The Challenges and Rewards of Writing in Multiple Genres

I write in multiple genres, and it can be both challenging and rewarding. So far, I’ve written mystery, romance, paranormal, women’s fiction, and a mixture of two or three together. I have two historical books I want to write as well. See below the genres where I’m published.

Here are some of the challenges and rewards that writers may face when writing in multiple genres:

Challenges:

1. Audience Expectations: One of the biggest challenges of writing in multiple genres is that readers may have certain expectations of the author’s writing style or subject matter based on their previous work. When a writer shifts to a new genre, they may have to work hard to earn the trust and interest of their readers.
2. Learning New Skills: Each genre has its own rules and conventions. Writing in multiple genres requires the writer to learn the rules of each genre and master the necessary writing skills. This can take time and effort.
3. Branding: If a writer is known for a particular genre, it can be challenging to establish a brand in a new genre. This is especially true for authors who have built a large following in a particular genre.
4. Marketing: When an author writes in multiple genres, it can be challenging to market their work effectively. They may need to create different marketing strategies for each genre, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Rewards:

1. Creativity: Writing in multiple genres can be a great way to explore new ideas and stretch one’s creativity. The writer can experiment with different writing styles, characters, and themes, which can lead to exciting and unexpected results.
2. Flexibility: Writing in multiple genres can also make a writer more versatile and adaptable. They can switch between genres based on their mood, inspiration, or market demand.
3. Broader Audience: Writing in multiple genres can expand an author’s readership by attracting readers who may not have been interested in their previous work. It can also make an author more appealing to literary agents and publishers who are looking for versatile writers.
4. Intellectual Challenge: Writing in multiple genres can be intellectually stimulating and challenging. It requires the writer to master different styles, techniques, and themes, which can be a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, writing in multiple genres can be a challenging and rewarding experience for writers. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of expanding one’s creative horizons and attracting a broader audience can be significant.

For more information on my books visit my website at kimcoxauthor.com

Paranormal Cozy Mystery with Romance and Humor

Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery Series

Paranormal Romance and Mystery

Wandering Spirits Series – Multi-Author Anthologies

Romantic Suspense and Romantic Mystery Novels

Style & Profile Series and Stand Alone Novels

Women’s Fiction

Love’s Endurance – A Novelette

Contemporary Romance – Short Stories

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World-Building for Contemporary Romance Short Stories

I’ve written a few contemporary romance short stories but while writing, as a seat-of-your-pants writer, I’d never given much thought to the world-building part of it.  When I first started writing, this part of the craft was one of those things required for the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres. While thinking about blogging topics specific to the genres I write, this came up as a possible topic and I decided to do a little research to see what I could find.

It turns out that world-building is the process of creating any fictional world that is believable and consistent, with its own rules, cultures, and history. Although it is often associated with science fiction and fantasy, world-building is a crucial element in any type of fiction, including contemporary romance short stories.

Think about when you create the fictional setting or town for your main character, and you begin to fill in their surroundings. This too can be world-building. When it comes to contemporary romance, world-building is about creating a rich and compelling setting that enhances the story and draws the reader into the character’s world. In a short story, due to the brevity, you wouldn’t want to create anything too elaborate or complicated, but you should include bits and pieces of information to make your characters and their surroundings realistic.

Here are some tips on how to world-build for your contemporary romance short stories:

1. Set the scene: The first step in world-building is to establish the setting. Where does the story take place? Is it in a small town, a big city, or a rural area? What is the general vibe of the location, and how does it affect the story?
2. Create a backstory: A rich backstory can add depth and complexity to a contemporary romance short story. Consider the history of the location, the culture of the characters, and any relevant events that have shaped their world. This can help you establish the rules of your world and create a sense of verisimilitude.
3. Establish cultural norms: Cultural norms are important aspects of world-building. They can create tension, drama, and conflict between the characters. Think about the social mores and values of the setting, and how they affect the relationships between your characters.
4. Develop secondary characters: While the focus of a contemporary romance short story is usually on your main characters, secondary characters can add depth and complexity to the world. Consider the supporting cast of the story and how they interact with your main characters.
5. Consider the role of technology: Technology plays a significant role in modern romance stories, so it’s important to consider how it affects the world. Does everyone have a smartphone? Is online dating a common practice? How does social media affect your characters’ relationships?
6. Don’t forget the sensory details: Finally, it’s important to create a world that is rich in sensory details. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of the setting, including the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the environment. This can help immerse the reader into your story and create a more vivid reading experience.

