#Top10 Tuesdays: Ten Genres I Love

The top 10 genres I love to write in are:

 1. Christian Women's Fiction

This is the main genre that I write in. My first published novel, and the future editions in the Chicks of Corbin Bridge series were (or will be) written in this genre. 





2. Chick Lit 

This is probably my favorite genre to read, so it's a fun genre for me to write. I don't have any works published in this genre yet, but I am working on one now that is currently titled Remodel. Technically, Remodel might be able to fit in the Christian Women's Fiction genre, since my main character is a new believer, but it has some of the classic chick lit traits that would make me fight for this classification. 

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 3. Regency Romance 

In high school I was obsessed with the regency period. I saw Sense and Sensibility and fell in love with the time period. I completed my first novel (never published) in the twelfth grade. It was titled Addie Cole. Though it might not be my best, it's still my favorite of all my writing. 


When I finished writing Addie Cole, I went back and hand wrote all of the final draft in calligraphy. Then I tied the manuscript with raffia and tucked a flower under the tie. I seriously thought a publisher would love that. It was my homage to Louisa May Alcott and the best fictional character ever, Josephine March.


4. Victorian Gothic 

I used to devour Victorian Gothic stories. There was something about the language and setting that was so dark and haunting. The stories stayed with me long after the final page. That is what I strive for as an author. I want to lock my readers in so that, when the story is over, they can’t shake the ideas and sort of linger in a half reality mulling over the characters and plot for days. For this reason, I studied these writers endlessly. I don’t write Victorian Gothic stories much anymore, but I’ve taken away some of the best parts of this genre that I pray I never lose.

5. Historical Fiction 

I am not a big lover of research, but when a time period excites me, I can’t get enough. This was the case when I wrote The Legend of The Ruby Cross Medallion. This novel was finished, but never published. After seven moves since then, not much of the work remains. I have the first few chapters and the rest exists only in mmy memory. The story centered on castle life in the 1400s and would fit best in the subgenre of historical fantasy. My daughter found parts of this novel in my writing folder a while back and has been begging me to rewrite it. Someday, maybe I will. 

6. Juvenile Fiction 

The best example of my writing in this genre is Jelly Bean and the Christmas Visitors. The first little bit of it can be read here. I had the fun of reading it aloud during a holiday party for the Fellowship of Christian Writers in December. I loved writing in the voice of a young child. 


7. Childen's Picture Books 

I can't honestly remember which I wanted to be first, and artist or a writer. This genre invites me to play around with both. I was active in SCBWI years ago when we lived in Michigan. That group was amazing and I learned a ton from them. 

None of my picture books are published, but I've written more than I care to admit. Here are a couple images from my favorites, A Wishing Stone and Mine! A Wishing Stone is about a girl who wishes she fit in at school, then her wishes get carried away. Mine! teaches the importance of sharing with the friendly simplicity of a board book layout.  

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8. Flash Fiction


I was recently part of a chapbook project for The Fellowship of Christian Writers. The theme was gratitude. My story, Gratitude in Black, can be found on page 1. 


As a busy writer with a lot on my plate, flash fiction is a great genre with great appeal. 


You can read Roar, another flash fiction piece, here. 


9. Historical Romance

Romance is always fun, but when it's set in a special spot in history it can be even better. I have only written a couple stories in this genre. I tend to gravitate toward the mid-late 1800s or the 1940s. 


10. Poetry 

This is a natural genre for me. Most of the time I don't plan to write poetry, I just catch myself doing it. When I feel introspective or quiet or a bit on the sad side, it just comes out. Here is one example of planned poetry. 

For me, the best thing about poetry is that I can pass the love for it along to my children. While they whine and carry on about writing longer pieces, I find that they usually welcome the opportunity to write poetry. My son is becoming a budding little poet.  


Now you know what I love to write. What are your favorite genres? Answer in the comments section below or tweet your answer to me (@HeatherMRandall)  

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