My Shift to a New Writing Genre - Psychological Thrillers

Changing the genre you write in can feel like stepping off a cliff, blindfolded. For me, the decision to explore a different genre was not sudden, but rather a gradual process.

I have always been a big reader of psychological thrillers, particularly the sub genre of domestic thriller.

After six years of writing light hearted contemporary fiction, I had been yearning to try my hand at something new. The urge to explore new themes and experiment with a different narrative became too hard to ignore.

Although I enjoy writing light hearted stories, I have aways had a dark side to my creativity and am fascinated my the human psyche.

Switching genres comes with lots of challenges. Each genre has unique characteristics, pacing, and audience expectations. Exploring a new genre has expanded my creativity in ways I never expected. It has pushed me to develop new skills, such as crafting different types of dialogue, and experimenting with tone and style.

One of the most terrifying aspects of changing genres is learning how to connect with a new audience. Different genres attract different readers, each with their own tastes and expectations.

If you are thinking about exploring a new genre, here are some practical tips based on my experience so far:

• Read widely in the new genre to understand its conventions and styles.

• Start small with short stories or essays to practice without pressure.

• Be patient with yourself as you learn new skills and adapt your voice.

• Stay true to your unique perspective while respecting genre expectations.

• Use feedback constructively to refine your work and grow.

• Connect and network with other authors of the genre

  
  

Shifting genres has brought unexpected rewards. It rekindled my passion for writing and made the process exciting again. The challenge of mastering a new style has kept me engaged and motivated. I am not giving up on my light hearted fiction. 'Scattered Scones' is coming either late this year or early next year. Watch this space.

If all goes well, I will continue to write both genres. I have no idea where this new journey will lead me but I am enjoying the adventure.