Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom
Writers often find themselves losing their muses as if their inspirations were slipping through the cracks of their fingers like fine sand, and an excellent way to counter this is by writing in multiple genres.
Rotha J. Dawkins, author of Treats & Tales (a book about a dog’s adventure with friends) and On Call (a story about firefighters and their life), has succeeded in writing in multiple genres with her two books. One has a more adventurous and fun vibe, while the other is a serious look into the daily life of firefighters.
If you are curious about the advantages of writing books with different genres, read on because we’ll discuss them here today!
The Effect of Writing Stories in Different Genres On Creativity
Creativity will always be king when we talk about writing in general. Writing in various genres can significantly affect a writer’s creative process. Every genre has its unique sets of rules and challenges, and being able to explore these new waters can bring out some fresh perspectives and ideas.
Let’s use the example of writing a screenplay. Screenplay writing needs an entirely different approach when compared to, let’s say, writing a novel. Screenplays are usually more visually oriented and concise, while novels allow writers to apply a more descriptive storytelling technique.
By switching to a new genre, writers can present an interesting challenge to themselves that helps improve their creativity and defeat writer’s block. Aside from that, writing in various genres can expose writers to contemporary styles, which could get their creative juices flowing.
How Writing in Multiple Genres Helps in Personal Growth
Believe it or not, writing is an effective tool that people can use to help with their personal growth. Trying out different genres can be particularly impactful for writers or people. Whenever we are faced with a new set of opportunities and challenges, finding solutions for them can aid our growth both as an individual and a writer.
Non-fiction books or memoirs can assist people to understand their emotions and experiences better, giving them a chance to process them properly. Writing in multiple genres outside one’s comfort zone allows one to explore their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings in a creative and safe space.
Folks might not know it yet, but this process lets them understand what they stand for and who they are on a deeper level. Other genres, like fantasy or science fiction, broaden a writer’s horizons. Tackling new perspectives, ideas, and worlds allows writers to see the world in an incredibly enriching way.
Advantages of Writing for Various Genres and Target Audiences
Trying out and writing for a different genre is a fantastic way of improving one’s writing skills. But aside from that, it could also reinvigorate one’s inspiration and open a new revenue stream. Here are some other benefits:
• Gain access to a new and (possibly) bigger audience – When writing for a different genre, the new genre may have more audiences than your previous one. This is the perfect moment to reach new audiences and get them to know your work.
• Broader Knowledge – Since you’ve previously worked on your original genre and are now working on writing for a new one, you gain more knowledge about different subjects. With your broader knowledge, you can develop unique ideas that other writers or authors who follow a straight and narrow path can’t conjure.
• Reigniting Your Creative Spark – Writing for a different genre can reignite a writer’s creativity. Like a child buying ice cream from an ice cream truck for the first time, writers who have their creative sparks reignited will be ecstatic about writing something new.
• Publishers Will Appreciate Your Versatility – Being able to write for different genres shows how versatile you are as a writer. Publishers are always open to having a versatile writer in their roster because they’ll have someone who can handle various products they’re trying to promote.
Despite its many advantages, new writers must stick to one genre first. This allows them to master their original genre and later on try writing something for a new one.
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore and Test Out a New Genre
To quote Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson, “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better,” so don’t be afraid to experiment with your writing a little bit. Writing is a valuable tool for professional and personal growth, so take advantage of moments that can benefit you, like learning how to write in different genres.
Feel free to try your hand at writing in multiple genres and enjoy the benefits that it has to offer!
Alex Writes 