Now that I’m a multi-genre author, I thought I’d explain how
I became one. When I started writing
seriously back in 2004 I knew I wanted to write a mystery because, after all,
that’s what I enjoy reading most. So I wrote Genesis Beach, which began as a short story and turned into a novella
because I didn’t have enough room to tell my story. Eventually the book became
a novel, by the sheer numbers under consideration by a publisher. In it I introduced Logan Hunter, an intern
for the SBI, (NC’s equivalent to the FBI).
When I fell into that dark area called “writer’s block”, I
whipped out fresh clean paper and started writing another book about Logan
Hunter, set in another area of North Carolina. This time she was a full-fledged
SBI agent and I challenged us both by having her track down a serial killer in
western North Carolina. Just North of
Luck remains my most graphically violent novel.
I added Hell Swamp
and Sin Creek to the mix, giving
Logan plenty of heinous crimes to investigate. Along the way I added some
awkward romance and showcased different parts of North Carolina in each book.
Now that I’m writing the fifth book in the series, I’ve aged her and certainly
she has matured into an experienced agent not to be underestimated.
But after the fourth mystery, I wanted a diversion, so I wrote
a women’s fiction, Slightly Cracked,
the plot of which I’d be carrying around in my head for some time. It’s about
life-long friendship with plenty of hilarious antics to be sure.
I also authored a unique cookbook featuring recipes from
mystery writers across the country who graciously shared family recipes with me
in exchange for promotion under each one.
So now I’m “multi-genre”. It just happened. I don’t have the
space here to expound on my journey, but I can truthfully say that I’ve enjoyed
the ride. I hope to write another women’s fiction soon and I’m already doing
research for an historical mystery. Maybe I bore easily but I suspect that
there’s more to it than that. I’m having the time of my life learning new
writings skills and techniques and experimenting with new characters and even
new genres.
It’s kind of what makes me tick. Is multi-genre for everyone?
Probably not, but I’m enjoying myself and discovering that I can not only make
readers squirm with discomfort but also make them giggle. Now that’s priceless!
Any more multi-genre folks out there?
8 comments:
Me!!
And I've decided I like writing the non-fiction best. I guess instructional is my style.
You're a natural, Diane.
Love your blog! New follower here :) You make some very interesting points, Susan. I'm a multi-genre writer as well. I simply can't stick to one type of writing----need to be doing multiple things at the same time!
Hey, Randi, some of us just have to experiement. So glad you like the blog. I've been on hiatus for a while but I'm in the process of interviewing folks for the rest of the year. Let me know if you'd like to guest or be interviewed. That goes for the rest of you, too.
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed learning about your journey and look forward to meeting you.
For years, I have been struggling to find my niche in the literary world. I've written horror, science fiction, speculative fiction, literary fiction, romance, and poetry.
Every time I attempt to pin myself down to just one genre, I quickly bore of it and feel frustrated... groaning," but this isn't ME." I was right and wrong about that.
People are multi-faceted, myself included. When I finally gave myself permission to write in all genres that interested me, simultaneously, without restraint, I found my happy place. To an outsider it may appear scattered and unfocused, but for me, it's just right.
The only problem is that I have decided to use different pen names for different genres and keeping up with that may prove to be a living nightmare.
Paula, my friend who uses pen names with different genres seems to be handling it well. She also has multiple publishers and I'd probably lose track of everything if I went that far.
I've OD'd on facebook. I'm looking for the like button for your last comment :) Can't wait to meet you in person.
Why, thank you, Paula. I hope to meet you soon as well.
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