I started writing a romantic fiction at the beginning of the year, but have recently made some plot adjustments so am basically re-starting it anyway.
I also have quite a few good ideas for a sci/ fi - fantasy type of novel. This is probably where my heart really is now, I don't know if I'm even capable of writing in this genre but I really want to try...at some point.
My Plan was to publish (probably self-eplubish) the romantic fiction then hopefully be more ready (having done the genre research etc.) to write the other. But I'm wondering if people will be less interested in the second book if it's so very different from my first. I know other authors have switched genre, but maybe when they're established
What I'm really asking is would I be better to make a decision now and sticking to it for two or three book?
Thanks for reading and I look forward to advice / discussion.

Kirsty, I think if you're going to write in different genres, then it's a very good idea to do it under different names. You would think it would be a very simple idea to get across - 'This is my new novel. The last one was romantic fiction, but this one is sci-fi.' It's not at all difficult to grasp. For some reason, though, people seem to be totally unable to cope with the idea that a writer writes in different genres, so the different names are a necessity.

As for whether or not it's a good idea in other ways ... depends on the writer. I can switch between genres and writing styles with no problem at all. There may be other writers out there who have confused themselves by doing this. It's not something I've heard many people talking about, so I don't know.

Hmm. I'd say a new writer is best off trying out every genre that takes her fancy. Early on is the time to experiment. You will get far more from writing and develop more if you write at first with the intention of saying what you really want to say as best you can, rather than with a view to publication. That way, if you keep 'what do I want to say?' in mind, you can explore it through various genres, whuilst still moving towards your ultimate goal.

If, on the other hand, you just love romantic novels, keep at them. No reason to switch for its own sake, unless you feel you will be stretched and develop in you favourite genre by trying out new disciplines.

Hope you're enjoying it!

Hi Kirsty, and welcome to WW.

Early on is the time to experiment. You will get far more from writing and develop more if you write at first with the intention of saying what you really want to say as best you can, rather than with a view to publication.

I'm a great believer, too, in following your heart at this stage: write what you urgently need to write. It's the only way to find your voice and get some confidence. Once you've worked out what/who you are, as a writer, then it's time to think about how best you can fit that with what people will buy.

Kirsty, if you're planning to self-publish anyway I would say write what you like! You have a lot of freedom if you don't want to go the agent/publisher route. From a commercial point of view it does make sense to write under a pseudonym, even just something very similar like Iain Banks/ Iain M Banks, so people know what they're buying.
I agree with Cherys that this is a great time to experiment anyway.

It sounds to me, Kirsty, as if your heart is in the sci=fi, so i'd go with that. you could always dabble in other genres via writing short stories, to start, and see if those other styles are really 'you'.

thanks for all the replys