Is this a waste of time?

[seun]

I consider myself a fantasy/horror writer and that's fine with me. However, I wrote a book a couple of years ago that isn't fantasy or horror and recently finished a short sequel. It's a strong story with a lot of potential. Recently, I've been thinking about going back to it and tweaking it to resubmit. If you were in the same situation, would you stick to the genre you're (occasionally) good at it or try to sell a book completely outside that genre?

Obviously this isn't an issue I need to get too excited about but say an agent is interested in it, what happens when I say 99% of my work is unlike this story? Is this plan a waste of time?

[Albedo]

You could do what Iain Banks does and use your middle initial to differentiate your genre from your literary stuff. (I don't get it either, unless he's purposely taking the piss out of using nom de plumes to sell your 'shameful' work...)

[seun]

You could do what Iain Banks does and use your middle initial to differentiate your genre from your literary stuff. (I don't get it either, unless he's purposely taking the piss out of using nom de plumes to sell your 'shameful' work...)

Good plan although I don't have a middle initial. :tongue

[tehuti88]

I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions regarding actually getting published and such, sorry--but if it's a story that you feel you can write well, despite its genre not being what you normally do, then why not write it? If it "feels" right to write it, then go ahead. It can't be a waste of time if it's something you care about. At the least it can be a learning experience. Even if a story turns out to be the only of that type you ever write, it's still better than writing nothing. And who knows, maybe it'll spark an idea for a similar story.

You don't have to limit yourself, or even branch out if it's not what you want to do. There's always room for an odd story that doesn't fit in with the rest of what we write.

Again, not speaking from publication experience so I'm pretty ignorant, but I'd let an interested agent know only if they seem interested in representing you based solely on that type of work. But that's just me. I wouldn't really know.

Good luck with the story either way. :)

[IdiotsRUs]

Good plan although I don't have a middle initial. :tongue

You can have mine. It's Z.

I normally write fantasy / alternate future stuff, but there's a mainstream story circling in my brain that may well have to get written. If it ever became an issue ( chance'd be a fine thing!) I'd use my maiden name for that genre.

[BlueLucario]

No. You're probably limiting yourself to that specific genre.

[seun]

Like I said, it's nothing I need to get worried about now (the joys of not having an agent) and I suppose if it ever did get to the point of an agent being interested, they'd know how to market a 'straight' book from a fantasy writer.

All I need now is a maiden name.

[dpaterso]

You could do what Iain Banks does and use your middle initial to differentiate your genre from your literary stuff. (I don't get it either, unless he's purposely taking the piss out of using nom de plumes to sell your 'shameful' work...)
I'd say it serves a purpose. Friends bought me 3 Banks novels for my last birthday, knowing I liked his Sci-Fi. They didn't know he writes in more than one genre, or that the "M" makes all the difference.

-Derek

[IdiotsRUs]

All I need now is a maiden name.

Noodlemeyer.

[dolores haze]

If I really like a writer I'll follow them into genres I don't usually read. I hate it when they have a completely different name and I have to piece it together by myself.

I write in a few different genres myself, but I'm not yet published. I plan on using different names for adult and children's writing, but the same name for all the adult writing (romance, erotica, sci-fi.) It seems sensible to have different names for VERY different audiences. I'd hate for a parent to order a grown-up book for their child, thinking it was a kid's book. Yeah - that could be quite unpleasant.

[Use Her Name]

I like non-genere because I can write a story about "anything" and get away with it. I'd just have an alter-ego who writes one kind and use your real name for the other kind.

[Pike]

Don't most agents handle more then one genre? I'd think that if you came to them with work that spans multiple genres it'd be a strong selling point - for them to editors and for you as a writer! Can't see it as a waste of time.

Pike

[Albedo]

I'd say it serves a purpose. Friends bought me 3 Banks novels for my last birthday, knowing I liked his Sci-Fi. They didn't know he writes in more than one genre, or that the "M" makes all the difference.

-Derek

Yeah, that's exactly my point. It obviously causes more confusion than clarity by only changing one letter in his name. He must be doing it for a laugh, otherwise he'd chose a real pseudonym.

[JamieFord]

Write what you want to write.

Karen Joy Fowler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Joy_Fowler) has made a career of writing science fiction, fantasy, lit fic, basically whatever she wants.

If you ask an agent "What's hot? What's selling right now?" They'll probably tell you, "Good writing"--regardless of genre.

[Kryianna]

Having publishing credits -- even in a different genre -- will help you in your career. That's what "they" say.

"They" also say that publishers are more interested in giving a 2-3 book contract instead of a single title contract. It's better for you in the long run, too, really. Now, the sequel you wrote -- how short is it? Is it long enough to be a second book, or would it need more fleshing out first? Would you *want* to write more in that genre? If the answer is no, there's your answer.

I'm not saying toss what you have, though. Once you get an agent for the fantasy/horror, they may be interested in doing a single title with the other one.