In short, world-building for contemporary romance short stories is about creating a setting that enhances the story and draws the reader into the character’s world. By setting the scene, creating a backstory, establishing cultural norms, developing secondary characters, considering the role of technology, and including sensory details, you can create a rich and compelling world that will resonate with readers.

When I finish with my work-in-process novel (Book 3 of the Style and Profile series), I’m planning a large book of Christmas short stories. Some will be romantic, some mysterious, and some will be paranormal. Whatever the genre, world-building will be an integral part.

My short stories aren’t your normal boy meets girl, will they or won’t they be together. Mine are about mature couples between thirty-somethings and retirement, who later in their lives after some time apart are interested in forgiveness and second chances (A Dream Come True and In His Arms). Or they are couples struggling with the obstacles of life and fighting to make their relationships work (All For Love and Love Conquers All).

Below are my single short stories:

Purchase as singles (above) for 99 cents each or get them all together for the same price (left) in a short story set, Dream Conquer and Love.

Amazon Kindle: A Dream Come True, In His Arms, All For Love, and Love Conquers All.

Other Booksellers: A Dream Come True, In His Arms, All For Love, and Love Conquers All.

Dream Conquer and Love: Amazon Kindle, Other online Booksellers.

Kicking Off the Kissed Series with Author, Lizabeth Scott @LScottBooks

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my friend and Contemporary Romance Author, Lizabeth Scott, who is also from the state of North Carolina. Just like me. 😀

When I first met Lizabeth about two years ago, she had perhaps three books published in her first contemporary romance series, A Royal Vow. Now she has more than ten books and the first book in a fourth novel series. Please join me in welcoming Lizabeth and read about her newest book release, Snow Kissed (only 99 cents for a limited time).

Snow Kissed – Kiss Series, Book 1

Blurb

The Kissed Series kicks off in the snow! Brrrr. And then things heat up quickly!

Reed Hamilton, a home restoration expert, is more comfortable in her steel-toed boots than teetering on heels at a shopping mall. She usually kills her relationships from neglect, so she’s taken herself off the market. An unexpected assignment to evaluate a potential project in upstate New York has Reed leaving the Victorian she’s working on to meet with the client. A client she discovers spooning her from behind when she wakes up in his bed! Reed finds Mason charming, and tempting. So why not take advantage of all that HOTNESS!

An early snowstorm dumps an irresistible woman at the Mason Tate’s door. As beautiful and enticing as he finds her, career-focused Mason doesn’t do entanglements of any type. So, he proposed that while snow falls outside, they make their own heat inside, then go their separate ways with only pleasant memories of their time together. No emotions allowed.

They both agreed. They’d be like two snowplows meeting in the night. At least that was the plan. Until that kiss.

Purchase Snow Kissed today!

About The Author

Reading is Lizabeth Scott’s passion and she dreamed of writing sexy, sweet and endearing contemporary romances most of her life. Liz wanted to be in the driver seat and take characters where she wanted them to go. Little did she know characters rarely listen.

Liz grew up on a dairy farm in western North Carolina, married her high school sweetheart, and has two children and one very adorable grandbaby girl!

Moxie, her terrier terror faithfully snoozes beside her as she writes her steamy contemporary romances.

Purchase Snow Kissed today!

Author Contact Links
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LizabethScottAuthor
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LScottBooks
Website – http://www.lizabethscottbooks.com
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/LizabethScott4U
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lizabethscottauthor
BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lizabeth-scott

Purchase Snow Kissed today!

Book Review Sunday: “Practical Passion” by Elizabeth Delisi @delisi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m an author of several novels, novellas and short story collections, I teach writing courses, and I edit for individuals. I live in New Hampshire and enjoy studying the Tarot, reading, and doing needlework. My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, favorite book is Watchers by Dean Koontz.

ABOUT THE STORY

Julie Preston worked hard raising her younger sister, Emily, after their parents died, and creating a career. She gave up simple pleasures like love and relationships. So when a friend drags her to a singles bar, Julie’s ready for anything. She meets a gorgeous guy and they spend several passionate hours together. There’s real chemistry there, but Julie regretfully sticks to her promise: a one-night stand, no strings.

When Julie hires a tutor to help Emily pass English, she’s shocked to find Douglas Dean is the man from the bar. Seeing him in her house makes it hard to keep her hands off him, but he isn’t looking for a long-term relationship since he’s a singles bar patron. Right?

How many miles can Julie jog before she gives in and jumps him?

