Stuck in a Genre

We all have our favorite genres that we love to read, right? For me my favorites would be paranormal romance, mystery, and thrillers. But do you write, what you love to read?

For me I’ve been navigating the paranormal romance field for quite some time. That genre typically had the books that had the strong female character I was looking for and wanted to read about. But let’s not forget the well sculpted, yet handsome paranormal love interest that usually accompanied them as well. Yes, I read for the romance. I grew up in the day and age where Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel were the best shows to watch (but dare I say ever?). So of course I read the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, the Mercy Thompson novels by Patricia Briggs, and of course one of my absolute favorites The Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost (her book actually made me want to be a writer. I’ll write an article about it soon).

So now as a writer, all I want to write is paranormal stories. I want to craft tales that speak of the dangers in the dark- vampires, werewolves, and ghouls. However, I do want to put my own spin on it and make it original. But, have you ever wrote yourself into a corner?

Right now, that’s what I’m struggling with! How many times can I describe a vampire’s teeth glistening under the moonlight as it takes a breath from sucking the blood of its victim or the criminal that had it coming? I hate to say it, but my love for the paranormal story is waning. I’m honestly frustrated with myself. I feel like I should have forced myself to read different genres so I was and am more well rounded with the stories that are told. I limited myself. But how do you get yourself to read a book that doesn’t interest you past the first page? Has this happened to you?

Now let’s be clear, I’m not dogging any writer, because to write anything is a long and hard road. But let’s be honest, one author may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Their style, humor, or storyline may not resonate with you. Just like one style of yoga – vinyasa flow versus a yin practice, may not be for everyone.

Luckily I have a great instructor and he said that when he first started out he did the same thing. He kind of wrote himself in circles in the same genre. But he gave me good advice- Keep reading and writing. That is the only way to improve. Read things that you normally wouldn’t. And start to write in genre’s you typically wouldn’t.

I’m sad to say that his class that I’m currently in is wrapping up within the next week or two. But I’ll be taking another 16 week course with him starting January 2023. I still have a lot of work to do to improve my writing skills, but to help me get out of my genre rut, I have to start reading a few books a month. I’m looking for some fantasy, mystery, and thrillers.

I would love to hear from you. Do you have any suggestions of some books that I should read that you loved? Please comment below.

And as always happy writing!