A
question recently asked by N.
R. Williams' in a recent blog post. I
thought I would answer it here, and not just because I won a place in the Parallels: Felix Was Here Anthology, but because I co-host a writing challenge
called Write…Edit…Publish Blog Post,
with Denise Covey.
The WEP is a flash fiction
challenge open to all writers, and we
work hard to come up with a schedule of contests that offer just that, an
opportunity for participants to try something new.
When
most of us start out, we choose a genre and concentrate our efforts in that
arena. My first choice was mystery. I thought mysteries would be my
main calling, but then I found the need to branch out and found writing contests
the solution.
Each
writing challenge is an opportunity, not only for expression but it's a chance
to learn and open yourself to other possibilities. You'll not only stretch your imagination but you'll meet a new network of people. Writers helping other writers is the key to success and, yes, even that necessary evil of marketing becomes easier as you introduce yourself to new readers via a new genre.
Have
you tested the waters - tried a new genre?
Did
you submit to the IWSG
Anthlogoy?
Or do
you limit yourself, convinced you can only 'write what you know'?
Jump
in and open yourself to creativity.
Challenge
yourself!
You will
never, ever regret it!
To
help you consider a different genre
here's
a list of the tips or essentials for writing
Science Fiction, Romance,
Horror or Scary,
Mysteries and
Fantasy.
2.
Science fiction may make predictions about life
in the future.
3.
Science fiction often deals with aliens or with
life on other worlds.
4.
Science fiction can comment on important issues
in society.
1.
A hero and a heroine to fall in love
2.
A problem that creates conflict and tension
between them and threatens to keep them apart
3.
A developing love that is so special it comes
about only once in a lifetime
4.
A resolution in which the problem is solved and the couple is united.
**
(last month's Parallels post by Crystal Collier)
1. The setting: your word choices and imagery
should depict an ambiance that sets our nerves on end.
2. A protagonist you like: a likable character
builds the tension.
3. Foreshadowing: give hints, snippets that tell
us something sinister is coming
4. Building tension: up the stakes with things
that really matter (like people's lives).
5. Surprise: that twist that changes the entire
story.
**
1.
Characters that are engaging entertaining, and
possibly, seem as though they could be the villain.
2.
An Intriguing Plot: a ‘hook’ that gains the
reader’s interest and pulls them along with the story.
3. Clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
3. Clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
4.
Action and adventure to keep the story moving.
5.
A healthy dose of suspense that allows the
reader to connect more with the characters.
**
1.
Plot: almost always a natural serial sequence i.e. a hero’s journey of
separation, quest, and reconciliation/salvation.
3.
Setting: often medieval or magical, but can be urban or modern and often
emblematic and symbolic rather than literal.
4.
Characters: wizards, witches, elves, fairies, gnomes, dwarves, goblins,
trolls, sprites, angels, and devils, etc.
or humans with their traits.
***
Also, Christine Rains recently posted a blog on the 5 Reasons to Write Paranormal. Check it out HERE!
If one of these is your genre - what characteristic do
you feel is most important to make it work?
Tell us your genre, and if you haven't yet attempted a new one - if
and when you do, what would it be?
For more information on each subject, just click the title.
FYI!
IT IS a real thing.
