Anyone with a goal or dream to become a fiction writer must determine what genre suits him best. When you've found your genre, you'll feel comfortable in your writing and it will come more easily for you. Of course, some writers are comfortable in more than one genre, but most feel partial to one over another.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Write every day. Commit to writing for a certain amount of time each day, because the more experience you have in writing fiction, the easier it will be to tell which genre suits your writing best. Practice different fiction writing exercises to hone your skills as you search for your genre. As you practice with different genres, you will discover which gives you the most pleasure to write and which is most satisfying to you. (Please see Resource section.)
2. Read religiously. Reading the work of other writers helps you discover different techniques, obtain new ideas for stories and keeps your mind sharp. Many writers are avid readers long before they discover they actually want to be writers. Take a hint in your favorite types of books. If you adore romance books, try your hand at writing romance. If science-fiction is your thing, experiment with this genre. Reading can really help you determine which genre suits your writing best.
3. Purchase books that will challenge you in your writing, and that will give you important tools to test your writing. "Fiction Writer's Workshop" by Josip Novakovich is one example. Attending writer's workshops is a great idea as well. Joining the Writers Guild of America will give you access to resources such as conferences and workshops, which can also help you find your genre.
4. Find a "beta reader." A beta reader is someone who reads your work before anyone else and offers advice and constructive criticism. Many writers cannot imagine writing without having their beta readers standing by to read the finished product. This can be a positive experience if you find someone trustworthy and someone who reads a lot of the genre you're writing. Networking with other writers through conferences, workshops and classes can help you find a beta reader.
