What does it take to write creatively across genres?

I have written works across several different genres now, including poetry, short stories, children's books, YA fantasy novels, YA fiction, adult (low-spice) romantic comedy, with more content always in the works. I've heard on several occasions that in order to be a successful writer, you need to pick a genre and stick to it. Otherwise, you aren't mastering your content areas. 

While I absolutely agree that it's important to master the genres you want to write in, I do not believe you have to limit yourself to just one. That's like telling someone they can only wear one style of clothing for the rest of their life. What I would recommend, however, is getting to know each genre you wish to write in well. 

I have seen more success with my writing than I would have if I would have stayed with one particular genre, especially in the last six months. Personally, I get a lot more satisfaction out of the writing process, because I allow myself to work on multiple different projects at once, and professionally, I get to connect with all kinds of different readers and reach wider audiences. 

So, I thought it would be fun this week to share with you some things that I think help me succeed in writing across multiple genres. Enjoy!

RESEARCH
It helps to know each genre you wish to write in well. That means reading those genres thoroughly, being aware of tropes, covers, and formatting that fits the genre.

Understand the structure of the genre. Understand how plot works, how to describe various settings, write dialogue, etc. The most difficult thing for me when I started writing children’s books was understanding how the layout works. You’ll want to learn these things!

THE RIGHT MINDSET
Writing a ghost scene in a fantasy book or a poem about the dark, drifting sea takes a very different mindset than writing a children’s book might.

I would recommend keeping a running log for your ideas. A notebook works great, if you can have it on you at all times, but I find that sending myself a quick text message or jotting my ideas down in the notes app on my phone works so much better for me these days.

I personally write in at least two genres at the same time (I would only recommend you do this if it fits your process and you're able to keep the two projects separate). For me, it helps to write a poetry compilation, a children’s book, and a novel all at the same time. That helps me a lot with writer’s block, because then it doesn’t matter if I’m not in exactly the right mood. I’ll always have something to work on. When I do work on multiple projects at the same time, I always make sure I put most of my focus on the piece that I hope to complete first.

INTENTIONALITY AND AWARENESS
​Be observant. Write about what you experience through your five senses, and then some. How do these observations make you feel? Everything you experience can be some kind of inspiration.

CONSISTENCY
​This goes for anything you want to get good at. Working consistently at it every day (or at least several times throughout the week) is the most effective way to gain skill in that area. It’s also the most effective way to meet your goals and finish your projects! I encourage everyone who wants to publish their writing to dedicate time to consistently work on it.

That's about it for this week! Reach out if you have any questions, or if you yourself have a writing project you're working on!