For all you writers out there, I have a question: do you write in multiple genres?

I was having a discussion with an author friend the other day and it occurred to me that it is becoming increasingly more common. In many other areas of our lives, we have come to expect the freedom to choose. For most of us, especially those of us who have tried our hand at self-publishing, it is more than just failing to be picked up by traditional publishers. I know many people believe that to be the case about what we do. I think that is making too simplistic an argument.

‘Traditional’ authors have started to dabble in the world of self-publishing because it gives them the taste of freedom that they can’t get as part of their three book deal. The one that states you will provide us with three books that sit comfortably in the brand that has been created for you. Please do not waste our investment in you by being adventurous. More of the same please. None of that creativity rubbish.

Which is where the theme of genre swap comes in. I write in several genres, and keeping up a pseudonym for all of them is like plate spinning. If you believe everything you read, then there needs to be a distinct platform for each genre, leading to twenty seven different twitter accounts.

No thanks.

I like to think that the reading audience is becoming more savvy. Or perhaps they have always been savvy, but traditional publishers have never seen the need to present them as such. Like writers, readers are more than happy to have a little variety. Sure, most people have a favourite genre, one they would go to first. But very few people I know would declare that they ‘only’ read crime these days. Or romance. People want to have a choice. A good story is a good story and more importantly, they want a character they can relate to.

Of course, when you have these multiple projects on the go, it can be hard to change between tone sometimes. The best way I’ve found is to create a distinct playlist for each book. For example, when I was writing The Crochet Killer I had a playlist with Crush by Jennifer Paige on it. Completely out of keeping with the crime tone of the book, but it always instantly reminded me of the main character when I needed to get back into her head. For another series I’m working on which is squarely Urban Fantasy, there’s a bit of Lady Gaga: Bad Romance sums up the darker side of the relationship between the two main characters perfectly.

So I’m not saying it’s easy, but it’s certainly possible and becoming more common. If you want to write in multiple genres, then go ahead.

And if you have any tips and tricks for swapping between the two (or more) then let me know!

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He likes to make women smile.
For eternity.

From her hot Caribbean vacation to a freak New England snowstorm, when the fourth mutilated victim is found, Detective Teddie McKay knows she has to break the case or lose it. The killer is always one step ahead, and even the hot-shot forensic investigator the Chief has shipped in from out of state hasn’t produced a solid lead. The pressure is coming from everywhere; the press and even the Mayor are questioning whether Teddie’s up to the task. Now her ex-lover, TV reporter Tammy Johnson, has re-entered her life and is covering the story. Teddie knows that if someone makes the connection it will be the final nail in the coffin for her credibility.

As the clock ticks down towards victim number five, Teddie knows she has to do something to solve the case. But how much is she prepared to risk to lure a psychopath out into the open?