I’m a new recruit to Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (the link takes you to details on what that means and how to join. You’ll also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge – do check them out).
On the first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.
This month’s question is: What do you love about the genre you write in most often?
Wellllll …. this pre-supposes that I’ve identified my genre and I’m not entirely sure that I have. My current works in progress encompass memoirs, short stories and general fiction – although I don’t think there is such a category? Women’s fiction maybe?
Oddly, genre isn’t something I gave much thought to when I first put hands to keyboard. I do tend to write about people, their lives, relationships and what happens to them along the way. I haven’t been moved to write anything in the realm of fantasy, science or sci-fi (except as flash fiction) and I can’t pretend that my writing is good enough to reach the heights of literary fiction, so … general/women’s fiction it is I guess.
What I love most about general fiction is the people, for people are an endless source of fascination to me. I don’t mean in a lab-rat way, but I love how we are all formed by a combination of our genetics and our experiences, because it provides such a marvellous and unexpected range of outcomes.
Maybe when I’ve actually finished something, I’ll be better placed to claim my genre?
© Debra Carey, 2018
debsdespatches.com 
Welcome to the blog hop 🙂 It takes time to figure out exactly which genre your work lies in — it took me years to figure out that I enjoy writing dark fantasy opposed to just urban fantasy. Enjoy the journey 🙂
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Hi Ronel, thanks for the re-assurance. I have to say that the ISWG questions to date have already given me great insights.
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Welcome to the hop! Genres is such a convoluted topic with many opinions, but it sounds like you write mostly under the contemporary umbrella, which can include women’s fiction, thrillers, mysteries, YA, romance, etc.
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Maybe it matters less about deciding what your genre is– and more about feeling comfortable with what you’re writing about. Genre, like style, is what you define it to be. I dunno, just a thought…
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Welcome to the hop! I look forward to reading what you have to say each month! Other than the WEP challenge month, that is the only time i blog these days (too busy writing to publish!) There’s a big difference between romance and women’s fiction and it sounds like you like to go deeper, so you might lean towards women’s fiction.
If you want to meet other writers, and join in a fun writing challenge, consider signing up tor the WEP challenge, In Too Deep. You can write ANYTHING 1,000 words and under except erotica. You’re most welcome. We love newbies. You can ask for feedback on your writing or not…Website: http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com
Denise:-) (WEP founder)
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I love writing Flash Fiction because it is so challenging. As Denise has said above, try writing with the WEP.
I believe you will love it.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G
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Hi Denise, the In Too Deep challenge sounds very interesting, I will certainly take a look, thank you. And particular thanks for clarifying the difference between romance and women’s fiction – its a line I’ve always struggled to understand 🙂
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Hi Pat, thank you for endorsing Denise’s suggestion. I shall be heading over there shortly 🙂
I love flash fiction too as it’s so immediate and I find the prompts so helpful in pulling my thoughts together.
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