We all know, as readers, we can experience multiple worlds, settings and characters through narratives, but should we be looking at experiencing more?

Ask yourself:

Do you typically read the same genre? Then ask why?

What does this specific genre aid? Is it an emotional, or physical need?

Why don’t you read other genres?

Let’s look at what other genres can bring to your reading life.

• Firstly, different genres can broaden your horizons and perspectives by including other cultures, historical eras, societal issues and more. They can help us understand experiences beyond our own, in places we may never visit. For example, my fantasy trilogy is set in Medieval England, a place I know well, through my knowledge from growing up in England, learning about the period in history lessons and multiple visits to Medieval sites, churches ad houses, but many of my readers from other parts of the globe will never experience that apart from within the pages of these three novellas.

In contrast, within my speculative novel Life in Slake Patch, I have created an alternative matriarchal world society, which challenges conventional thinking and expands the realms of possibility.

• Secondly, delving into a diversity of genres can develop our versatility and stimulate intellectual growth by enriching our minds by reading, and thereby learning, about the various narrative structures, storytelling techniques, plot development, and character dynamics differences for each genre.

• Thirdly, having diversity in our reading stimulates our imagination to new heights. We can envisage a setting, or a character through the authors unique imagery and concepts. This gives us fresh perspectives and originality of thought. My two young adult novellas are a case in point. Both have settings within fantastical places, but include themes of self worth and friendship.

• And lastly, transitioning between genres rejuvenates the reading experience. We do not want to feel jaded by the too familiar, a new genre offers us a change of pace, rejuvenating our minds and reigniting our passion for reading.

CALL TO ACTION

Next time you are in a bookstore, or library, go to another genre specific shelf, read a few blurbs and choose something outside your comfort zone. You might find a new author, or genre that sparks that joy of reading you felt the first time you picked up a book.

Let me know what genre you chose and how it affected you.

As most of you can see, and probably know by now, I am a multi-genre author (and reader) and have found genre switching to be so much fun. There are still many I have not yet tried to write, but give me time…

All my books are available across the online platforms.