What genre do you write?

[sterling]

In a recent discussion with a writing peer, the subject of genres came up. She asked me what genres I typically wrote, or would like to start writing.

My answer was a lengthy ramble that could have just been summarized by two words: Speculative Fiction. But of course, I wanted to get into more detail than that, so we talked about it for several hours. Almost everything I've written falls into this category (both fanfiction and original fiction), with specifics in: post-apocalyptic, dystopian, fantasy, steampunk, and/or urban fantasy worlds. With the rare exception of a few horror and sci-fi works, I was actually a little amazed that my writing focus was so easily defined.

Even the genres I'd like to start writing for are under the big "speculative fiction" umbrella (one specifically would be alternate history, but I just don't know if I have the patience to do the kind of research I would need to do to make it feel historically possible).

So, some questions for other writers here...

What genres do you usually write?

What genres would you like to write for if you decided to try something new?

Comments

[sincere]

Are you me?

[sweet_sparrow]

Pretty sure I'm not. ^-^ But I do so hear you on your concerns! Mine are eerily similar indeed!

One of the things I'm trying, sort of, is writing urban fantasy in a completely made-up setting. That way I don't have to worry something is wrong about the setting. I figure it'll ease me into the two urban fantasy tales with real world settings that are knocking about my head and refusing to cooperate. >>

[sincere]

So an urban setting that just isn't on Earth. That's a good idea! I was also thinking about making a completely alternate Earth -- like, something historically distinct happens in the 1600s that essentially builds a completely different modern world, thereby making it okay if I don't know much about what districts are in Chicago, etc.

[sweet_sparrow]

...

I'm pretty sure several of my stories follow that idea of making an alternate earth like that. I just haven't figured out how. I have a few friends who're really, really good at that kind of world-building, but I... I wish I could bottle their talent and use it, basically.