by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

A few years back, I had a writer friend fuss at me. “Pick your lane and stay in it. You write everything, but are you proficient?”

I thought this was a writer friend. Actually, he is. However, his newness to the industry helped me excuse his opinion, and it’s that very reason I felt it necessary to bring this lie to the surface and address it. As we look at it, I realize there will be those who may disagree with my thoughts, and that’s fine too, but this lie (as I call it) can become a real stumbling block to a new writer.

Writing in Different Genres

Unless you are one of the few with excellent writing insight, you may have experienced this. Is it okay to write in multiple genres? Well, duh. Yes. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. My writer friend, let’s call him Bongo, is a relatively new writer, and as much as I enjoy being around him and brainstorming with him, my twenty-five years in the business supersedes his infant knowledge. As a well-seasoned writer, it’s my job, and honestly, a responsibility, to help educate Bongo in the ways of the publishing industry, and this was lesson one.

It is perfectly fine for you to pursue writing in different genres. Many fiction writers earn additional money writing articles. Writing devotions was where I got my feet wet in the industry. As I worked to write good, solid devotions, I honed my ability to write fiction. I chose to write fiction as my primary genre, but I love writing non-fiction short stories, articles, and devotions. Those little sideline genres provide a steady income for me, whereas my fiction novels pay much slower. The response to Bongo is, “Don’t be silly. Writing articles can pay the bills while waiting for that book contract.”

Pros and Cons

The pros to writing multiple genres is, of course, versatility. Very few writers stick strictly to their “one” genre. To be clear, most of us have a “preferred” genre where we hit our stride, but learning other types of writing is a plus for a well-rounded author. The more you know the different types and styles of writing, the more the genre you love to work in improves. While all non-fiction aspects will not flip over to fiction, you’ve built the knowledge. That’s a win.

Learn other writing styles, and when your years of writing experience become such that you can mentor or coach, you have that knowledge in your back pocket.

There is a con here, so pay close attention. I write Appalachian historical and devotionals, and I must be conscientious to keep the two styles in their lane. Early in my career, a dear friend asked me to co-author a romance novel. He loved my writing voice, and he wanted that in his romance novel. So, we worked together. With the help of my agent and a couple of well-seasoned authors, I chose to use a pen name for that romance novel. The reason was simple. I’m not a romance writer, and I don’t want my readers to think I am. They won’t find the bulk of my work in romance. They’ll find it in historical.

Branding is essential in your choice of writing genres. For instance, Michelle Cox is a devotional writer. She’s written tons of them. That is how she is branded. Michelle Medlock Adams is branded as a children’s writer, though she also writes devotionals and other non-fiction for adults. Stephen James has written fiction and non-fiction. So, branding plays a part in your choice. I wanted to be branded as Appalachian historical, and since I was writing in fiction and non-fiction genres, I chose a pen name for the romance.

Another critical thing to remember is that if you write heavily into fiction and non-fiction, you must build your platform on both sides. The audiences are different. My greater readership is historical, so when my devotional was published, I had to work hard to market to a platform different from my fiction. Hint: build both as you go. It’s wise and easier.

Being versatile in your writing makes you more accessible to additional readers. You may find a few fiction readers who will follow you into your non-fiction ventures, and you’ll discover new readers from both. Being a “well-rounded” author benefits you in so many ways. You’ll become a stronger and more succinct writer. Your knowledge of the craft will grow, and your ability to teach and lead new writers along the way will increase. Learn to write in multiple styles and genres. It doesn’t mean they must be your wheelhouse, but it will improve your writing ability and opportunity.

The problem for new writers is learning which path they want to be their primary road. I came into the industry thinking I might write for children, but as I grew in knowledge and effort, I found my gift in Appalachian historical. As you enter the writing world, your preferences may change, and as I did, you may find a love for a genre you didn’t know you’d like. As writers come into their first conference, they seem to look at writing devotions or children’s thinking that it’s easy. “I’ll start with something easy and learn,” when both are somewhat difficult to write. Don’t be surprised if your tastes change. This is why learning all you can about writing fiction and non-fiction is important. For example, I am not a fantasy writer, but I have learned that genre’s essential aspects. I’ve even tinkered with writing a few pages. I need to know something about it to help those I mentor. Anytime you extend your learning, you do amazing things with your writing.

The point is that you can write in different genres. Spread your wings. Work to become proficient in the genre you love, but don’t hesitate to venture out. Just talk to Edie Melson, who made a living for several years by writing articles.

Don’t believe the lie that you need to stay in one lane. Work to produce good, solid work wherever you land. Enjoy the craft of writing—after all, it is an adventure.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.