Alright…. celebrating went on…. cake was eaten…margaritas downed….and now here I am to announce a contest. What shall the contest be? Hmmmmmm…..
I am making a guest appearance at Nikki Duncan’s blog tomorrow. Pop on over there and show a little love for those who are supporting my release!
You have until the end of the day tomorrow and I will draw a winner and announce it in the morning.
Do you ever find yourself in a rut? My biggest one comes to reading. I tend to stick to the same genre-paranormal romance or something not too far left of that. I recently indulged in a little genre expanding. Not that you could tell by my bookshelf or to be read pile, as my expansion can primarily be witnessed through my eBook reading. For example, I recently read Land of Falling Stars by Keta Diablo (which, shameless plug coming…. you can read my review at TGOB). I have said Historical Romance is not my bag, however when I think back on some of my reading choices, I find that some of my past choices have had historical elements. Take the Circle trilogy by the beloved Nora Roberts or any of the books from the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. They both take you to times past are well written and much to my delight have ties to paranormal romance elements. *Squee*
In the past I found myself in a similar rut with Romantic Suspense and Mystery. In those genres I found myself falling prey to the likes of Kay Hooper and J.D. Robb (yes I am not immune to any of Ms Robert’s personas). The key to getting out of the rut? Don’t know, I haven’t found it yet. Though on occasion I am lucky enough to have something fall in my lap that aides in the process.
Do you find yourself in similar ruts? How do you break out of them?
I mean if you are a writer of course. I sent off my first round of edits today, pondering what would I work on next. The paranormal? Plot issues abound there I am afraid, but whether they are fabricated or true is yet to be seen. I am overly critical of my work in the paranormal genre. I read a lot of it, love the genre, and therefore have high expectations. Maybe I am overly critical because I compare myself to the authors I admire. Whatever the reason, I have put that story to the side.
My mother asked me about a story I hadn’t thought about in some time. A nice romantic tale I have high hopes for. Scenes have fallen into place in my mind and although they aren’t really in any particular order, I can see the story taking shape. It just might be what I focus on next. (Afterall, my mothers opinion has hardly failed me yet.)
Ideas for stories laden with romantic entanglements are of no short supply over here. However, they ping pong (something I do quite frequently-just ask Heidi) from contemporary to paranormal. This got me thinking.
I’ve heard there are benefits to staying with a particular genre once you are published. As a writer, each story benefits from the things learned while working magic on the previous woven tale. Sticking with a particular genre also allows you to build a following of readers. But the ability to write cross genre has its appeal as well. If you can do it effectively, it allows you as an author to write whatever story comes your way. However many questions arise from these thought processes.
1. If you jump genres do you as an author benefit? What about your readers?
2. Is there a time in a writer’s career that is more conducive to genre hopping?
3. As a reader, how do you perceive a writer who jumps around? (Jump around… Jump around… Jump up jump up and get down… jump jump jump…. oh sorry)
4. In a genre like romance, there are many sub-genres. Where do you draw the line? Would Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance count as two separate genres or just a smaller part of the Romance genre?
Ok, really my mind could go on forever with this line of thinking and I beg your forgiveness and understanding. I am firing on few cylinders right now, as my lack of sleep over the last two weeks is catching up to me. (Thank god I lurve my Editor 
Could you imagine if she were a real slave driver? This post would make even less sense than it does now.) Now that the rambling has set in, or rather, has surpassed what I consider acceptable, I am off to bed. Sound off if you please!
P.S. Pop on over to The Girls on Books and check out Penelope Holt, our Author of the month. Betty has dished with the lovely Ms Holt and is spilling the beans.
Hey all! Today’s post is short and sweet. Just stopping in long enough to do a little self indulgent promo for my other home away from home on the web. This month marks the kick off of a new AOTM feature that all of “The Girls” are excited about.
Our first author is Penelope Holt, the author of The Painter’s Gift, so swing on over and show a little love. I know many of you will be intrigued by both the story and author.
Just click the button… you know you want to.!
