As a writer, I have had the privilege and challenge of crafting stories across a variety of genres. From young adult (YA) to new adult (NA) smart horror/magical realism, adult fiction/women’s fiction, and historical fiction, each genre has offered unique perspectives and experiences. Today, I will be sharing my journey of writing each book in a different genre and the challenges and excitement that come with it.

Overview of the Genres for Each Book

The genres I’ve explored in my books vary greatly. The first book, tentatively titled “The Devil That Haunts Me,” falls into the YA-NA smart horror/magical realism genre. The story centers around Julitza, a young adult dealing with her mother’s neglect and the aftermath of her own irreversible actions. The second book, “Under the Flamboyant Tree,” is an adult fiction/women’s fiction piece with elements of magical realism. It focuses on Isabella, a mother forced to confront her past and its impact on her mothering style. The third book, which is still untitled, delves into the life of La Doña, a woman living in the era of Trujillo, and falls into the category of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and magical realism.

Research and Creative Process for Transitioning Between Genres

Transitioning between genres has been an exhilarating process, filled with immense research and creative exploration. Each genre has unique demands and tropes that I needed to familiarize myself with. For example, writing historical fiction required a deep dive into the era of Trujillo, understanding societal norms and the intricate political landscape of that period.

I am still not done researching this era. I plan on starting the draft after I finish Julitza’s story because I feel that La Doña, the matriarch who started it all, will serve as the base for these stories and, for me, understanding how the women who came from La Doña lived their lives will let me indirectly get to know her better. I feel that once I am done writing the mother and maiden, the crone will come easily. Nevertheless, exploring these different genres through the character’s personalities allowed me to develop a richer narrative and add depth to these women.

Insights on Maintaining Thematic Coherence While Navigating Different Literary Styles

Maintaining thematic coherence while navigating different literary styles has been a fascinating journey. Although each of my books is different in genre, they share a common thread of exploring the complexities of the human experience. I’ve always said I cannot write perfect or cookie-cutter characters because that has not been my experience. I have lived a life surrounded by imperfect humans, some of whom are very dramatic. So, in the vein of writing what you know, I tap into this experience to represent messy characters and their complex bonds with one another. Also, trauma, self-discovery, and redemption themes run deeply through each narrative, binding them together despite the differing styles and structures. The conscious effort to maintain this thematic coherence has been challenging, yet it has allowed for a more comprehensive exploration of the characters and their intertwined lives. I see this as a road map that helps me to stay consistent from book to book.

Conclusion

Writing across genres has been a thrilling and enlightening journey. It has allowed me to push my boundaries as a writer, delve into different periods and experiences, and construct a narrative mosaic that encompasses a diverse range of genres. Despite the challenges, the excitement of exploring new literary landscapes and the joy of crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters make it an adventure worth embarking on. As I continue my writing journey, I look forward to further genre explorations and the stories that will unfold.

Stay tuned for the next #tuesdaywritingupdate installment, where we’ll explore the complex journey of structuring the series.