THE GENRE SWITCHING MYSTERY

There are several favorite writers of mine that switched genres in the middle of their careers. They went from writing historical romances to writing thrillers or mysteries, leaving me scratching my head and wondering how they could go from one to the other, since they were so different, not to mention leaving me heart broken when they stopped writing romance. I’d been writing romance for years and never had the urge to write in another genre and just didn’t understand.

When I returned to the world of writing, after being absent for several years, I was surprised by how the romance genre had taken on a life of its own, breaking into so many sub-genres that it boggled the mind (my mind). 

Two years ago, while watching documentaries one night, I was inspired by two stories: one about a little girl who was sixteen, but had the physical appearance of a four year old, and the other about children of serial killers. Although sad stories, my mind started asking what if questions, and low and behold, two new stories were born. Much to my surprise, one is shaping out to be a thriller, and the other a medical suspense. Both have strong elements of romance, so far, but more importantly, helped me understand why writers chose to write in other genres. It’s not so much a conscious choice (although I’m certain some writers made that choice), but the stories or characters that reveal themselves and writers can’t and shouldn’t ignore them. After all, it could be the one that gets us published, our names on the map, or the next best seller, so how can we resist?

How open are you to writing in other genres? Are there stories or characters that moved you into a genre or sub-genre you never thought you’d find yourself?

It's Conference Season! Are you ready?

I just returned from my first conference of 2011, the Lori Foster Event in Ohio. Gotta say I had a fantastic time, met lots of new people and got some valuable networking done. So on the drive home I began to wonder what kinds of things people hope to achieve when they attend a conference.

I'm guessing the number one reason an aspiring author attends is to pitch to an agent or editor. So if you fall into that category, do you have your pitches ready? Pitches? Plural? Yes, you should have one very brief pitch ready --sometimes called the Elevator Pitch -- in case the opportunity presents itself. **NOTE- Following an agent or editor into the bathroom is not opportunity. It's stalking! **  And then you should have a full pitch ready for your scheduled pitch appointments. And practice these until you can mix and match and just talk with ease about your story.

Maybe you are attending because although you are already published, you have some serious networking to do. Well, my dears, you can't do that by staying in your room. Get out there! Stay out there! Talk. Go to the bar. Hang out. Smile. Show interest in others. Ask: "What do you write?" or "Is this your first conference?". Just remember to be courteous. Some people with turn their name badges backwards as a signal they don't want to mingle at that moment. Respect that. Watch body language. If two people are huddled in a whisper, that is not the time to approach.

Finally, is your wardrobe ready? You need to dress for success. Shorts and T-shirt do not scream I take myself seriously as an author. Hey, I know conferences get expensive. But business-casual is fine. Think basic; think simple elegance. Black dress pants. These could be worn twice with different blouses. Throw in a black or gray skirt and you've already got 3 days covered. Interchangeable items like that will not only save you money when buying but now that airlines charge per bag, you won't have to pack as much. Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry! Take a few different pieces -- no it doesn't have to be real. There is some beautiful and trendy necklaces/bracelets out there now for cheap. Use that to your advantage.  Shoes. Know this: By the time I left the RWA conference last year, I had 8 band-aids on various toes. So if you don't walk in heels everyday, find some pretty flats and save yourself the pain. You can save the heels for the awards dinner! At least then if you have a blister(s) you're going home the next day:)

Jacqui Nelson & me at Award Dinner

So what to you hope to get out of conference season this year? Whatever it is, I wish you luck. And remember, you really do get out of it what you put into it!

Hugs:)