But, when it comes to writing, I'm quite a bit more experimental. I like challenges that push my writing comfort zone. Normally I write fantasy (usually with dragons) and mystery. I've played with science fiction, pushed the mystery envelope with a gangster piece that I had to do research for and even gave romance a try.
One genre I thought I'd never try though was horror. However a couple weeks ago, I was given the challenge to write a Valentine's Day story that wasn't the usual hearts & roses, that was "out of the box."
After some joking, I ended up writing a zombie romance piece. And honestly, I'm really surprised at the really great feedback I've gotten from those who've seen it.
My latest challenge arrived just the other night from a friend. A steampunk romance. Now, I've never cared for the steampunk I've been exposed to and even avoided it when I could. Yet, as I've started the research needed to do this challenge right, I find I'm intrigued. Very much so. Another friend told me about Steamed so I checked it out and read the sample chapter. I'm totally hooked. I love the main character and will be picking it up when I get to town this week.
So, what's the point of this?
Expand your comfort zone. Challenge yourself and your writing. If you've only tried first person, give third a shot and vice versa. Try a new genre. Challenge yourself with short word counts or try something longer if you've only been writing short stories.
You might discover you like stepping out on a limb ever so often.
What about you? Got a comfort zone you don't like stepping out of? Share with us and we'll push the boundaries together.
2 comments:
Honestly, I never thought I would be a fiction writer. Nonfiction had been my thing for over 15 years, barely even read fiction; but then I started writing fan fiction and people were liking my stories.
It kind of blossomed from there and I took several workshops to help improve my dialogue, showing instead of telling, and character development.
Now I'm waiting for my first children's book to be released this fall, and I'm a few chapters into my latest WIP. The feedback on the WIP has been outstanding so far, and it's motivating me to keep writing.
I read mostly fiction now, historical fiction being my favorite. I still read a fair amount of nonfiction, but not as much as I used to.
Who knew you could teach old dogs new tricks.
Cheryl
Giving nonfiction a try when you are a fiction writer and vice versa is another way to push your comfort zone.
I know a writer who thought she'd hate nonfic but after giving it a try, she discovered she loved it.
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