offer tips for successfully making the transition, and encourage you to embrace the process of discovery along the way.
Why Should You Write in Multiple Genres?
Creative Growth
Every genre comes with its own conventions, tropes, and reader expectations. Writing outside your usual genre forces you to approach storytelling in new ways. It lets you stretch your imagination and find innovative methods to craft a compelling narrative. This creative stretching is necessary for growth as it builds your ability to adapt, experiment, and refine your voice.
For example, if you typically write contemporary fiction and decide to dabble in speculative fiction, you’ll need to learn how to build worlds, create technology or magic systems, and deal with entirely different stakes for your characters. These elements can be refreshing and lead to breakthroughs in your writing process.
Overcoming Writer’s Block
Sometimes, a shift in genre can be the exact thing you need to push through a creative block. If you’re struggling to finish your latest horror novel, switching to a light-hearted genre like comedy can refresh your mind and get the words flowing again.
Writing in a different style removes some of the pressure you may place on yourself in your usual genre and offers a fresh perspective.
A shift in genre often unlocks new ideas. When we allow ourselves to try something different, we can break free from the ruts we usually dig for ourselves when we write the same kinds of stories over and over again.
Developing Versatility
Being versatile in your writing is not only artistically fulfilling but also valuable for your career. If you’re aiming to make a living as a writer, the ability to write in various genres gives you the flexibility to appeal to different markets.
Additionally, it can be advantageous if you’re considering ghostwriting, content creation, or writing for hire, as you’ll be able to meet the diverse needs of your clients or readers.
Writing in multiple genres can also help you see different facets of the same story. You might realize that the themes or conflicts you typically explore in literary fiction could work just as well in a fantasy setting. This helps you become a more dynamic storyteller and allows you to cross-pollinate ideas across genres, making your work even richer.
Tips for Expanding into New Genres
Start with Shorter Works
If writing an entire novel in a new genre feels overwhelming, start small. Try writing a short story or a piece of flash fiction. This allows you to experiment without the commitment of a full-length work and gives you a taste of the conventions of the genre.
Shorter works are also less risky. You can explore genre elements—such as tone, character archetypes, or plot structure—in a compact, manageable way. Once you’ve developed confidence, you can tackle longer projects within the genre.
Read Widely
Before you attempt to write in a new genre, immerse yourself in it. Reading books, short stories, and essays in the genre you’re venturing into will help you understand its conventions, themes, and reader expectations. Make a point to study how successful authors handle pacing, dialogue, and character development.
Pay attention to the “rules” of the genre you’re writing in, and note how authors break them to create fresh and original stories. This will give you the confidence to put your spin on the genre once you start writing.
Identify Commonalities Between Genres
You may think there’s little overlap between the genres you want to explore, but you’d be surprised. At their core, stories are about characters, conflict, and resolution, regardless of whether they’re set in a spaceship or a quaint village.
Look for these commonalities. If you typically write historical fiction but want to try horror, you might realize that both genres require meticulous world-building and atmosphere. By identifying the storytelling techniques that overlap between genres, you can transition more seamlessly and bring your strengths as a writer to new literary landscapes.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Genres
Who says you have to stick to one genre at a time? Some of the most engaging stories blend elements from multiple genres. You could write a historical romance with elements of mystery or a thriller with comedic undertones. Mixing genres can give your story a unique flavor and attract readers from different audiences.
Genre blending also encourages creative freedom. If you feel like a story isn’t fitting neatly into a single category, give yourself permission to draw from others. This can result in innovative storytelling that defies conventions and sets your work apart.
Embrace the Learning Curve
Writing in a new genre can feel intimidating initially, especially if you’re well-versed in your current one.
However, embracing the learning curve and seeing it as part of the creative process is essential. You may stumble along the way, but those stumbles will teach you valuable lessons.
Be patient with yourself as you navigate new terrain.
Remember that every writer was once a beginner in their genre. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your ability to craft compelling stories across different genres.
Seek Feedback
As you write in new genres, getting feedback from readers familiar with that genre is helpful. They can provide valuable insights on whether your story aligns with reader expectations or if certain elements need adjusting. If possible, join a writing group or take a workshop specifically focused on the genre you’re exploring.
Receiving constructive criticism will accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls in the genre. It also connects you with other writers who are expanding their creative range, providing a sense of community and encouragement.
Want More Tools for Writing in Multiple Genres?
Are you ready to take the plunge and explore a new genre? My 50 Flash Fiction Prompts Guide is the perfect way to jumpstart your creative exploration.
These FREE prompts are designed to inspire short, powerful stories across multiple genres, allowing you to explore new ideas without the pressure of a long-term commitment.