There comes a time in every writer’s life when they have to decide what genre to write in. There are many genres, such as romance, fantasy, and thrillers. You also have to consider subgenres and everything in between. And when you ask someone, they tell you to write what you like, which can be difficult if you like many different genres.
The good news is that you do not have to commit to anything. When you are choosing the genre of the next book you are writing, think of it as an engagement with marriage in mind. You can always change your mind, even if it means running away in your wedding dress. In this guide, we will walk through what genre is and how to decide what genre to write in.
What Is a Genre in Writing?
A genre is simply a category in storytelling. There is a set of “rules.” It explains common types of structure and beats. When discussing genres in fiction, they are often referred to as either commercial genre or genre fiction. The commercial genre is labeled to appeal to a marketing demographic. The genre fiction refers to the content of the novel. We will discuss the genre fiction.
A few common genre categories:
- Fantasy
- Romance
- Historical
- Mystery
- Thriller
How to Decide What Genre to Write
Decide what genre to write in, in only five steps.
- Look at the genres you love.
- Pay attention to the stories you imagine.
- Try writing in different genres before choosing.
- Think about your writing goals.
- Outline a plot before you decide what genre to write.
Step 1: Look at the Genres You Love to Read
What is better than writing something you would love to read? Write the book you want to see on the bookshelf. Think of your favourite tropes. Which genre do they appear in most? If you are a person who reads widely, take a look at your bookshelf or the last movie/show you watched. What type of elements do you like that are constantly appearing?
- Do you like magic? Then fantasy might be right for you.
- What about emotional stories? Consider romance.
- Do you constantly read about crimes? Perhaps, mystery?
Step 2: Pay Attention to the Stories You Imagine
What kind of story plays in your head? What tales do you re-tell yourself? If you are an imaginative person. What is it you imagine happens most? The scenarios you play in your head can be the strongest factor in your journey of finding out what genre to write.
For example:
- Something significant and life-changing is happening to you? That could be a great YA story, or if it has a dark turn, a thriller?
- Do you imagine solving great mysteries? That is a core element of a mystery.
- If you often imagine escaping into another world with a quest or magic. Consider fantasy.
Even the smallest scenario can be turned into a great plot, whether it is something large and fascinating or something more humble. A story can be anything if told by someone who has something to say. Fortunately, everyone has something to say; they just have to find out how.
Step 3: Try Writing in Different Genres Before Choosing
If you are unsure what genre to write in, experiment. Write every sort of story in every sort of way. You will learn what kind of tales you dislike and which ones you prefer. It also thins out the herd. There is no reason to write in a genre you do not enjoy writing in or reading.
If you are still sceptical of this method. Think of it as a free trial before subscribing. Furthermore, it is a great practice.
Here are some ideas to try:
Romance: write a short story about two strangers who immediately felt a spark at their first meeting and who try to find each other. They connected in a way they had never felt about anyone else. Was it love at first sight? Is it just about being honest about who you are with someone else?
Historical fiction: A woman is running her usual errand at the marketplace in ancient Greece. She is feeling nervous because they are having a special guest over that day, and she is not good at making new friends.
Literary fiction: Write a story about a young man who struggles with his identity. He always feels like he’s pretending to be someone else. Which raises the question. Who is he?
These are a few examples of a potential plot idea. If you want more inspiration. Search up prompts to get a wider selection.
Step 4: Think About Your Writing Goals
Another way to narrow your choices is to pause and ask yourself: Why do I want to write? Your personal goals can affect what genre you choose to write.
Leisure: if it is simply for fun. To enjoy the process and express yourself creatively. Then focus on what you like most as a reader. Maybe you always loved romance. It is something that interests you in your personal life, and you want to explore the concept of romance from a safe and distant perspective. Go for it.
Find an audience: Let us say you want to reach a specific audience. You want to express a message through a novel or novella. To get traditionally published, you have to consider what has been popular for a long time and what is trending. Especially if you keep in mind what publishers are looking for.
Gain experience: The same as doing it for leisure, if you are simply writing to get experience or grow as a writer. Then write something you like. In addition, write in areas you want to improve. If you are working on your writing, consider trying literary fiction. Literary fiction is stereotypically characterized by its beautifully written prose.
By first identifying what you want to get out of writing, you can decide what to write and how.
Step 5: Outline a Plot Before You Decide What Genre to Write
If you have absolutely no idea of what genre to write in by now. Just write. That is the main goal here. To be a writer, you must write. Pick up a pen and paper or open a document. Just write a story. Create a few characters, give them goals, and give them weaknesses. Set in an obstacle that leads to a larger conflict.
Do not worry if you genre-blend. Do not worry about anything initially, especially the first draft. You are telling the story to yourself; you can improve it later.
Where to Go Next in Your Writing Journey
By now, you have an idea of what a genre is and maybe what genre you want to write in. At the very least, what genres do you want to explore next? From here, deep dive into a genre and see if it inspires you.
Think of these next in your journey:
How to write a fantasy novel for a beginner. Learn more about magic systems and how to build an entire world from scratch.
How to Write a Romance Novel for Beginners. Explore how to write a believable love story.
How to Write a Historical Novel for Beginners. Discover how to blend fact with fiction.
How to Write a Mystery Novel. Master the art of planting clues and misleading the readers.
How to Write a Thriller. Learn how to keep readers on the edge of their seats while they read your book.
How to Write a Literary Fiction. Dive deep into character-driven stories.
As You Move Forward
How to decide what genre to write is not as simple as it might seem. A common misconception that makes it more difficult to choose is that thinking about genre limits you. Genre is a way to determine what direction you want your story to head. It is a way to avoid getting lost on the journey.
You have been given much to consider in this guide on how to decide what genre to write. Do not let too much information prevent you from writing. That is the end goal, regardless of the genre you choose. Go and tell a story, even if it is only for your eyes and ears.
