Like many other writers, I often want to change the genre I write in. I want to escape the shackles of the romance genre and write something gritty. Fair enough, my Nordic fiction isn’t exactly bodice-ripping, Hallmark movie type of romance, but neither is there too much mystery and absolutely no murders, in my books.
Manuscript Nearly Ready
For a while now I’ve had a manuscript in my virtual drawer that I every now and then look at and wonder if I’ll ever publish.
It’s a gripping tale of friendship, blackmail and deceit, set in New York. The manuscript is nearly complete; I’ve been writing it on and off for about ten years. The problem is that although there is a love story at the centre of the book, it’s essentially a psychological thriller. Whereas my readers know me as a romance writer.
If You Don’t Know What To Do Ask Your Readers
Looking at the manuscript on my computer screen, I came upon the idea of asking my readers what they thought. Would you pick up a psychological thriller written by yours truly? And if so, would you think it’d be wise to use another author name, something befitting the genre, like H I Floor?
I’m posing this question to you, and please reply in the comments below!
I also asked my mailing list if they’d be upset if I had a change of genre, as it were. (Sounds like a change of heart, which I guess it in a way is).
Surprising Results
I was thrilled (appropriate adjective, don’t you think?) about all replies to my question whether members of my mailing list would be tempted to read a psychological thriller written by me. Hundreds of them/you completed the short questionnaire with some just delightful comments!
Drumroll: here are the results…
The vast majority–a whopping 86%–would like to read a psychological thriller by me, and some 70% thought I shouldn’t change my pen name.
Here are some of the lovely comments I received:
“I love psychological thrillers, and I would read a book by you in this genre! It wouldn’t matter if you changed your name or not. I would still read your book.”
“Even though I don’t read thrillers, I think it’s great that you’re diversifying and I wish you lots of luck!”
“I think it is wonderful for a writer to be able to write in more than one genre. Using the same name makes it easier for your fans to follow you across different genres.”
“I absolutely love them! Publish please!”
I am humbled by the response and will definitely get on with the book. I need to finish the third book in the Love on the Island series first but watch this space, it’ll definitely happen now! A change of genre and a new psychological thriller is on its way!
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