So Many Genres, So Little Time

I know I'm not the only author who feels inspired to write in multiple genres.

I suppose it's because I like to read so many genres that I'm this way. My favorites are fantasy, supernatural and horror, but I have also enjoyed sci-fi, romance, dystopian, inspirational, and even non-fiction. I've been trying to start out with the dual genre, different pen name thing, like J.K. Rowling/Robert Galbraith. But even that's hard! I have a fantasy romance that has been eating at me. Seriously, it won't shut up in my head.

I'm curious as to how many other authors have this problem, and how they handle it. Authors are often encouraged to stick to one genre, two at the most. You don't see Stephen King complaining that he wants to write children's adventure stories. But I wonder, does he ever get that non-horror story pop in his head? What does he do when it nags at him relentlessly? Just ignore it, I suppose. But as an artist, that just seems depressing to me. When a story wants to be told, it lets you know. Like, in flashing, neon colors.

I don't think there's any real answer to this question; only perspective. Sticking with one or two genres makes it easier to maintain a readership and bring in more money. But to ignore the other stories is to stifle one's creativity. Poverty, or restricting one's artistry. Depressing any way you slice it.

Granted, I'm being a little over dramatic here. I know of at least one person who makes a decent living off of writing multiple genres. Then again, they publish a book every month (seriously, they're a beast). I hope to publish every two to three months, but a book a month while working full time at a day job? I think my head would explode.

So, ignore the story and stick to two genres? Or release my creativity and explore multiple genres? An endless dilemma. I don't know. What do you guys think?

Tips on Time Management

I've always been the person who takes on a million projects at once.

I can't explain why this is. I suppose it's just in my nature. I have a lot of grand ideas, and these ideas turn into goals. I'm a dreamer. But as great as it is to have big dreams, some days all of my projects choose the same day to gang up on me, and I find myself surrounded by mountains I'm unsure I can climb.

Yet, somehow, the projects get done.

Right now I'm finding my plate full with a full-time job, moving, publishing my novel, writing two books at once, updating my websites, reading to stay knowledgable on all things writing, as well as keeping up with my other commitments.

Oh yeah, and then there's my social life.

Having a lifetime of experience with being a dreamer, I thought I would share the tips I've learned to make a chaotic schedule feel less stressful.

Tip #1: TIME MANAGEMENT

Can I stress this enough? Time management is SO important when having a busy schedule. Everyone thinks they have good time management skills until all their committments sneak up on them. The way manage your time successfully, is something that spontaneous people find exceedingly dull:

-Daily to-do lists
-Weekly/Monthly schedules

I don't know where I would be without a to-do list. These are seriously a life saver, especially on busy days. Forgot that thing someone asked you to do earlier, and you feel like it might have been important? Write it on your to-do list the moment they ask you. And always, ALWAYS refer back to it before the day is done.
Remember that email that you probably should have sent last month, but forgot to do until it was too late? Or how about that appointment you forgot to write down?
Weekly/Monthly schedules are vital if you have long term commitments. They keep your goals on track and heading in the right direction. Writers need this for book deadlines and marketing schedules.


Tip #2: TAKE YOU TIME

This must be done if you are to handle a busy schedule, especially one that is long-term. Sometimes, I feel like I'm such a roll with what I'm doing, that I try to accomplish more and more. By the end of the day, I'm so burnt out that I don't feel like doing anything the next day. That's a whole day wasted! Designate some time for you, and only you to recooperate. You'll thank yourself later.

Tip #3: KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO

I've learned this one the hard way. If you're a multi-talented person, people recognize that. Before you know it, you're getting bombared with requests, whether it's to host your friend's going away party, tutor your classmate in writing, or anything that you would be doing solely as a favor.

And like goal-oriented person you are, you say, of course! I can totally handle that.

Before you say yes to requests like this, you HAVE to refer to your current schedule. Look at everything you have on your plate and ask yourself: When and how often would I be needing to work on this? Could this take away from my prior commitments?
If your answer is "yes" on the second question, you've got to take a deep breath and say no. Even if the person is offended, you're doing the right thing by staying loyal to the commitments you've already made. You might be awesome, but no one is Superman.


These are the three main things that have kept me from pulling my hair out my whole life. With a little planning and determination, there is no limit to what a person can do :) Have a great day!