From Chuck Wendig's interview with Elizabeth Bear:
Q: You write across many genres. Any advice for genre writers?
A. Stick to one, if you can.
At least to start with: it’s easier to build a career that way. I
think I’ve confused a lot of people, and if I’d kept writing near-future
cyberpunk adventures indefinitely, my sales numbers would probably be a
hell of a lot better now.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t have the critical recognition I’ve garnered, so…
And that's the tradeoff, isn't it? Once again, the do it/don't do it, this hand/the other hand leaves the decision up to you.
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I don't think I could stick to one Tony. I love trying my hand at different genres - hopefully with some success.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm doomed to not have a career as a writer, but as I'm retired I guess that's okay. ^__^
helen-scribbles.com
So... Since you write in all the genres, you're a genre-allist?
ReplyDeleteOh but I love her books. I am glad she doesn't stick to one genre.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I don't think I could either. Though all of my novel ideas have been fantasy/urban fantasy . . . maybe I am sticking to one genre?