Switching Genres and Age Groups
Posted By Vonna on December 15, 2009
Maybe it’s just that time of year, but a lot of my writer friends are taking stock of their careers and ambitions right now. Switching genres or age groups seems to be on everyone’s minds. Some who are successful picture book authors are considering working on a novel (or are already doing/have done so). Some are thinking of switching from children’s to adult’s literature. One who writes adult nonfiction and short hysterical stories is contemplating a career move to Stand Up.
Right now I am having a great time with my current WIP, a middle grade animal fantasy. My last two books were also MG—one fantasy, one fantasy/paranormal. I love writing for this genre and age group. The world is completely open. There are no rules, other than good writing.
Even so, I have three substantial YA projects in files on my desktop: a thriller, a humorous thriller, and a dystopian fantasy. But I also have files on three more MG fantasies.
In general, I find MG more fun to read than YA, so it stands to reason that I would find writing MG to be more enjoyable than writing YA. But when I come across something as unique as Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games or as charming as Laura Resau’s The Indigo Notebook, I realize that writing YA could be a lot of fun, too.
Hmm, these two authors both have MG and YA books out. Something to think about as I contemplate the upcoming new year. What new plans do you and your writer friends have for the new year?
I’m in the middle of two YA rewrites. No plans to switch genres but I do have some ideas brewing for an MG novel.
Paul, If you decide to go with the MG, I look forward to hearing how that works out for you.
For me, choosing a project is based on what idea seems the most energized at the time. I’ve written in several genres and enjoy them all. I’ve just completed a picture book ms and am collecting ideas for a YA. I like writing shorter pieces and longer ones at the same time. Good luck with your WIP and choosing your next project.
Kathy, it is always inspiring to see writers like you, along with Kathi Appelt and Laurie Halse Anderson, to name a couple, who are so multi-talented. Being able to switch from picture book to YAs then MGs takes talent, experience and skill. I saw on Nikki Loftin’s (who currently has a new YA out with her agent) blog that she has just had three puppet plays published in an anthology and has also recently had her first poem published.
Hi Vonna,
I heard about you from Natalie’s and thought I’d stop by. I write both picture books and mid-grade, and the balance works well for me. After a novel, I love the freedom to play at something short. Going back and forth between genres is very satisfying.
Hi Caroline, I’m glad you dropped in. Two of my critique partners have new picture books coming out soon, one with Sleeping Bear in spring 2010 and one with Hyperion Disney in spring 2011, and both of these women have also written MG and YA. (One is Kathy, who commented above.) It’s always fun to hear their voices in stories written for such different age groups.