[Chameleon]

Don't confine yourself to a genre. Write the story that is begging to be written, otherwise you'd be cheating yourself.

If this is one time thing, have you considered using a Pseudonym? I'm not sure how pen names work in the publishing world, but if you are already writing under your name, you can use another if the genre is different.

Good luck!

[maestrowork]

I think a writer should always test their limits, and go outside of their comfort zones. And if that means they write something other than their preferred genre(s), then that's fine. A good story is a good story, and I don't think one should set any limit.

Many writers go outside their genres, all the time. Grisham has written mainstream books that are not legal thrillers. Patterson has written romance instead of suspense. King has done many things other than horror. And I've heard Rowling's next book is not going to be a YA fantasy.

Just because you write outside your chosen genre doesn't mean you're not good at it. Or that you won't be good at the other types of stories. If you have a hunch, go with it. If nothing else, you'll be pleased.

Besides, no agents or publishers are going to reject your ms. because "oh, he's a horror writer, so what does he know about X?"


p.s. so far I've written mostly mainstream/literary, but one of my published shorts was a horror. And my next WIP is going to be a thriller. I'm very excited about it, actually.

[Prozyan]

On the other side of the coin, however, there has been a handful of authors that state writing across multiple genres using the same name can be a bad thing. The reasoning is: Say your first breakout novel is horror and you begin to develop a horror audience. Now your second book is in another genre, so readers of your first book might not necessarily transfer across the genre. And, perhaps, some that do feel "betrayed" or cheated when they pick up a book expecting one thing and getting another.

The advice, when writing in multiple genres, is to use a different pen name for each genre, at least until you have developed some strong name recognition with one name.

This isn't necessarily my personal feelings and I have no idea about the validity of the concept. It is just something I read somewhere and thought it would be worth a thought in this thread.

[FennelGiraffe]

You could do what Iain Banks does and use your middle initial to differentiate your genre from your literary stuff. (I don't get it either, unless he's purposely taking the piss out of using nom de plumes to sell your 'shameful' work...)

Yeah, that's exactly my point. It obviously causes more confusion than clarity by only changing one letter in his name. He must be doing it for a laugh, otherwise he'd chose a real pseudonym.

I've heard it has to do with marketing and how sales data is aggregated. By using a "different" name, he insures his sales in each genre are tracked separately. (I've also heard it was done at his publisher's insistence. Changing just the initial was a compromise solution.)

[JeanneTGC]

I write in almost all genres. My agent covers all of them, so she's always excited to see what I send her next.

I also have about a dozen pen names. This is to avoid reader confusion and, more importantly, bookstore confusion. I don't want my fantasy series put on the shelf next to my novel set in the Old West, for example. Bad for readers, worse for me.

If you have a book you think is strong, write it, polish it, and submit it, regardless of genre. Just look carefully at the agents you're submitting to and shoot for those who also agent your other works. Agent Query is wonderful for this.

[maestrowork]

Write the story now. Think about publication, pen names, marketing later. Much later.

[Melenka]

Louis L'Amour wrote The Walking Drum, one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read. I've never read his westerns, as the genre doesn't appeal, but I remember details from that book 20+ years later.

Write the story that's asking to be written. Everything after that is just the frosting on the cake.

[MsK]

Write the story now. Think about publication, pen names, marketing later. Much later.

That sounds like good advice. But, certainly write the story- I just read some of your work in SYW and you are a fantastic storyteller! I'm sure your skills are not limited to one genre. :)

[ejket]

Louis L'Amour wrote The Walking Drum, one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read. I've never read his westerns, as the genre doesn't appeal, but I remember details from that book 20+ years later.
Then there's Ken Follett, who started off writing thrillers, then wrote The Pillars of the Earth, which was quite a contrast (historical, set in the middle ages). It's probably better to reveal your eclectic tastes after establishing yourself, though.

[mscelina]

Doesn't really matter at this point, seun.

Look, so many genre agents cover mainstream and literary now that for the most part, the issue is pretty moot. I'd say that when/if you're actually offered representation by an agent, then you should bring up the other genre (if you sell the mainstream, then mention the genre and vice versa).

But until you reach that point it's just an unnecessary distraction. Good luck! :D

[JimmyB27]

You could do what Iain Banks does and use your middle initial to differentiate your genre from your literary stuff. (I don't get it either, unless he's purposely taking the piss out of using nom de plumes to sell your 'shameful' work...)

The 'M' was apparently to please his Mum. When he first published The Wasp Factory, it was under plain old 'Iain Banks', and his mum asked him if it was because he was ashamed of his middle name (which is 'Menzies'). So when he published Consider Phlebas, he took the opportunity to stick the 'M' in and keep his dear old ma happy.

[seun]

Now, the sequel you wrote -- how short is it? Is it long enough to be a second book, or would it need more fleshing out first?

The sequel is 45,000 words which I think suits the story of the two books - the first being a multi POV story and the second being a very personal 1st person story.

