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The Grass is Always Greener…

by J.K. Coi 24 November 2009 4 Comments

I write urban fantasy and it’s also a genre I love to read, but there are times when I want a change of pace–especially when I’ve been struggling to get a book finished and I can’t be distracted by shiny new ideas–so I turn to a different genre for my before-bed reading time (which I try not to give up even when i’m under a deadline).

So recently, I read a book that just blew me away. I was lucky enough to be provided with an arc of this historical romance by up and coming author Courtney Milan (Proof by Seduction, January, 2010)–NOTE: if you’re interested in this book (and TRUST ME, you should be), I think Living Social is still running a promotion whereby they’re giving copies away, although don’t ask me how they choose who gets them)

This is one of those books that is beautiful in every way. From the setting and plot, to the deep emotional connection you feel with the characters who are deliciously tortured and put through the wringer from beginning to end. It almost made me want to try my hand at writing historical–but I knew I’d only butcher the genre in my attempt, so ultimately I’ll stick with what I know I do best (for now)

It got me to thinking though. Have you ever wanted to try to write something out of your comfort zone? What would it be?

J.K. Coi
www.jkcoi.com

4 Comments »

Stacey Joy Netzel said:

Writing more sensual, detailed love scenes is out of my comfort zone, and I’ve managed to do it. If I ever have the burning desire to write out of my genre, something totally new, I’m pretty sure I would at least give it a shot. For now, I’m like you, stick to what I know.

# 24 November 2009 at 9:58 am

JK Coi (author) said:

Thanks Stacey. In fact, I haven’t actually stuck to what I know—because even though I still write mostly urban fantasy, earlier this year I ventured into writing a strict contemporary and was very happy with it. Also, last year when I felt this need to shake things up a bit, even though the result was still an urban fantasy, I wrote it in first person rather than third and it also turned out great. Again, while the book I’m working on now is in the same genre, it’s a completely different world than the one that I developed for my other series. I guess I’m just realizing that we can all try new things without having to completely turn our backs on what we know works for us, and that’s a great thing too!

# 24 November 2009 at 10:16 am

Lavada Dee said:

Recently I have been thinking of other genre’s. A year or so ago I read a paranormal shift changer book. Normally I wouldn’t have picked it up. The cover is beautiful but depicts the genre so it wouldn’t have even drawn me in. But, I read almost everything this author does so of course bought the book. What a surprise. I loved it. And, it has broadened my selection of genre’s. After reading it I got the first Twilight book and went on to read all 4. I really don’t think I would have thought about a vampire story if I hadn’t read the other one.

I write contemporary and romantic suspense. The contemporaries do well but the RS is struggling. Not sure why as they get good reviews from both readers and review sites. I’ve been toying with a historical and maybe ummmm there’s so much to choose from. I think I need at least two long life times and then I’d only need more. Maybe that’s why vampires appeal to me so much.

# 24 November 2009 at 11:58 am

Silver James said:

I’m basically a cross genre writer. Everything I write tends to have suspense, paranormal, and romance. That said, I pushed my comfort zone for NaNoWriMo this year by attempting to write a steampunk romance set in Victorian England. Egads! I got stuck at 15K words and cringe as I look at what I’ve written. Will I finish it for NaNo? No. I’m under deadline for edits/revisions at the moment so NaNo is a fond memory. Will I finish writing the WIP? I hope! The plot is a good one, I like the characters, but I discovered that I really need to do a lot more research on the era to feel comfortable writing about it.

# 24 November 2009 at 1:37 pm