Review:

Intro to the Writer’s Workout

Tips for Success

Previous Assignment 

TUESDAY – STRETCH AND GROW

In the writing world, we talk a lot about genre’s. Think of this as describing categories or divisions of writing.

Within the world of fiction, for instance, some of the more popular categories are: romance, historical, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Each genre has its own set of understood rules and writers must fit within those guidelines with their stories if they are to be successfully published.

Each grouping can also divide into sub-genre’s such as a medical thriller. Often, stories today will cross over into a second category. For instance, romantic suspense, or historical romance.

Normally, most of us choose to write in one area because it is what we like to read, it’s what we feel comfortable with, it’s what we know. Sometimes, however, consciously moving yourself to work in another area presents a great opportunity to stretch and grow. In the strictest sense, you would want to study that type of book for awhile . . . understand the pacing, the length of the story (# of pages), the complexity of the characters, the setting, and so forth. But sometimes, just for the fun of it, why not get playful and just write without the rules in mind? Put existing characters in a totally different environment and see what happens. Or write a different story altogether – even if it’s just a short-term relaxation / diversionary technique.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Use this opportunity to stretch and grow and write a story in another genre. For example: If you write historicals, take the characters and your plot and move them forward to a new century out beyond current time and events. If you write horror, put on a different mask and think modern day romance. Either take an exisitng scene or story and move it to the new "world" or start a new story and create it for a genre in which you don’t normally write.

If you have no preferences, then I choose . . . Sci-Fi/Fantasy. If you lived on another planet, which one would it be? Why? How do you spend your days and nights? What do you eat? How do you live and breathe? What language to you speak? (If you currently write Sci-Fi/Fantasy, then pick a new genre!)

Have Fun!

Happy Writing!

Coach Darlene