How big a role do you feel being a diverse writer plays in an author staying in the publishing industry given the uncertain climate? Do you feel pressured to branch out?

"If you're intending to write as a career, you need to write lots of things in lots of different markets. The most successful writers are know are still pushing their boundaries and trying new things--maybe because they have to, but maybe just because that's the kind of attitude that made them successful in the first place." - Dan Wells, author of Fragments.

"I’ve actually always felt the opposite—pressure to stay 'within brand.' But I am what you might call a 'diverse writer,' as in I’ve written YA sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary, and paranormal. Maybe I should try historical next? Ha. So I have this worry that because my next book is always vastly different from my last, that I won’t be able to sell or build a following. I think no matter what kind of writer you are, there’s always something to worry about." - Natalie Whipple, author of Transparent.
"I think every author who wants to continue to write and sell books needs to be flexible in every way possible. I have needed to branch out and try something very new (a pen name) and it’s been successful for me." - Page Morgan, author of The Beautiful and the Cursed.


"I think diversity opens up more opportunities to earn a living as a writer. I don’t feel pressured to branch out, but I enjoy being able to do different things and find I learn a lot that way – writing for younger age groups, doing events and workshops. I see it as part of the job and enjoy the variety and opportunities it provides." - Dave Cousins, author of 15 Days Without a Head.

"I don't feel pressured to branch out, but I do have the desire to try new styles. Like with anything in publishing, selling books in one genre won't guarantee a sale in another. For the most part, I think the variety in writing comes from an author's curiosity or growth." - Suzanne Young, author of The Program.

"To be honest, I feel lucky I'm just where I am. To be able to make a living writing is the greatest job I could ever have. But because I write genre books, I feel a lot of pressure to create fresh ideas that editors will find appealing." - Emma Carlson Berne, author of Never You Let Go.

"I never made a conscious decision to 'diversify,' but it’s what happened. The first book I wrote is sci-fi, the second is contemporary, and a completely different tone. That’s one of the best things about writing under the YA umbrella – there’s less pressure to stick to one genre. Teens are still figuring out who they are and where they fit; they don’t fault writers for being in the same boat." - Josin McQuein, author of Arclight.

"I’ve only published one book, so it’s tough to say. I don’t feel pressured to branch out, and I don’t think I could even if I was. I can’t write about something my heart’s not in." - Scott Blagden, author of Dear Life, You Suck.


Stop by next week to see if the authors have one book or series they feel bad about not reading... yet.
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