Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I opened the door to questions yesterday, expecting a flood and receiving a trickle (not really, expected the trickle, thanks for not letting me down :| ). Ian came through for me as usual, being the first querent and therefore the first answered. He asks,
I want to know if you had to write something in a different genre from your preferred genre, what would it be and why? (I’m a closet Westerns fan)
Well, that's hard to answer. It's been years since I tried writing anything besides fantasy, and my attempts at other things weren't exactly successful. I won 1st Honorable Mention in a major OK contest a long time ago for a confession story, but it never sold. But I guess this is supposed about what I would write if I couldn't write fantasy, right? My second choice?
It sure as hell wouldn't be confession stories. Wasn't for me. Ditto on westerns. Cozy mystery...blech. I used to like heaving-bosom lit but not anymore, so romance is out. Too squeamish for horror. Although I don't read those genres, I don't mind a story set in the Old West, or love scenes, or violence. I just like them with a crazy twist, and that usually means fantasy.
My interests have changed since I first started writing for real about ten years ago. (Yikes, has it been that long?) Now I read a whole lot more literary fiction, crossing over into what they call mainstream fiction. So that might be something I'd write. However, I also love spiritual books, inspirational books, books that help me empower myself and find my place in the world. I'm also interested in the environment and clean living. In fact, I think I have a lot to say about those subjects, and it's not up to me to judge whether other people care what I have to say. In all genres of writing, you have to put yourself out there and see how you're received. So I think I could really get into non-fiction, a self-help book or maybe inspirational memoir geared toward young girls, or maybe an environmental expose--something that empowers and informs people.
So the short answer after all that soul-searching is if I couldn't write fantasy, I'd write non-fiction. What a surprise. I've never seriously considered it before, but now it seems like a really good idea. Thanks for the prod, Ian. We'll see how that manifests in the future.
What about you guys? Have you ever considered changing genres? Or do you love writing everything?
Tomorrow's question: If you could choose to live in the ascent or descent of a civilization? Which would you choose and why?
Good answer, Sherri!
ReplyDeleteY'know, I sorta had you pegged for a non-fic gal if fantasy were out. Not sure why. But you could write a tome about writing. Share your knowledge, girl! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't ask a question, btw, because I can't think o' one to ask you. I suck at these things. I'll see if I can come up with one if it's not too late.
You know, non-fic really does make perfect sense for you, now that you mention it. :)
ReplyDeleteKnyt, ask away. Only if you want to. Y'all really do probably know every slightly interesting thing already. ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, you read my novel and called it a fantasy, but I tried my hand at the more traditional fantasy a few NaNoWriMos ago. I had a dragon and castle and witches. I still want to get back to it. If I tried something really different I'd write a script for an animated film. And I'd make the film too.
ReplyDeleteBut there is no time for that today.
Ha, no, no time. I could so see you doing a haunting fairy tale.
ReplyDelete