[seun]

Many writers go outside their genres, all the time. Grisham has written mainstream books that are not legal thrillers. Patterson has written romance instead of suspense. King has done many things other than horror. And I've heard Rowling's next book is not going to be a YA fantasy.


True but we can't forget these writers can write more or less what they like. I'm good but I'm not yet up there with this lot. ;)

[Ol' 61]

I would encourage you to write the story, no matter the genre. Sometimes you get a great idea, and it ends up taking you places you'd never thought you'd go, and meeting characters that you had no idea existed, and those characters may be the ones with the stories you were meant to tell. Good luck, no matter which course you take.

[maestrowork]

True but we can't forget these writers can write more or less what they like. I'm good but I'm not yet up there with this lot. ;)

Have you read Patterson's romance yet? You will change your mind after you read it. IMHO, he should be banned from the genre for eternity.

[Raphee]

I tend to think of myself as mainstream/literary.
I gave a try to a private eye mystery some months ago. The betas loved it. Though I only wrote a few chapters and then gave up to finish my ongoing MS.

I think I'll still write that mystery, its gotten under my skin.

What I'm saying is : try everything.

[Phaeal]

Write it. Get an agent. Then discuss the situation with him or her.

If you really want to do this "off-genre" book, your time won't be wasted whatever happens. Goodness. Would you wonder whether it's going to be a waste of time to raise that child who isn't like the others you've fathered? ;)

[NeuroFizz]

Write the story now. Think about publication, pen names, marketing later. Much later.
I agree with Ray. You are the author who turns your personal inspiration into a story. Why even think about genre limits for your creativity? This "off genre" idea is kind of strange to me. Just let the writing flow. For me, that means my name goes on what I write (with pride). If a professional in the business (editor, for example) advises me to write under a pen name and gives a good reason, I will consider it, but the default is, my work, my name, regardless of genre. I'll leave the marketing stuff to the professionals and follow their advice when it comes to me. I'll not agonize about it until then.

[Thrillride]

All I need now is a maiden name.

That's easy - use your mom's. She'll be thrilled. (I swear that word was accidental).

[Thrillride]

Have you read Patterson's romance yet? You will change your mind after you read it. IMHO, he should be banned from the genre for eternity.

*snort* At this point, he's banned himself from his own genre. Good luck finding his voice in his books at all anymore.

~ Okay, that was OT, back to our originally scheduled thread. ~

[Straka]

I would try, who knows, you may find out something new about yourself. I'm focusing on urban fantasy but I've had a historic work brewing in my brain for years.

[seun]

I agree with Ray. You are the author who turns your personal inspiration into a story. Why even think about genre limits for your creativity? This "off genre" idea is kind of strange to me. Just let the writing flow. For me, that means my name goes on what I write (with pride). If a professional in the business (editor, for example) advises me to write under a pen name and gives a good reason, I will consider it, but the default is, my work, my name, regardless of genre. I'll leave the marketing stuff to the professionals and follow their advice when it comes to me. I'll not agonize about it until then.

I suppose this was on my mind because of how many authors write in a certain genre. Not being even slightly established, I had a small fear of alienating any potential readers I may one day have.

[NeuroFizz]

It's a good thread, S. Thanks for starting it.

I'm working on being "slightly established" myself, and my take (possibly flawed) is that writing in more than one genre could possibly win more readers for an author than it could lose for him/her. If the readers like what they read, I'd imagine they'd be willing to give a different genre a try just to stay with the author. Besides, how many readers here at AW (and in the real world) are genre-stuck*? I read a variety myself. Likewise, so many people I know read several genres. I wonder how real this problem of losing readers really is--are people so stuck on their authors they consider it heresy for one of them to write a different kind of story? I'd think many readers would be delighted, or at least have a "let's see what he does here" attitude.



*This is different than genre-faithful--people who religiously read a specific genre, but will venture beyond it as well.

[maestrowork]

Seun, you will only alienate your potential/future readers if you write crap.

If you write a great book, your readers wouldn't care. Instead, they would say, "Wow, this guy can do anything!" More power to you.

If you're really worried, use a pen name like Stephen King did... and eventually people will know you did it all anyway.

[Nateskate]

It's hard to say. If you think you'll enjoy it, why not?

My gut says to do what you love, because you'll spend so much time on it. But you may find you love writing other genres.

[Stew21]

I don't think it's a waste of time.
At the very least it is practicing doing what you love to do.
It is also getting a story out that is ready to come out (which for some of us is a huge relief - when one has been in your head long enough, it gets annoying banging around in there without a page to land on - its definitely the case for me.)

At best, it could be published and get you on the path to more published work.

Might as well write it! :)

[smoore]

Baldacci wrote a book based on his growing up in West Virginia (? sort of a fictionalize memoir). I happen to consider it his best work, even though I love his thrillers. But I have no direct experience with this. Maybe your best bet is to use a pseudonym?