Writing Poll: Crossing Genres

This month's question is one that comes up pretty often in writing circles. It's two-fold - can you write, and write well, in multiple genres, and if so, how do you pull it off when it can mean different agents, pen names, etc.?

I'm not anticipating writing in completely different genres (I'll stick to fantasy), but I've definitely written for multiple sub-genres and age groups. It's never bothered me as a reader when writers skip into several genres. In fact, I love that they're able to be so versatile, and if it's an author I like, I'll usually follow them across a genre jump.

How about you? Do you write in multiple genres? Are you worried about how to balance it from the publishing side?

  

Do you write in more than one genre?

Do you anticipate that being messy with crossover between agents, publishers and readers?

Seasons a'Changin' & Books a'Readin'

In my hometown just south of the Frozen Tundra, Autumn made its presence known last week. I'm not okay with it  accepting it in inches, and it got me thinking about the power of changing seasons in our novels.

Reflect the Mood or Theme
A classic use of seasonal change is as a mirror to the book's plot or theme. Got love, laughter and lighter topics? Spring and summer are perfect settings. Cue autumn leaves and winds when dramatic turning points emerge, and get ready for events to turn bleak and desperate for the characters once "Winter is coming." (I couldn't resist.)

Incite (or Delay) Action
Hand-in-hand with the thematic expression of seasons is a more practical side. What does the change in weather mean for the reality of your book's action. Heavy snows or hard summer rains can delay battles or close roads, while autumn often means harvest time and festivals. Whatever the change of season means in your book, make the most of it. Use it to push the characters into action. What options don't they have in this new season that they did before? What new options emerge?

Limit (or Expand) Geographic Scope
Just like cold and weary troops have to fight differently in the winter, your characters have to think differently about how they'll travel and what they can access in each season. Do falling leaves obscure a much-needed path? Does a frozen pass or swollen river mean your MC can't cross for days or weeks? Or, maybe she CAN cross the ice to a region that's never been accessible before. That happened with Apostle Island sea caves on Lake Superior last winter because of the record cold.

Mix Things Up with Fresh Descriptions
Seasonal change doesn't have to bring huge variations in your book. It's fun to play with the little things, too. How is the clothing different, the food, the customs? The list goes on. Get with the season and enjoy it!

The Read Shelf

I realized it's been a while since I shared my reading list. Lately, I've been gobbling up Veronica Rossi's UNDER THE NEVER SKY series and Jim Butcher's CODEX ALERA series, and THEY ARE BOTH SO FANTASTIC! The other book in the mix is K.A. Stewart's A Snake in the Grass, which I reviewed here. How about you?

In Which I Dispense Advice & Links

In case you're not on Twitter or not following me yet (Look right! Look right!), here's a fun recap of some character & worldbuilding pearls I shared last week. Two of my favorite topics in the writing world!

Hope these give you at least a few fresh ideas. There are lots of other truly great resources on both these aspects, so look around and talk with fellow writers.

Fall Goals and Review at Fantasy Faction

Happy post-Labor Day everyone! Hope you all had relaxing weekends and are ready for the craziness of fall.

Me?

Sort of.

I had a grand writing plan for the second half of the year that essentially had me drafting two more novels, but I think I'm morphing that to drafting one new novel and editing a second. I'm excited for both of these, so it should be a fun way to round out the year.

How about you? What are you planning for the fall? Writing? Life? Amazing trips?

Jesse James Dawson Review

Speaking of amazing trips, my latest guest post is live at Fantasy Faction so travel on over and take a look (See what I did there?). I'm talking about K.A. Stewart's wonderful Jesse James Dawson series. Urban fantasy fans - it's a must!

Here's a peek:

I discovered K.A. Stewart’s Jesse James Dawson series several years ago when the first installment, A Devil In The Details, hit the shelves. Featuring demon-slaying samurai family man Jesse, the storyline and characters were a breath of fresh air in the crowded and often over-amped urban fantasy market. Jesse puts his own soul on the line in order to win back others’ from the demons. Sort of like betting at poker, except the cards are swords, the cash is souls, and the other players are demons! I loved the action, wit, and strong character relationships (not to mention a certain mysterious demon pal)...Read the full review at Fantasy Faction.