You Want to Write in Different Genres? 5 Things to Remember by Cindy Fazzi: A WOW Blog Tour
Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler with Cindy Fazzi/@CindyFazzi
Welcome to Cindy Fazzi’s WOW Blog Tour for her new novel, My MacArthur.
Author Cindy Fazzi
You Want to Write in Different Genres? 5 Things to Remember by Cindy Fazzi: A WOW Blog Tour
Most writing teachers advise us to stick to one genre. It’s the most logical thing to do to build our audience and brand. And yet, authors such as Agatha Christie, J.K. Rowling, and Margaret Atwood, have succeeded in juggling different genres. So, if you decide to break the “genre monogamy” rule, there are certain things you should remember.
The publication this month of my historical novel, My MacAthur, came in the heels of two romance novels. All three books were traditionally published. I never intended to write in different genres, but after more than a decade of failing to get my “serious” novels published, I wrote romance. I’m glad I did because it brought my publishing breakthrough.
5 Things to Keep in Mind
There are many reasons why genre monogamy just won’t cut it sometimes. If you are thinking of writing in different genres, here are some of the things you should keep in mind.
#1 Try to choose genres that are close enough. Notice that I wrote try. I understand that some writers are compelled to write vastly different genres.
In my case, when I signed with a literary agent who represented My MacArthur for a while, my first romance book had just been acquired (without representation). My former agent told me she wasn’t concerned because romance was close enough to My MacArthur, a biographical novel about General Douglas MacArthur’s love affair with a young Filipino actress in the 1930s. My MacArthur, however, is decidedly not a romance book because of its political and racial undercurrents. It also veers away from the happily-ever-after convention.
# 2 Brace yourself for the hard work. When you stick to one genre, you are building your audience and reputation with every book. So when you venture into another genre, you will have to start from scratch. It means twice as much work.
All of the blog posts, promotions, and book reviews under my pseudonym, Vina Arno, are separate. I have two Goodreads author pages, one for my pen name and another for my real name. Even my list of contacts for book reviews and promotions are separate. My only consolation is that some of my romance readers also want to read My MacArthur. Again, this goes back to item #1.
#3 Write your best book regardless of genre. In the end, it’s not about genre, but the quality of your work. Your readers should be able to expect great writing and storytelling each time they pick a book you wrote. Let your books be identified by your voice and originality, not a genre. Elevate your writing to the highest level by attending workshops and courses, getting meaningful critiques, and revising as much as you need to.
#4 Do what it takes to move your writing forward. Sticking to one genre is great if everything is working out, but if your first three horror books failed, you need to re-evaluate. This is especially relevant if you’re traditionally published. It’s unlikely that a publisher would invest in your fourth horror book if you have a poor sales track record.
Melanie Hauser adopted a pseudonym and wrote in another genre after her chick lit novels were unsuccessful. The world knows her today as Melanie Benjamin (her pen name), author of the best-selling historical novel, “The Aviator’s Wife.”
#5 Do what it takes to nourish your creativity. Let’s say your horror novels are giving Stephen King a run for his money. But writing 20 horror books in five years might kill your creativity. Perhaps it’s time to focus on the political thriller you’ve always wanted to write. Do it; nourish your creativity regardless of genre.
As for me, the fate of my second historical novel rests on the success of My MacArthur and whether a publisher would acquire it. For some of us, writing in different genres is not a whim but a means to adapt.
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Thank you , Cindy for these valuable tips on writing in a different genre. I especially appreciate your statement “Let your books be identified by your voice and originality, not a genre”. You show how the decision-making process is a deliberate and thoughtful one.
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About the Author
Cindy Fazzi is a Filipino-American writer and former Associated Press reporter. My MacArthur, published by Sand Hill Review Press, is her literary debut. She writes romance novels under the pen name Vina Arno. Her first romance book, In His Corner, was published by Lyrical Press, while her second romance novel, Finder Keeper of My Heart, was published by Painted Hearts Publishing. Her short stories have been published in Snake Nation Review, Copperfield Review, and SN Review.
Title: MY MACARTHUR
Author: Cindy Fazzi
Genre: Historical fiction, biographical fiction, literary fiction
Publisher: Sand Hill Review Press
Read an excerpt of My MacArthur .
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Book Synopsis:
The year is 1930. The place: Manila. Douglas MacArthur is the most powerful man in the Philippines, a United States colony. He’s fifty years old, divorced, and he falls in love at first sight with a ravishing young Filipino woman. He writes her a love note on the spot. Her name is Isabel Rosario Cooper, an aspiring movie actress. One glance at his note and she thinks of him as my MacArthur.MacArthur pursues his romantic obsession even though he’s breaking numerous taboos. She reciprocates his affection because he could open doors for her financially struggling family. That MacArthur happens to be handsome compensates for the fact that he’s as old as her father.
When MacArthur is appointed the U.S. Army chief of staff, he becomes the youngest four-star general and one of America’s most powerful men. Out of hubris, he takes Isabel with him to America without marrying her.
Amid the backdrop of the Great Depression, MacArthur and Isabel’s relationship persists like “a perilous voyage on turbulent waters,” as she describes it. In 1934, after four years of relationship, MacArthur leaves Isabel for fear of a political scandal.
The general goes on to become the iconic hero of World War II, liberating the Philippines and rebuilding Japan. Isabel drifts in Los Angeles unable to muster the courage to return to Manila. As he ascends to his special place in American history, she plunges into a dark place, ultimately meeting a tragic death.
Print Length: 285 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Sand Hill Review Press
ISBN: 9781937818968
My MacArthur is now available to purchase on Amazon.com as an e-book (and print ) as well as at Barnes and Noble .
Next Week:
Monday, 12/3/18:
“How a Donkey Transformed My Life by Memoirist Marjorie Winslow”
Margie is the author of Smart Ass: How A Donkey Challenged Me to Accept His True Nature & Rediscover My Own, the story of Caleb the donkey and his impact on the author.
