How many of you are confined to just one genre when you write?
I am too, and I’ve found that, while it’s nice to specialize in one thing, it makes it really hard for me to branch out when I want to (or have to). I feel massively uncomfortable, and I spend so much time overthinking it that I either give up or slapping something down without caring about quality or content.
But recently, after having to do some assignments in poetry, I’ve realized that branching out isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can strengthen you as a writer after all. Here are some tips that I suggest for this.
Do you guys have anything to add? What are your experiences with branching out? Comment below?
Until then, I’ve got to somehow figure out how to do my precal homework without the required textbook. *cringes*
T
I am too, and I’ve found that, while it’s nice to specialize in one thing, it makes it really hard for me to branch out when I want to (or have to). I feel massively uncomfortable, and I spend so much time overthinking it that I either give up or slapping something down without caring about quality or content.
But recently, after having to do some assignments in poetry, I’ve realized that branching out isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can strengthen you as a writer after all. Here are some tips that I suggest for this.
- Read things from the new genre you’re trying out. While I’m all for being innovate in a field, you should probably get a feel for how it should go before trying something radical and new.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m guilty of this-both in new genres and my home zone (young adult)-but if you’re erasing every two seconds, you’re not going to get any work done. Write out what you were thinking before deciding to edit it or delete it. If you get rid of it before it’s on paper, how will you know if it’s good or not.
- Ask for help! If you’re trying fantasy and you’re not sure if dragons are supposed to have wings, don’t feel ashamed about asking someone, whether it’s online or someone you know. Everyone has questions, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking them.
- Don’t forget to do your research! Forums, websites, and other books can give you tips on how to write in that genre, as well as teach you trends, cliches, and other things to keep an eye out for.
- Reach out to authors in that genre! It’s always nice to have writer friends, and a mentor/advisor in in writing word, especially when you’re navigating unchartered waters, is a great thing to have.
Do you guys have anything to add? What are your experiences with branching out? Comment below?
Until then, I’ve got to somehow figure out how to do my precal homework without the required textbook. *cringes*
T