Always Keep Checking Your Genre When Writing

Write what you know. This is something we have heard a lot as writers, but sometimes, I do think we forget about it. I do think a lot of published writers forget this a lot. Once they sign that contract, see their name on the cover of a book, they seem to believe they are good to go. Unfortunately, we can never stop learning. We always have to keep our eyes out and pay attention to anything that may be changing. 

You have likely seen an earlier post or two where I have talked about musicians who have stood the test of time. Madonna, Aerosmith, and The Rolling Stones are great examples. All of which have found ways to adapt to the times. None of these groups just said, "this is what I do so stick it in your ear." They found ways to keep their own voice, but still work with the time. 

Recently, I was talking with an author and she was noting that while she was working on her latest book, she decided to stop during the early phases of her writing and just make sure she was still working with the latest flow of things but still with her own voice. She picked up a few books at her local book store (support those bookstores and authors) bought a few online and read.

She was good to go. 

What she was looking for was pacing, voice, and structure. No, she wasn't looking for character type or tropes. It was just the way the stories were structured.

Now I know what a lot of authors have told me. They don't want to read in their own genres because they believe they will steal other author's words. Honestly, if you have that much lack of self control, you might have some other problems. Seriously, it is a good thing. It is well worth it.