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

[sterling]

I've always said that in writing, you can't please everybody, so you better at least please yourself. Otherwise, why bother doing something that even you don't like? So I definitely agree with your methods!

Readers have their own expectations (even more so with fanfiction) but it largely shouldn't influence a writer when it boils down to exactly what sort of story they're going to write. That said, if a writer deviates too unexpectedly, they should be prepared to deal with possible fan-fallout and outrage afterwards. Some people I know, actually try to infuriate fans by tricking them or making characters do unexpected things (which seems disingenuous on the writer's part to me, but I digress).

Isn't the transitioning to and from fanfic/original fic fun? XD Such different mindsets at times...

[nerakrose]

yes, exactly. i like when i take two characters and use them in a completely different way than fanon prescribes - sometimes because it's closer to canon and sometimes because that's just how i see the character in this particular plot - and then people get all "wtf he's not like that at all" to which my answer usually is "perhaps not, but neither is he a prostituted drug addict junkie of a dungbag like everybody else likes to think".


i'm liking the transit! it's just a tad bit difficult not getting feedback. with fanfic i usually don't post wips until i'm at least halfway through, but then i get continuous feedback while working on the rest... with original fic i'm a lot less inclined to post the stuff up for everyone to see. but at least i can do whatever i want. :D