To Newbie or Not New Be?

That is the question. It's a toughie, too.

After fifteen years of writing kidlit (mostly YA), I'm officially writing a suspenseful crime fiction novel for ADULTS! Loving the change and it feels like a great fit. But...on the other hand...I'm feeling like I'm starting all over again.

Some of the reasons I decided to take the plunge?

First of all, I LOVE watching LIVE PD, Fear Thy Neighbor, 48 Hours, and anything else on  ID Network. I feel like I've got police procedural down enough to make it feel right. Lots more to learn, but having a blast figuring it all out.

Plus, the character I'm writing feels super real to me. She's overweight, worried about everything, and is flawed. VERY flawed. But I love all of her crazy naughtiness and odd quirks. Granted, not everyone will like her, but that's just like real life.

So yes, though I feel like I'm out of my element, and quite like a newbie who just moved across the country (like in my favorite Christmas move, The Holiday), can I say I'm loving the experience?

NEWBIE or not to be? Not even a question.

Have you ever changed genres or the intended age of your readers? Any advice for making the transition smoother? Answer here or at my Facebook Author Page. 


Til next time,
Kym

2019 Reading Challenge

I am! Ever since I moved last summer and now have to drive 25 minutes instead of 5 to work every day (I know...crazy, right?), I've been reading (okay...listening to) a book every other week.

I love Audible books, but I find that I often get in a rut, reading the same type of story for many months in a row, and then I get burned out on it. As a writer, I start to see what they mean about avoiding common tropes. COMMON TROPES,  Makes me want to scream when I figure out the ending when I'm only one-third into the story. It's always my goal to write stories that surprise readers.

My challenge to myself is to mix things up as far as my reading list. Here are some of my ideas:

• A book by a debut author
• One in a genre that I'm not familiar with
• An award winner
• A classic
• A non-fiction motivational book
• One written by a known comedian

Got any suggestions? What's on YOUR challenge list?

Til next time (hopefully it won't be as long as the last time!),

KYM