Switching It Up

As you know, if you are a regular reader here, my first three novels are memoirs of my family. I fictionalized most of the characters, but the stories are taken from real life events. I say most of the characters, because I did use the real names of my great grandparents, as I really didn’t think they would mind. It was a lot of hard work and research, but I loved writing these stories about my family. My main reason was not only for my living family to learn more about where they come from, but also for future generations to read about these past lives and hopefully continue what I started by writing about their own life journey to pass on and on and on.

Now that I have that life series completed, I had to decide what to do next. They always say (whoever “they” are) that you should write what you know. To a certain extent, I agree with that. It’s the easiest way to go, especially if you are working on your first novel. Once I decided to give writing a novel a try, I knew it would be about my family, although I never dreamed it would turn into three novels. That’s one of the wonderful things about writing—you never know where it’s going to take you or what you will learn.

I have had in the back of my mind some ideas for writing a mystery series. I have never written anything coming close to a mystery, but I have been jotting down plots, and making those notes has been a huge help. It’s actually taken me in different directions and new story ideas and some I’m combining. I’m leaning more towards a cozy mystery series, as I’m not one to write blood and gore, and I don’t think I have the talent for creating a lot of complications and constant twists and turns. I love those types of stories, but I know my limitations. So even though I don’t necessarily “know” mystery writing, I do have a pretty good feel for my strengths and weaknesses. I have also been reading all types of mysteries, not to copy those stories, but only to get a good feel for all the intricacies and twists and turns that go into a good plot.

I have actually started two books, and with both of them, I have hit a road block. At this point, I’m not sure where I want to take the storyline. But I’m not giving up, at least not yet. I am enjoying the process of trying something entirely new. I have also realized this may not work out. Obviously I don’t want to write a bad mystery, so if I can’t get it done, that’s okay, too. I don’t feel I’m wasting my time. I like to think I’m learning from this project. I might have to switch it up again and try romance writing or historical fiction. The possibilities are endless. I can always return to my original genre and continue to write family stories. I’m not sure where this writing journey is going to take me, but if nothing else, I will enjoy the ride.

So keep in mind you don’t necessarily have to “write what you know.” I think it can be fun and challenging to write what you want. The important thing is to go into it with an open mind, be prepared that you might have to change your direction, and always remember to enjoy the process.

Keep reading, keep writing, and enjoy your day. Thanks for hanging out!