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Phonies are easy to spot and hard to avoid. A lot of times when people are starting out writing, they write stories that are highly uncharacteristic of them. It’s not that the stories aren’t viable. It’s merely that the writer shouldn’t be writing said story. And, yes, even I was a perpetrator of fallacious self-representation.
Write from the heart, the soul, and the darkest, deepest recesses of your mind. In other words: if you’re not writing from the furnace room within yourself, your ideas will only be lukewarm at best. Can’t anyone write science fiction, fantasy, horror, comedy, or even erotica? Sure, anyone can write anything. That’s not to say some people aren’t better suited for certain genres, styles, or mediums though. You just have to find what works best for you.
I, for example, specialize in horror and comedy writing. These pieces typically work best for me given my normal demeanor. I’m either terrified or laughing. On rare occasions, I’m fortunate enough to be both. I also have plenty of nightmares (see “The Nature of the Beast” 6-26-08). I’m very fortunate to fall asleep haunted and wake up in a cold sweat. I’m really counting my blessings. Hopefully, these horrific dreams continue for years to come, or else I’ll be relegated to memoir detail.
Why don’t I write science fiction or fantasy stories? The answer is that my writing isn’t suited for that. I recognize and accept that to be the way things are. Sure, I could force out a science fiction story but it would be horribly obvious that I was a hack. At least as a horror and comedy writer, I can hide behind clichés and hope for the best. I know the clichés of the niches I’ve made for myself.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with working your way into a niche. Sure, you won’t surprise anyone by writing another piece in the same vein, but you’re staying true to your craft. People want to read stories told passionately; they want stories that are developed and vivid. How can you possibly make a vivid story if the piece you’re working on isn’t your passion?
Of course, if you’re just beginning to put pen to paper, you may have to experiment. No one knows what they’re cut out for right from the start. You could be the next great master of terror, or you could be a political pundit. Well, those two concepts aren’t exactly opposites, but you get the idea. The key to finding a workable genre is to gently try and work yourself into each story. Don’t force it. Treat it like a woman or man you’re really in love with. Talk to them, get to know them, play around a little bit, but never force yourself on it. Dance the dance of romance, as they say.
Anyone can be phony, but only one person can be you.
