It's time for another meeting of THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP . . .Better known as IWSG because otherwise, it is a mouthful.
For those who don't know (And you don't???), this is an awesome group of writers, started by the just as awesome Alex J. Cavanaugh, with the purpose to support, help, assist, offer advice, offer a shoulder, cheer on, and about anything else you can think of along these lines. Writing is a roller coaster ride, and writers need all the support they can get.
If you want to join in, head over to the main site and sign up.
A special thanks to this month's cohosts: Tyrean Martinson,Tara Tyler, Raimey Gallant, and Beverly Stowe McClure
This month, I'm just going to stick to the question;
Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?
Yes, my writing has surprised me. The first time this happened was with a YA Steampunk short story I wrote for an anthology. It was 'romance' and totally out of my comfort zone. It ended up not being horribly romantic but more the kind of over-the-top romance which to this day has me giggling and rolling my eyes when I read it. (Oh, and I've heard that this is exactly the same response other readers have gotten). It's not what I was aiming for, but I still enjoy reading it.
Otherwise, genre hopping seems to have become a specialty of mine. I claim to be a MG/YA writer, but everything I've published up until now rakes across a huge genre and audience range. Who knows where writing will take me next. Maybe that's part of the fun.
And what about you? How has your writing surprised you?
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Today, I'm excited to help a wonderful writer buddy of mine reveal the cover to her upcoming book!
Ready?
For the last five years, Fawn has been the star soprano of a secluded opera house, forced to sing for her kidnapper.
His daughter, Devi, waits patiently in the shadows, hiding a face so horrible that no one who’s seen it will look at it again.
As Fawn plots her escape, whispers spread through the shaded corridors of dark sorcery, warning her that she must flee by the next opening night.
But when Fawn draws close to the exit, it’s Devi who’s standing in her way, leading Fawn to suspect that Devi has something to gain if she fails.
His daughter, Devi, waits patiently in the shadows, hiding a face so horrible that no one who’s seen it will look at it again.
As Fawn plots her escape, whispers spread through the shaded corridors of dark sorcery, warning her that she must flee by the next opening night.
But when Fawn draws close to the exit, it’s Devi who’s standing in her way, leading Fawn to suspect that Devi has something to gain if she fails.
COMING. . .
NOVEMBER 1st, 2017!!!
Cover Designer Attribution: http://www.najlaqamberdesigns.
I had the chance to beta this one and love how dark and creepy and twisted it is, while still being sweet with a lovely touch of longing.
In other words, friends of dark fiction and retellings are going to love this one.
Go ahead and take a sneak peek at Chapter One over on Krystal's website here
I agree! Writing for certain competitions opens the world up to new ideas and directions we may never have explored before. Lovely post. Lovely cover!
ReplyDeleteLove this - "Who knows where writing will take me next. Maybe that's part of the fun." :)
ReplyDeleteThat cover is gorgeous!
I love the cover for that book! It sounds really interesting, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrible at writing romance; it always seems ridiculously over the top to me! I do love to read a good romance, though.
As long as the giggle and rolling of eyes is all good, then take it!
ReplyDeleteIt's always kind of fun to see where a story takes you, even if it's outside a comfort zone or genre. I guess that's how you know you're staying true to the story.
ReplyDeleteI love how diverse your writing is! You're always working on something interesting and different. Even when I absolutely love the stories, I tend to laugh and roll my eyes quite a bit at YA romance, especially. They have so many feelings! It's always so dramatic, and as an adult person, that's just funny. But if I'm laughing, I'm not annoyed, and laughing leaves a trail of good feelings attached to the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the support you've given me! You're the bestest! ^_^
My biggest leap was my short story compilation of fantasies for middle grade readers. I had a blast writing it but doubt I will sell many. LOL! Guess I'll stick to mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI turn every story into a love story, so at least I can say I'm predictable.
ReplyDeleteWow. I am all fan girl over Krystal's cover! It's gorgeous. I had to laugh when I read about your first experience of writing out of your comfort zone. It wasn't romance for me, but it was a YA steampunk anthology story.
ReplyDeleteWriting for different competitions or anthologies opens a new world--either a different genre or a different length. Always a challenge but rewarding.
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude, Tonja. Making writing exciting and fun will help you to continue. And not being intimidated to try something new is wonderful. Bravo on your part. Who cares who rolls their eyes. All best to you.
ReplyDeleteMy writing always surpises me since I'm a panster. LOL
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Krystal. Her cover is beautiful.
There are more writing opportunities too when we step out of our writing comfort zone. At least...I keep telling myself that!
ReplyDeleteI love that you write across genres, and I really liked that story in the steampunk anthology!
ReplyDeleteWinter's Siren looks really interesting.
Hi Tonja, visiting back from IWSG! That sounds like a fun romance story. Sometimes the over-the-top giggly ones are the best. Definitely has me curious.
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