A fellow writer recently asked me: “How do you stick to one story? I find I have an overabundance of stories I’d love to tell, but they’re scattered over different genres and times in history. I try to write whatever I can, just to get the stories down and find my voice, but it’s so hard to choose just one and stick to it!”
When I first started my journey to publication, the general opinion in the publication business was a resounding “Brand yourself with ONE genre.”
In fact, I remember having a conversation with my agent long ago about branding and genres. I was (and still am) a historical romance author. But at that time I was also branching into the medieval young adult genre. The question I debated was whether to take a pen name with my YA novels so that I wouldn’t confuse my adult readership base.
Ultimately, my agent and I decided that since I was technically still writing historicals with my medieval YA, I would continue writing them under the name Jody Hedlund. As I delved into bio-fiction as well as my upcoming medieval time-crossing novel (Come Back to Me, releasing in June of 2021), I’ve continued to keep my name, since the sub-genres still fall under the broader category of historicals.
However, the fact is, not every one of my historical romance readers like the fairy tale quality of my YA books. Not all my YA readers like my adult novels, complaining they have too many details. Some of my bio-fiction readers are put off by my more sensual historical romances. And it’s possible my foray into medieval time-crossing might not appeal to all of my readers either.
So the dilemma that comes from writing across multiple sub-genres is the potential to have dissatisfied readers. Fans will pick up a book with my name on it expecting a certain reading experience and then will become frustrated when that doesn’t happen.
On the other hand, my experience with writing in multiple sub-genres is that most readers enjoy the variety which ultimately leads to a larger readership. Thus, writing across a number of sub-genres has proved beneficial to me.
What if eventually I decide to branch out into something that doesn’t fall under historicals? Should I (or any other writer) jump into a completely different genre altogether? And if we do, should we write each genre under different names (i.e. take a pen name)?
Before publication, writers can (dare I say, should?) play around and try all the genres they want until they land on their sweet spot, the stories they love telling.
Once a writer is ready for publication, however, they’ll benefit most by sticking with one genre, writing it well, and steadily building a base of loyal readers. Jumping around at an early stage before having a substantial readership could end up confusing and alienating readers. The sage advice of “Brand yourself with one genre” really can be helpful in launching a writing career.
Experienced authors may have more success branching off into new genres without taking pen names. At this point in my career, if I published a contemporary romance, I likely would have some crossover readers willing to take a chance on it. Maybe even many. But there’s no guarantee of success. I’d have to work hard and publish many contemporary romances in order to build up a new base of readers.
In summary: I’m glad I took time to brand myself before dabbling in other sub-genres. I’m also glad that I continued writing in my main genre while branching out. This allowed me to keep growing my primary readership while also enjoying the creativity of trying sub-genres somewhat related to my current works.
So, should a writer stick to one genre? Fortunately, there are no right answers to the question. We live in a publication age when really anything is possible. The most important thing, as always, is telling a riveting story people will want to read. And that can happen in any genre.
Think of your favorite authors. Picture them switching genres entirely. Would you like it? Why or why not?
Jody Hedlund
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I can think of two authors that I LOVE that write in two different genres:
Tamara Leigh has contemporary books as well as medieval and a couple of time-travel books, and Ronie Kendig writes para-military books, but has recently written two space operas (sci-fi/fantasy).
To be honest, I would read the phonebook if either of these ladies wrote it, and find their ‘out of brand’ books stretch me as a reader by reading different genres (medieval, time-travel & space opera) I may not have ever picked up before.
I personally read across genres so if I like an author’s writing, I will read anything they write. I’m not hard to please.
I like it when authors do different genres. That way people who like certian ones can experience the authors stories. On the detailing thing sorry about that. At least I tried your adult fiction. I never know what books I will click with.
Interesting, cause I enjoy her adult fiction more than the YA!
I think I’m just worried I’d pick one genre, have to write only in that genre, and maybe regret it later on. But when it comes to other authors I read: I know I will always pick up one of your books, no matter the genre, simply because I’ve read and loved your books before – whether medieval YA or adult historical. I love your thoughts on this (and thanks for answering my question!).
I can think of one author I enjoy reading who began writing in another genre. I tried reading one of the new books but didn’t care for it. I had nothing against the writing, it just wasn’t the type of story I enjoy. I still enjoy her books in her original genre immensely, though, so when a new book comes out, I just read the description and decide whether or not I want to get that one.
So, I see writing as an art form. Some people are superb at the form … we call them authors. If a writer is good, and I’ve followed them for a while, I will read anything they write. I think of Laura Frantz. She’s wonderful. She is a historical romance author. But I really would read anything she were to produce because I love her writing style. Yes, we readers find our preferred genres, but when it comes to preferred authors it’s more about their writing styles (at least for me anyway). The same goes for you! I love your writing style, so whether you’re writing an adult novel, a YA novel, a cowboy novel, a bio-fiction novel, I’ll read it cause I already know I love your sentences!!!
There’s no reason why a novelist can’t branch out and write in a different genre. For example, best selling British historian and author Alison Weir has written novels in addition to her non-fiction books.
Thank you all for your replies! Your answers are very enlightening! Thank you for sharing!! 🙂
I can think of several authors (myself included) who write in multiple genres. I think it’s a wonderful way for the author to stretch themselves and for readers to have many different options. It’s been my experience that most readers will read across genres and not stick to just one. When their favorite author has more to offer, it’s an added bonus. If the reader doesn’t like a particular genre the author is writing, then they might pass, but I don’t think it would turn them off to the author all together. Fun topic!
I don’t believe writing should ever be restricted to just one genre, any more than reading should be. (If the authors finding they don’t seem to be good at any more than one genre, that would be a great indication to branch out and start learning for you try to publish!)
But in many cases, I think an author should stick to one /style/ of writing, across different genres, as the style will usually be the author’s personal voice, and trying to write in someone else’s voice usually leads to disaster.
I like it when authors stick to a genre…I was willing to read yours because they are still historical…tho different. I actually stop buying books by some authors if they are going to write several genres. I like to have all books of an author. However, if they are all over the map on genres, you won’t find me purchasing all their books. Most of the authors I read have written just one genre.
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