MY REVIEW

Romance at its best

After the death of her parents, Julie quits college and gets a job (sometimes more than one) to support her little sister. Somewhere along the way, Julie has become a serious and dedicated guardian, causing her to have a non-existence social life. Lonely, she wants to find love but where’s the time.

I loved this story. Once romance begins to happen, it happens fast. Ms. Delisi has a wonderful writing style that keeps you in the story. This is a well-written happily-ever-after romance that you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

You can get your copy of Practical Passion. Just click the title or the cover above.

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About the Reviewer

Kim Cox is an author of Romance, Mystery, and Paranormal. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her chainsaw artist husband, their West Highland White Terriers–Scooter and Harley, and a Yorkie mix, Candi. She’s a mother and grandmother.

Kim is published in novels, short stories and articles. Sign up for Kim’s Readers List.

Visit Kim at Kim Cox Author, Kim’s Musings, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads and Google.

Kim has a new release coming out near the end of June 2017: Before We Wed, a romantic suspense and book 2 in the Style & Profile series. All This Time is book 1. In celebration of the new release, Before We Wed, All This Time will be on sale for only 99 cents for a limited time.

About the Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery series:

In the LANA MALLOY PARANORMAL MYSTERY SERIES, Lana Malloy is a psychic private investigator who is on a mission to help the dearly departed even when they don’t realize they need help.

In the first novella, HAUNTED HEARTS, Lana sets out to solve her first case—the twenty-year old cold-case and double murder of her great aunt and her great aunt’s fiancé. If she succeeds, they’ll spend eternity together; if she can’t, they’ll be stuck as Haunted Hearts. With the help of the ghosts and a new love interest, she is able to find the murderer. Only 99 cents.

In the second novella, GET OUT OR DIE, the success of Lana’s first case has spread throughout the local Charleston area and her business is booming. At one pro-bono job, Lana helps a widow communicate with her late husband where she learns of a frightening new ability—an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand if she’s not careful. Can get this book free here.

In the third novella, THE WEDDING CRASHER, when Lana Malloy is about to marry Tony Calabria, she has a dream of her wedding that is troubling and she wonders if she should call it off. With the help of her Great Aunt Lucy, she realizes the vision isn’t about her own wedding, but that of someone else who will be forced to marry or worse. During their honeymoon, Lana’s visions become clearer and more frequent, and now Lana and Tony are faced with finding and rescuing Jada from a madman.

In the fourth book, CHRISTMAS CRUISE, Lana boards a cruise ship haunted by dead women who were brutally murdered. While aboard the ship, Lana has an experience that mentally injures her. Once she recovers, she’s more determined than ever to find the killer.

Four more books planned in the series.

In the fifth Book, HAUNTED BY HER PAST, how can Lana convince a ghost who was abusive in his life to move on and stop tormenting his girlfriend? Coming this fall.

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Coming up Next –  Scheduled books and short stories – Kim’s Read & Review List are: (order may change at any time)
The One Enlightened by Yvette Calleiro (starting 6/19)
Nikki Magee by Peter Wendt
She Dies at the End (November Snow Book 1) by A. M. Manay
Shadow of the Drill by Rhani D’Chae
Steamed: A Maid In LA Mystery by Holly Jacobs
Neon Houses by Linda Mims
Love’s Child by Lizzie Chantree
Flowers and Stone by Jan Sikes
Passion & Struggle (The Genesis Saga Book 1) by John Fioravanti
Acts Beyond Redemption (Unintended Consequences Book 1) by Suzanne Burke
The Glade by Harmony Kent
A Highland Ruby (Highland Treasures Book 2) by Brenda B. Taylor
Stealing Time (Book 1) by K.J. Waters
I Kissed A Ghost by Robin Leigh Morgan
Dog Bone Soup by Bette A. Stephens
The Gemstone Chronicles Book Two: The Amethyst by William Stuart
The Black Fox by Gordon Bickerstaff
Bound by the Summer Prince by Mistral Dawn
Our Justice by John Howell
She Lights Up the Dark (November Snow Book 2) by A. M. Manay
A Thousand Yesteryears (Point Pleasant) by Mae Clair
Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women  by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
Treachery & Triumph (The Genesis Saga Book 2) by John Fioravanti
Toxic Minds by Gordon Bickersaff

#EggcerptExchange: HOMETOWN HEARTACHE by M. J. Schiller

I am participating in the Author Helping Authors – Egg-cerpt Exchange.

Today, I am featuring M. J. Schiller, author of Hometown Heartache.

 

Blurb ~

Nash is trying to make a name for himself in the art world…

But when he meets a realtor to buy a gallery, he is stunned to find Chloe sitting at the table with the man. He has never stopped thinking about her since she disappeared from his life without a trace. Is it too late to win back her love?

