Writing in A Bewildering Variety of Genres by Karen A. Wyle

I’m not a believer in one-size-fits-all advice. Whenever I’m asked about advice for aspiring authors, I make a point of saying there are no Rules, that we all have to find our own process – and then be ready to admit if that process no longer works for us. (That last insight I owe partly to Chuck Wendig’s book Gentle Writing Advice: How to Writer Without Destroying Yourself, which may have “advice” in the title but conveys quite strongly the points I just summarized.)

One piece of advice writers often hear from other writers or agents, or publishers is that you should confine your efforts to one signature genre. If you switch genres, they say, you’ll lose readers – confuse or disappoint them – and lose momentum in your career.

Well, that may be. But there are other possibilities to consider – which is why I write science fiction (both near-future and more distant in time and space), fantasy, historical romance, and picture books. (I collaborate with illustrators on picture books, which has been a fascinating endeavor and learning experience.)

I don’t regard myself as a fungible author – nor do I think many of us are. I don’t write strictly by formula; I bring my life experience, priorities, concerns, and values to whatever I write. My brand statement (though I came up with it before I added picture books to my list) is “thoughtful and compassionate fiction.” I aspire to find readers who will come to value my approach in whatever genre I explore. I also hope that some combination of my covers, my book descriptions, and my openings will attract readers who don’t know about me. Some will be looking for a book in a particular genre – and the more genres I work in, the more likely we find each other – while others will have more varied tastes.

So, welcome to my wandering journey! I hope you’ll enjoy some of where you’ll end up.

Written by Jeyran Main