Another month, another chance to join in the virtual support group that calls itself the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. If you haven’t already checked out the talented group of writers that call this group home at the beginning of every month, do. It’s as easy as a click on the image above. 🙂
On to my own insecurity.
This month I should really say what I’d like to post about is a curiosity rather than an insecurity. It centers around my upcoming preparations to begin my second book. I’m slowly putting the finishing touches on book one, and I’ll edit on it in pieces over the next month or so, but all the big picture edits are done. So, what’s a writer to do?
Query? Yes of course, but that’s a lot of waiting around, twiddling my thumbs if I’m lucky. Crying and hiding under my covers if I’m not.
So what’s another option to keep my mind and anxiety busy? Book two. 🙂
I plan on jumping right on in to writing out an idea that began as a short a while ago. Over the time that it’s been squatting in my brain, many plot pieces, character elements, and questions have continually swirled around, refusing to let go. With the slight freeing up of grey matter that results from wrapping up the major writing portion of book one, I’ve decided to devote some real creative effort into the cloud of ideas that claim to be my second book.
My curiosity stems from the fact that I’m switching genres. My first book was a character driven, women’s interest mainstream fiction piece. Now…*drumroll please* I’m beginning work on a fantasy book, and this next part might be debatable, but if I were to be completely forthcoming, I’d have to say an epic fantasy book/trilogy. Seriously. 😮
And this transition is at the heart of my curiosity this month. My questions are:
1) Do you feel comfortable switching genres or are you a one genre kind of writer?
2) If you do write in more than one genre, what do you do to prepare yourself for the different styles, expectations, etc…?
kimlajevardi 
I wrote a middle grade fantasy last year, which will be published soon. It was a great switch from writing YA contemporary.
I like to start something new at the tail end of another manuscript.
That’s good to hear because I’m making the switch soon. Thanks for commenting.
I do want to write in other genres, but I also know my publisher likes us to have 5 books out in one genre before we switch . . . gives writers a chance to build their audience first 🙂
I’ve heard that as well. Thanks for commenting!
I don’t seem to write in specific genres, there’s an awful lot of crossing over in my work, so I don’t have to think about that. For me, the story is first and afterwards I think ‘ah, that’s paranormal’, or whatever. Good luck with the book/trilogy, and with the edits 🙂
I consider the story first as well, but from what I’ve heard, certain agents and publishers like you to focus. Thanks for commenting!
Excellent way to deal with the stress of querying! I would block off some time for researching agents/editors and sending out queries and then I’d shut that down and work on the writing side. I’ve seen a lot of writers get frustrated and give up hanging all their hopes on a single work.
Good plan. That’s kind of what I had in mind. Thanks for commenting!
Yes, the only answer to waiting and not going crazy is writing something new. I jump from genre to genre, only because I go where my stories lead. One was about a time loop and the next was about dragons. I have another about a murder on a mining facility in space.
As long as you do your best, the story must be written. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Agreed! A murder on a space mining facility sounds intriguing. Thanks for commenting!
Aloha Kim,
My first ms was a memoir (an opera friend who lost his voice) but WIP2 is a Tom Clancy-ish thriller/drama (I hope!!)
I’d say go do what you’re doing… follow your heart and the ink shall flow 🙂
Thanks, Mark! I hope the ink flows for you as well. Thanks for co-hosting!
Congrats on being almost ready to query! That’s a lot of hard work and a great accomplishment!
Most writers I know switch genres. In fact, two didn’t sell (to big 5 publishers) until they decided to try the fantasy genre. (Good news for you and your fantasy trilogy!) Except for world building, most genre-writing relies on the same keystones of tension, conflict, stakes and good character voice. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait until you dive in! 🙂
Thanks, Lex! I can’t wait either. I bet I’ll get tons of great tips from my AMAZING CPs. 🙂