Chloe has finally found a way to leave her past behind her…

But her heart leaps out of her chest when she sees Nash. How can he be here? Now…after all this time? On the surface, she pulls herself back together. But underneath she feels she is about to shatter. After remaking herself, how can she deal with being faced with Nash and the life she knew before?

If this chance meeting doesn’t rip Chloe and Nash apart, he will.

Little do they know, someone has been lurking in the shadows, manipulating them all along. If he has his way, the two will never be reunited. Even if he has to take one of them out to ensure it.

Excerpt ~

Outside, I paid a valet attendant to let me park my truck near the front, so I could see her come out. Minutes later, the pair strolled through the door, Jack seeming miffed and Chloe obviously trying to reassure him. As I watched, she reached up on her tiptoes and pulled his head down to whisper in his ear. He laughed and slid his arms around her, letting his hands move down to grab her ass, tightly housed, I saw now, in a short black skirt. My eyes wandered, as his hands had, over her firm rear and the seeming endlessness of her legs, lengthened even more by the racy black heels she wore. They cut a pretty picture—Chloe, light and sensual, Jack, tall, broad-chested, with dark blond, well-groomed hair and a glowing smile. My hands gripped the steering wheel, observing until the valet maneuvered a sleek, red Ferrari into the spot in front of the hotel where the awning and red carpet ended. Jack reached to open the door for her. She folded her long legs into the vehicle, laughing, head tilted flirtatiously as her eyes danced over the high-priced realtor.

An unfamiliar tightening in my chest grabbed me, and I fought to swallow the fire which seemed to be rising within me, choking me with its intensity. I automatically steered my beat-up, blue pickup truck onto the street behind the red Ferrari, following it through the thick knots of traffic in the downtown theatre district. I could see through the rear window she was sitting nearly on top of him.

Don’t those things have stick shifts, for God’s sake?

Purchase Links ~
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHIS2TK/

Author Bio ~

MJ is a lunch lady in the heart of Central Illinois. My gosh! Can you get more folksy than that? She met her husband at the University of Missouri-Columbia and now she has a nineteen-year-old (how did that happen?) and seventeen year old triplets! She loves to read, karaoke (where she can pretend she is a rock star) and spends WAY too much time on Facebook. She grew up in St. Louis and still has family there.

Website:
www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365?ref=hl

Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/M.J.-Schiller/e/B009JOQFQQ/

Character ~

Favorite place to visit– no question, our treehouse! Nash’s and mine. Well, it’s not exactly ours, unless you count squatter’s rights. We sort of…appropriated it.
Significant other- none. Significant or not.
Worst fear or nightmare– someone touching the real me.
Favorite food– it’s gotta be za. Pizza, that is. And chocolate. Or maybe chocolate coated pizza. Now that’s an idea!
Wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between?- money actually doesn’t mean much to me. All I need is enough to pay my bills and occasionally get a new outfit. Even when I do get a new outfit, you can bet it’s an affordable one and not some designer piece.

 

#EggcerptExchange: JEM by Michelle Abbott

 

Today, I am featuring Michelle Abbott, author of Jem.

Author Michelle Abbott writes new adult romance. She currently has four books published.

JEM

Two injured, stubborn souls meet unexpectedly. Will they save each other from their demons or have they been too damaged for too long to see past the pain?

Growing up, all Jem knew was hatred and the pain from his father’s fists. Taunted by the kids at school, he was alone, until a girl with carrot coloured hair sat next to him.

She smiled.
She listened.
She cared.

She was his angel, and he knew he’d love her forever. But Jem’s father hurts him in a way he never expected by taking him away from her.

Now eighteen, scarred inside and out, Jem trusts no one and has worked hard to ensure he’ll never be helpless again. But then he runs into his angel. The only problem is she doesn’t recognize him. Jem needs her to remember him, to show him that their time together meant to her what it did to him. For once in his life he wants to have mattered to someone, to her.

Devon is attracted to the muscular, tattooed, pierced hottie standing by the pub quiz machine. That is, until he punches a guy clean across the bar for daring to touch him. She’s had her fill of violent men and intends to avoid this one at all costs.

