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

[sweet_sparrow]

's how the stories started life out as, really. Lots of writers that rework the tales are going back to what they were, or might have been, before people decided to relegate them to the nursery and sanitise them to be suitable. I'm no good at giving the stories twists, so I'd rather focus on other things to make them interesting and their own little piece. People just have to look a little harder for it.

Does it matter that it doesn't appeal to them, though? Since it doesn't seem/sound like you're writing for them.

Real world settings are hard. I admire people who can do it well. I tried setting a story in my home town once (the times conveniently being about the 90s). I've lived most of my life here, know the place pretty well and all. Just to try and ease my way into the idea. You'd think that would make it easier to write a story setting, but nope.

Wouldn't psychological horror work in any setting, though, provided the writing's up to scratch? (I'm not a horror fan of any description, though I've read a little in the genre.)

Oooh, that sounds like a good idea! ^-^ Thank you! (Or it would if I could outline, anyway... Might learn that from mystery writing. ^-^ Hmm...)