I have a fantastic critique group. It’s not just that they are fabulous writers, super honest with their feedback and helpful plotting partners, or that they are great friends that encourage and uplift me, but one of the best things about our group is that we all write in completely different genres.

One of us writes contemporary romance, one writes women’s fiction, one writes comedic historical, one writes suspense, and then there’s me, writing Biblical fiction.

Although we did not mean to organize ourselves that way, it’s been an unexpected blessing. Every single one of us has grown in our writing because of the strengths each genre brings to the table. Everyone has been stretched beyond our self-imposed borders by the interplay between our different perspectives.

I have learned to weave tiny pieces of these other genres into my work: pacing and strong dialog from contemporary, depth of message from women’s fiction, a little lighthearted banter and excellent timing from comedic historical, and just a tinge of mystery to keep those pages turning.

This desire, to find ways in which I can incorporate new, interesting techniques into my stories, also translates into what I choose to read.

From the time I was a young girl, historical fiction has always been my go-to genre. I did read some contemporary but would, more often than not, choose to delve into the past.

Not much has changed. I still adore slipping into rich, descriptive history and walking in the shoes (or sandals) of people from the past. But, over the past few years, I have pushed myself to try new genres, to explore what intrigues readers that gravitate toward suspense, or YA fantasy, or thrillers.

With each book or series, I try to analyze what pulled me in, what kept me flipping pages and then I consider how I can incorporate some of those genre-specific techniques into my own writing.

For instance, the book I am writing now has an element of mystery to it (although it’s still Biblical fiction) and also a little suspense. Therefore, although I’m not a regular suspense or mystery reader, I am challenging myself to read a few over the next few months, so I can draw out those threads in my story and make it that much stronger in the end and keep readers on their toes.

What genres have you shied away from reading? What do you think you might glean from reading outside your normal trends that would apply to your own WIP? Do you have writing partners from other genres that stretch and challenge you beyond your self-imposed borders?

~*~

There is nothing Connilyn Cossette likes better than digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Her debut novel, Counted With the Stars: Out from Egypt Series, recently released through Bethany House Publishers. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.