Trying something new

I love trying something new, whether it's food, a new author or a new type of writing. Or not so much new, as different. My novella, the Wicked Lady came about because I thought, if I was going to be one of these writery people, I really ought to be able to write a sex scene at least passably well. An erotic romance was born. Ten Ruby Trick (coming soon folks, in January! Fantasy + pirates = win!) came about because I wanted to do something different in fantasy, for me at least. Something non-epic, fast paced and fun, even in the darker parts. And hoo boy, was it fun! I'm so looking forward to writing a follow up. I've got a first draft of something different again – a first -and snarky-person in an alternate world urban fantasy thing. Again faster paced and fun, with a few dark parts. No idea if it'll work.

But for now, I'm working on something different. It's my editor's fault (Hi Deb!). She said something along the lines of 'you've got a good voice for historical, have you thought of trying one?' about a fortnight before I went to Norway for a week. Add in I love Vikings and…my Viking hero popped into my head as I walked around Geiranger. Nothing really new there, is there? Well, kinda. Because this is an historical, and it's not what I've written much of before (bar the Wicked Lady, which was focused almost purely on the erotic romance. Especially the erotic bit *cough*). And the feel is different, and so is the pace. I have to research and add in details that are right for the time. Even if they are a bit yucky. It's unfolding a lot slower this time, though hopefully no less full of tension. The hero is, well the hero is almost the exact opposite of my last one. All of which makes me worry a bit.

But then as my husband reminds me, I worry every damn time. I get to a point where I hate the book every damn time too.

So I'm telling myself the worry is a good thing, oh yes. It means it's probably going all right.

I hope.

Possibly.

But if I don't try something new, how will I get better as a writer? I won't, that's for sure. Trying something new is the mainstay of developing your craft, once you've reached a certain point. Even if it fails, I will have learned something, such as what doesn't work. So I'm going to feel the worry and do it anyway. That doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it?