Navigating the Path to Discovering Your Writing Genre: A Guide for Emerging Writers

As an emerging writer, it can be challenging to determine your unique writing genre. Often, writers begin crafting their stories without a clear genre in mind, embracing the freedom and spontaneity that comes from writing what feels most authentic to them. However, over time, a pattern may emerge, leading to the realization that a particular genre aligns most closely with your voice and vision. This process can be both enlightening and enriching.

Discovering Your Writing Genre Through Personal Enjoyment

To better understand how to find your genre, let's explore the journey of Dia Stone, an accomplished genre discoverer. Dia Stone, an emerging writer, started writing in 2015 and initially wrote in various genres including romance, romance/erotica, and urban street lit. Over several years, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, eventually finding that the thriller genre resonated most deeply with her.

Stone's experience highlights the importance of exploring different styles and genres to uncover your true writing genre. This exploration can be as simple as picking up books from different sections of the bookstore that cater to your interests. For Stone, young adult books were a natural fit, and she enjoyed stories featuring a strong female protagonist. Similarly, her love for crime-fighting shows and supernatural high-school shows provided a rich well of inspiration for her writing.

Identifying Consistent Themes and Motifs

Another key aspect of discovering your writing genre lies in identifying the common themes and motifs that appear consistently across your work. These elements may not be immediately apparent, but they can guide you toward your true calling. Dia Stone found that regardless of the genre, romantic elements consistently emerged in her stories.

For instance, in her fanfiction, Stone initially aimed to create a story without romantic relationships. However, she encountered the same romantic storyline in each of her works. This realization profoundly impacted her writing journey, ultimately leading her to focus on thrillers. Her struggles with and eventual acceptance of the romantic subplot illustrate the transformative power of this process.

Tips for Emerging Writers

Experimentation and Reflection

Stone's experience underscores the importance of experimentation in discovering your writing genre. Start by writing in various genres to see what fits best. As you write, reflect on what genres you enjoy reading and what genres resonate with your own experiences and emotions. Consider the following steps:

Write freely without restrictions on genre. Explore stories that align with your own interests and experiences. Reflect on the themes and motifs that appear consistently throughout your work. Test different genres and styles to gauge your comfort and passion.

By engaging in this process, you can gain clarity on the genre that speaks most to your inner voice and aesthetic.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The journey of discovering your writing genre is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Over time, your tastes and preferences may evolve, and new ideas may emerge. Stone's experience highlights the importance of revisiting your writing periodically to see if your preferences have changed. This might mean experimenting with new genres every few years to see if your tastes and skills have evolved.

Re-evaluation is crucial for growth and evolution as a writer. It allows you to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that your writing remains dynamic and engaging.

Conclusion

The journey of discovering your writing genre is a rewarding and enriching experience. By exploring different genres, reflecting on your personal interests and experiences, and continuously adapting, you can find the unique voice that defines your writing. As Dia Stone's journey demonstrates, it can take time and experimentation, but the results are worth the effort. Embrace the process, trust your instincts, and enjoy the transformative power of your evolving writing style.