August Blog

That's me!

Most of my stories fall into horror, supernatural, psychological horror, found footage, or dark fiction. But every now and then, an idea comes along that doesn't fit those genres. Maybe it's a fantasy adventure. Maybe it's a soft friends-to-lovers romance with no villain at all. Maybe it's a Christmas love story that's simply meant to make people smile.

So, what do you do?

You could blend the ideas together. Write a fantasy horror. Create a dark romance. Mix supernatural elements into a love story. Those combinations can be incredible.

But what if you don't want to?

What if you want to write a romance that's just...romance? Or a fantasy where you're fighting dragons to save your country? Or a heartfelt Christmas story because that's what inspires you in the moment?

Should you do it?

Not just maybe...

Yes should be your answer!

I truly believe it's healthy to expand beyond the genre you're known for. In fact, I think it can help prevent writer's block; something I talked about back in my January blog. Exploring another genre gives your mind a chance to create in a different way while still strengthening your skills as a writer.

When you eventually return to your primary genre, you may find that you understand your characters better. Maybe you discover new motivations for your heroine. Maybe your villain becomes more believable because you've spent time writing characters driven by love instead of fear. You might even uncover values or emotional perspectives that never would have surfaced if you stayed in one genre all the time.

For example, in July I wrote the free flash fiction Line 3: Don't Hang Up, and since I had been watching a drama series recently; I found myself wanting to write a genuine love story. Instead of ignoring the idea because I primarily write horror, I embraced it. I still included a small supernatural element, but the story became an opportunity to explore love, grief, and loss from a completely different perspective. That experience has already influenced how I think about relationships in many of my other stories.

So don't be afraid to stretch your imagination beyond your comfort zone. It doesn't have to be a full novel. It could be a short story, flash fiction, or even a writing exercise. Every genre has something to teach you, and every story you write makes you a stronger storyteller.

You may be surprised by what you're capable of creating when you allow yourself the freedom to explore.