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| Erica Marie Hogan |
How do
you feel about writing in different genres? Have you stuck with one—written in
several-- contemplated switching? Author Erica Marie Hogan shares her personal journey with genres.
~ Dawn
History to Fantasy:
Picking Your Genre
I decided I wanted to be a serious writer when I was thirteen.
Making such a decision, was the easy part. I then decided I must pick my genre!
Because an author can have only one, right?
As I began to write, I started with Historical Fiction. I
happen to love reading Historical Fiction; the majority of the many books on my
shelves fall under that genre. Then one day, I picked up a Young Adult novel.
Suddenly, that was what I wanted to write. I wanted to write Young Adult novels
based in Dystopian worlds. Then I read The
Wheel of Time series, and I simply had
to be a fantasy author! As I grappled with a decision on which genre I would
devote myself to, I began to wonder. Did I have to limit myself?
My debut novel, The Lost
Generation: A Novel of World War I, was the first historical novel I
finished. I wrote it many years ago, when I was still very new to writing, but
somehow I knew it would be the first book I’d have published. Nothing made me
happier than the day that happened. Yet there was still something nagging at
me. So I made the big decision. I refused to restrict myself.
When I announce to people that I write in all genres, these
questions are always raised:
Why?
How?
Isn’t
that confusing?
Shouldn’t
you stick to one thing you know you’re good at?
Once, I was even told it was impossible to be able to write in
every genre, even though I’ve seen authors do so time and again. The truth is,
I never want to lose the amazing feeling I had when I first began to write. I
never want to think of my imagination—of writing and creating stories people
will enjoy—as a job. Which is why, when it comes to genre, I have no limits. I
learn something new about myself every time I sit down at my computer and it’s
wonderful.
So, my second published novel Winter Queen (The Winter
Queen Series, #1), was born. The moment I made the choice to do what felt
right, to never limit myself, I succeeded and wrote my first fantasy novel. My
love of history hasn’t waned, and my excitement to write fantasy has only
grown. Exploring the different ways of writing different genres is such a
thrill.
There are many times as a writer, when you might question if
you’re meant to be doing this. When you might question the genre—or genres—you’ve chosen. The most important
thing to remember, is that writing is a gift. God has placed it on your heart
to write, so allow Him to guide you where you need to be. He’s given you the
tools, so run with them. Because as we believe in Him, He believes in us. So don’t
limit yourself. Don’t hold back.
Write for yourself. Write for the Lord.
She
will bring a storm like
none
they’ve ever seen ...
and
change the world forever.
It’s been
five years since Roderick Kael murdered King Vihaan Sundragon, claiming the
throne of Sunkai and all of Nfaros for himself. Five years since the Princesses
Adlae, Mirae, and Brae were forced to give up everything they’ve ever known.
Five years since the Creator of All allowed winter’s snow to fall. But now the
wind stirs with a familiar chill. Winter is coming down from the Ice Mountains,
brought by the only one who can wield the storm. The Winter Queen herself.
In a
faraway wood, one who survived watches and waits for her chance to reclaim what
is hers by blood and birthright. Within the walls of the city, another bears
the burden of survival and the consequences that came with it. Across the sea,
from the distant mountains, two strangers come in search of one who can save
them from the ice of winter.
Within
the palace of Sunkai, evil stirs. Loyalties are tried; love tested. And amidst
these strange events, the Winter Queen prepares her storm ... and Nfaros is not
ready for her rage.
From as far back as she can remember, Erica Marie Hogan loved to write.
When she was a little girl she adored make believe, but gradually her
imagination became too big to restrict it to playtime and so, she wrote.
Erica was born and raised for nine years on Orient Point, Long
Island, New York. After that she moved with her family to Virginia and,
finally, to Texas where she now lives. She lives to plot new stories, enjoys a
good tear-jerker, and chocolate is her cure for any ailment. Once a month Erica
publishes a post on her blog, By the Book: Diary of a Bookaholic, where she
shares her experiences with writing and, occasionally, a book review. She is
represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.
Erica’s debut novel, The
Lost Generation was long listed in the 2017 INSPY Awards and nominated for
the Christian Retailing’s Best Awards.
Connect and learn more by visiting these sites:
Author Website: https://ericamariehoganauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericahogan316
