Writing outside the Box - why you should!

I can see the TV advert now:
Are you tired of writing?Still committed to your genre but intrigued by something else?Loving your characters but wishing they could be on another planet / in another time / in love with werewolves?Can’t face a 50,000 words target at the moment?

I’m not suggesting anyone abandons their chosen genre. We all know the importance of creating our brand and maintaining consistent quality on our books.

But there are times you just think… not just now. The Muse is just not there. The Muse has left the building.

So don’t be afraid to try something different! Whoever said you could only write in the genre you publish? This doesn’t have to be anything to do with your publishing career – in fact, it’s probably better NOT to be. That will take the pressure off. And, God knows, you don’t have time to write another publishable novel this month LOL.

Dabble in another genre.Revisit that WIP you’ve had for years where the elves meet the sexbots.Follow a picture prompt on the net.Write some fanfic, like you did in the old days.Use the excuse of a seasonal theme to revisit existing characters – but with a twist!Write a scene from a different gender’s POV.Write a short story in the style of the favourite author you read.Etc etc

Just for FUN! The idea is to rediscover the sparkle and buzz of writing in itself. And for those who still like there to be a purpose (looking at myself here!) there are plenty of opportunities to submit to.

I enter flashfic in QueerSciFi’s esteemed annual challenge. And although I don’t do it for the money or kudos, I won 2nd prize this year!

I enter the annual 1000words challenge on Live Journal, and have done for years. There’s no restriction at all on genre or pairing, and I’ve done horror, paranormal and comedy in the past.

I’m writing a M/F short for an RNA challenge.

I always check out the picture prompt at Cryselle’s Bookshelf website and have been inspired to write flashfic for many of them.

I entered a literary festival challenge this year, a 1000 words limit. I didn’t get accepted for publication, but have a short fic I’ll enjoy sharing with my readership at some time.

Writing is so much more than publishing. Feel free to spread your wings, authors!

~~Clare London~~
www.clarelondon.com

~ And apologies for anyone who may already have read this on another blog this month - I've run up against (you guessed it) writing deadlines, and hoped you wouldn't mind me repeating it! ~