Tip for Beginning Writers (#1)

15. December 2009 by Gore Wehner.

If you’re new to writing, you’ve probably already taken the first steps in becoming a better writer by purchasing books on the craft or taking courses either on-line or through school. If you have, that’s wonderful! Having a mentor makes all the difference in the world.

I took the hard road…writing with hope and receiving only rejections. Not because my ideas weren’t worthwhile. Not because I didn’t work hard on my stories. But because I didn’t understand how important the structure of the story was. And I didn’t realize the basic rules that can make or break one’s chances for success. A story that might have been considered well written twenty years ago may not have a chance with a publisher today. It’s smart to keep up-to-date on the trends. I’m not talking subject matter, I’m talking style and voice.

In this blog, and in my future ones, I will discuss tips on how to make your writing the best it can be based on my experiences and what I’ve learned through taking classes, reading books, teaching creative writing, and freelance editing.

Today’s topic is: genre

You might not have considered what genre your work is in. But it’s important to know. If you want to be published someday, you need to know where your work fits in. Experimental short stories your thing? You probably won’t be sending your piece to Woman’s World. Are you working on a historical romance? Don’t query the agent who prefers mainstream contemporary. In other words, you need to know what genre you’re working with in order to find the best fit with an agent or editor.

According to The American Heritage Dictionary, genre means <i>type or class</i>. General genres are: romance, mystery, Christan, western, science fiction, and fantasy, among others. You may want to get even more specific: paranormal romance, detective mystery, speculative sci-fi, etc.

Not sure what genre you like to write? What is the book on your nightstand right now? Most people tend to write the type of fiction they like to read. Look on-line (or ask at your local library) to see what category the book you’re reading falls under. Soon, you’ll begin to understand what genre you like to work with, and you’ll be well under way to knowing what audience you’re writing for.

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