Eggcerpt from JEM

I pull back the duvet and try to make as few movements as possible as I crawl in beside her and let the warmth from her body and the duvet envelop me. Her red hair is splayed across my pillow. I reach out and stroke my fingers through the silken strands. My pillowcase isn’t getting washed again. It can smell of her forever so that whenever I lay my head on it, I can pretend she’s with me. Maybe it will be okay to move a little closer. I’m right on the edge of the mattress. If I fall out of bed I’ll wake her. I scoot closer to her, close my eyes and inhale. She smells of roses. Maybe I should get her some flowers. I picture myself holding a bunch of red roses and chuckle to myself. Nah, I’m not the suave type. Maybe I’ll get a rose tattoo to remind me of her scent.

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U65KU22
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00U65KU22
http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00U65KU22
 

Interview with Jem

1. Job?

I work at an amusement arcade, fixing the machines when they go wrong, handing out change and that kind of thing. It pays my bills, it’s local and the hours suit me.

2. Currently residing in…?

Hemsby in Norfolk. I’ve got a trailer right by the sea. There’s nothing like walking along the beach every morning. It keeps me calm.

3. Level of schooling, or self-taught?

I had to quit school when I was small because my asshole of a father moved us all at the last minute after someone reported him to social services for child cruelty. He never enrolled me in another school. I taught myself all I need to know.

4. Favorite food?

Don’t have one. I eat to live, I don’t live to eat.

5. Most important goal?

To get Devon to remember me and love me again. To take care of her and show her that I never forgot her and never stopped loving her.

 

Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person.

She  loves to write new adult romance about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl.

She’s an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits 🙂 She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral 🙂

Website http://www.michelleabbott.com/
Twitter   https://twitter.com/michelleabbott4
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/MichelleAbbottRomanceAuthor
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7034278.Michelle_Abbott

Book Review: “Into Dark Waters” by Rebecca Reilly

About The Author

Rebecca Reilly is a pastor and has been working in ministry for over thirty years. A wife and mother of two and grandmother of one, Rebecca enjoys hiking, jogging, and taking cruises. When she’s in her Northern California home, she works as a pastor of student ministries, a massage therapist, a health coach, and a writer. Rebecca enjoys writing mysteries (Into Dark Waters and Haunting Megan), but has also written humor (Diary of a Christian Woman: How I Used 50 Shades of Grey to Spice Up My Marriage), a children’s chapter book (The Geek Club), and two picture books (Heart of a Kitty and Jammers and His Flying Bed Adventure). Right now, Rebecca is working on follow- up novels in all four genres.

Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Rebecca’s Website

About The Book

A cruise ship is an easy place to commit murder. Body disposal’s a cinch, and suicide’s the likely verdict. The only problem is determining how to choose the next victim.

Sad and sexy, women find Detective Jim Tanger attractive. He doesn’t care. His wife’s suicide three years ago froze his soul. When Jim hears that Sunburst Cruises has lost another young female passenger to an assumed suicide, Jim’s passions erupt. He pushes the department and the cruise line into letting him investigate. Battling seasickness and overwhelming shyness, Jim must protect the women and find the killer only he believes exists.

Julie Cooper loves her husband Joel. She hopes their anniversary cruise to Hawaii will be a new beginning for them. Before her suitcases are unpacked, someone unleashes a campaign of terror against her. Anonymous threats, cryptic messages in her cabin, and an attempt on her life force Julie to look at the one person who might want her dead; the one person she trusted with her life.

My Review

Kept Me Guessing

It’s not often where I don’t guess who done it before it’s reveal but this one fooled me. Lots of twists and turns lead me around like a puppet on a string from one red herring to another.

I thought the main character, Julia, at least in the beginning, was too good but it turned out that she had a fatal flaw in that she trusted too much, and she trusted the wrong people. Evil lurked and it touched her, touched her in ways I don’t believe she will ever forget.

Jim wanted to protect Julia from her life and from those who would harm her. From the beginning he was attacked to her.

This was an exciting mystery. I knew the author had been on a cruise when I read the details of the ship and the excursions. Great detail, characterization, and plotting. I enjoyed this book and will read more books by Ms. Reilly. I would love to see a sequel which I believe is entirely doable.

Purchase Into Dark Waters

Next Eight books and short stories on my review list are:
Sharpe Shooter (Cozy Suburb Mystery Series) by Lisa B. Thomas (just finished)
Mercy’s Prince (He Who Finds Mercy, #1) by Katy Huth Jones
Legend of the Walking Dead by Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko
The Carnelian (The Gemstone Chronicles, Book 1) by William Stuart
The Budapest Experiment: An International Thriller by Maurice G. Miller
Seeker (Seeker Series, Book 1) by Amy Reece
Dangerous Liaisons by Sara Steward
Destiny (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 1) by S. M. Spencer