How do you pick your writing genre?

How do you pick your writing genre if you read multiple genres? Have you heard this before – write what you read? The problem for me is I read all different kinds of fiction. I love Christian fiction, cozy mysteries, thrillers, mysteries, and occasionally romance. Rarely do I read fantasy or sci fi, but there are some I like. I also read YA books sometimes.

I’ve written in different genres also. Right now I’m working on my first cozy mystery, but I also have a women’s fiction novel I dabble in occasionally. I guess that makes me an eclectic writer!

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What is a writing genre

In Writing Explained, they define genre as: “the organization of literature into categories based on the type of writing the piece exemplifies through its content, form, or style.”

We expect certain things from particular genres. Romance – girl meets boy and they live happily ever after (after some problems and misunderstandings). Cozy mystery – female protag, red herrings abound, usually themed, often includes an animal sidekick. Thriller – shows the darker side of humanity.

Most popular genres

According to Gatekeeper Press, the most popular writing genre is romance. But crime/thriller has become increasingly popular. Just ask James Patterson or Lee Child or of course, Agatha Christie.

But do you pick your writing genre based on what’s popular?

In The Writing Cooperative, Taylor Bray says besides writing what you love, you should write what you’re good at.

For myself, I usually get an idea and then start writing. See where it takes me. Does it “feel” good? Is it working? If I plot or chart things out, can I see an ending?

What kind of readers do you want?

Personally, I have a specific reader in mind. I know I don’t want to write gore or anything with curse words or sex. I would be embarrased for my kids or grandkids to read that, plus it just doesn’t fit with my idea of who I am and what I stand for.

So, my main reader is me. I think you should write what you would read.

Brainstorm to pick your writing genre

I would start with brainstorming. Write down your favorite genres. What do you like to read? What are you interested in? How do you feel about writing in the genre?

Then start narrowing things down.

Finally – pick something and start writing! That’s probably the biggest obstacle!

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Read What is a Cozy? to learn more about cozy mysteries and read Writing Conflict to learn more on how to do it! Then, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)