Should You Write in Multiple Genres?

SHOULD YOU WRITE IN MULTIPLE GENRES?//PEN NAMES, SELF-PUBLISHING, and WRITING IN MULTIPLE GENRES

Today, we are talking about something that I know concerns a LOT of authors out there. Should you write in multiple genres? Can you still be a success if you write across several different genres? And if you do, should you use a pen name?

As with most things, the answer is not an easy one. Of course, you can do anything you want, but what path is going to get you where you need to go in the shortest amount of time?

I hope today's video gets you thinking in the right direction in terms of how to launch your self-publishing career.

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*scroll toward the bottom of the post for the link to the journaling pages!

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Heart Breathings - Episode 11

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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 22 books and sold well over half a million copies.

I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.

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[HeartBreathings]

Hey, everyone! Is this something you've been struggling with? Do you go back and forth between several genres and don't know where to start? Or do you already know exactly which genre you want to write? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

[Nogothoughts]

My book series kind of transitions through genres the main genre is fantasy, but by the time you get to the fifth book it has elements of sci-fi and by the sixth one these cat aliens are introduced and it becomes horror.

[hazzarousafault]

I know you need to start with one genre to build your your career before you can branch out to other genres, (especially with trad publishing) but I'm worried that I don't have enough ideas to start with one genre. I love mysteries, and I wrote a paranormal mystery, but I don't have an idea for another mystery let alone five. I have a vague idea for a sci-fi but only one book, same with a post-apocalypse book. I like books (reading and writing) with a lot of action but that's not enough of a genre. Like I can't do action contemporary and action fantasy.

[Dragons_Novel]

My biggest mistake was not sticking with one genre. Now it feels like an uphill climb. Not only are readers lost when a writer writers in different genres, the different genres mess up Amazon's algorithms and lowers the ranking of books. This happens when, for example, a reader reads a fantasy novel, then is shown a romance by the same writer and doesn't buy. Starting this fall, and for the next several years, I will focus only on my fantasy series. I wish I had this advice six years ago. I would have been that much further ahead. Thank you for confirming what it took me years to learn.

[bloodstreamcity]

As someone who has made many, many mistakes in the last few years, you should all listen to this woman.

[NTE.Stream]

Thank you so much for this guidance. I'm pretty certain I want to stay within one genre, but knowing that there's a plan that I can utilize to both write what I love and also make a career out of it with planning is such a relief. It gives me hope and determination.

[curlyenvelopes]

I don't like to be pigeonholed...but sarra is right. one genre for some years...

[pinkskiestoday]

Speaking of pen names and switching genres: Remember when Madonna wrote a children's book after publishing her Sex book? LOL. Yea, she used a pen name. 😂

I can relate to what you're saying about fans wanting more of the same! I find it comforting that once I finish reading Books 1 - 3, that there's 7 more waiting. 📚

[The_Open_Book]

I'm inspired to write in a variety of genres, and have been putting off starting a big project knowing that whatever I choose, I should stick with for a while. Sometimes worrying about being efficient holds you back... But I guess the sooner you commit, the sooner you can grow out and onto other things. Writers, let's get started!

[fiona_d]

Thank you so much for this video. I haven't published and I haven't been able to decide between urban/contemporary, and dystopian. This was so helpful

[Aliciaa]

Hi Sarra. I’ve really enjoyed your videos. I want to write in multiple genres and I have a few stories in the genres I love, but I see the wisdom of starting with one. I’d like to hear more on having an anchor series.

[Jonas_Fox]

I enjoyed this perspective. I'm almost imagining a tree branching out with an anchor series at the base and branching out with slight variations on a main theme.

Have you talked about that sticky artboard behind you on the wall? I'm curious about how you use it ^_^

[ReeseRyanWrites]

Awesome tips, Sarra. I'd been struggling with this. I have so many series ideas in my heading, including two outside of my usual subgenre of contemporary romance. My agent encouraged me to focus to do just as you've advised here.

[larry]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm one of those people that want to publish everywhere and in multiple genre and you answered my question within the first 3 minutes. Awesome video! I followed and clicked for notifications. I will be coming back for other stuff you put out as you seem right on and at least I know I'm not a freak liking all these things and wishing I had 10 arms to type all the stuff up I want to do. Thanks again.

[jenniferrux]

I know I am late to the party, but yes I would like to hear more about building an anchor series.

[theekhalilabre]

I really appreciate you and your channel 💕

[authorkaterinadennison]

What are your thoughts on publishing in different genres but the same subject. For instance: A YA series about witches and a cozy mystery series with witch protagonists. Or both YA but one contemporary fantasy(paranormal) and one straight fantasy? Can "magic" or "witches" be a genre? As a reader I read anything with witches and/or magic in it. Adult, YA, Cozy Mystery. If there's a witch or magic in it, I'm in. No matter what genre it is. But do others read this way?

Newly hooked on the Shadow Demons series BTW. Totally binging and loving them!

[dArtagnan]

This is an issue that has had me stuck. Thank you for addressing it in a thoughtful and practical way. I'm not sure if I want to self-publish but I think the insights you offered on this subject would apply to traditional publishing, as well.

[jacquelinepatterson]

Thank you for the advice! I’m a serial genre-hopper, so this video helped me get my priorities straight for my writing journey.

[alyssamayley]

Great advice to a question I've wondered for a while now. Thank you!