Genre Hopping
I’ve always written speculative fiction. That isn’t changing. What has changed when it comes to my new upcoming series is that I will be incorporating mystery and thriller elements in this science fiction series. I have to say, I am a bit intimidated.
A mystery plot is the most complex plot a writer can tackle. Things have to truly be planned out well in order for it to work. I’ve always loved watching mysteries and now I will be writing one. Studying John Truby’s advice on writing these kinds of stories and also watching YT authors who are mystery writers has been tremendously helpful. Also, what has been important for me is Truby’s Books The Anatomy of Story and The Anatomy of Genre, invaluable to me.
One thing that I’ve learned since the first Indie Publishing revolution is that no, I don’t have to write ten thousand books per year. I can write one or two. I’m relieved that the pressure to write sm nay has lowered. However, the pressure to produce professional-level books and storylines has greatly increased. I’ve no issue there, one is always learning as they are writing, improving their craft. if you are learning how to write better from John Truby and applying what you learn, I believe that if you continue trying, you will make it. I’m excited about this new project, as well as sad but happy that the current series is winding down and that I’ve finally figured my way out of the knot I was in with the current story. That was a five-year knot, people! It’s no fun being stymied by Writer’s Block.
The most important thing I feel has happened for this new series is a detailed, proper outline. I’ve always written outlines. I don’t hold much with this “pantsing” stuff. I’m an architect. But Following Truby’s advice on how to put down your outline and plot it out has greatly improved how I see my way forward. I’ve done this through intuition without knowing what it was that I was doing. Truby has helped me to greatly improve how that outline looks and how to plot my story in a systematic organized way. Alright, happy writing!
