Do you love writing fantasy one day and bone-chilling horror the next? Or perhaps one week you’re outlining a sweeping romance, and the next you’re into dystopian worldbuilding? If choosing a genre feels more like picking a favourite child, you’re not alone. For multi-passioned writers, finding your genre can feel like a near-impossible challenge. You enjoy writing across the board – but how do you know which genre suits your voice, your strengths, and your long-term goals? Do you really have to opt for just one? Today at What We Writing, we’re taking you through how to find your writing genre (particularly when you love everything). You’ll get practical self-assessment questions, tips for aligning your writing style with genre expectations, and even a quick quiz to help narrow your focus, without boxing you in.
Do You Have To Choose Just One Genre?
A common myth in the world of writing is that you need to pick one genre and stick to it forever. But, is that really the case? Do writers need to stick to one genre to be successful? Not necessarily.
Many well-known authors write across multiple genres. Think of the likes of Neil Gaiman, who has tackled everything from horror to children’s fantasy, or Leigh Bardugo, who has jumped between YA fantasy and adult thrillers.
So, yes, you can write in multiple genres. What matters most of all is understanding how each genre works and how to meet readers’ expectations within it.
That being said, choosing a primary genre, at least to begin with, can help you build a consistent writing habit, develop your voice, and grow an audience. It doesn’t mean you’re locked in. You’re just giving yourself a focused path whilst leaving the door open for creative exploration later on.
So, no, you don’t have to pick just one genre. But finding the right one for right now can make all the difference.
What Genre Should You Write? 5 Key Questions To Consider
Still wondering what genre you should write? When you enjoy writing everything, narrowing it down can feel impossible. But by reflecting on your habits, preferences, and natural strengths, you’ll begin to see patterns that point toward the genre (or genres) that suit your writing style best.
Here are five key questions to help you discover the right genre for your writing:
1. What Do You Love To Read Most Consistently?
Your bookshelf is a strong lead here. The genres you read often influence your instincts as a writer. If you find yourself returning to character-driven mysteries or epic fantasy sagas, those genres might come more naturally to you when you’re crafting your own tales.
2. What Themes Or Emotions Show Up In Your Stories?
Perhaps your stories often explore grief, transformation, rebellion, or love. These recurring emotional beats can hint at genres where those sorts of themes thrive, such as romance, dystopian, or literary fiction. Pay close attention to what you keep coming back to, even across different story ideas.
Check Out Our Guide To Writing Emotional Scenes Without Going Overboard
3. What Genre Does Your Voice Naturally Fit?
Are your stories lyrical and introspective? Snappy and sarcastic? Dark and moody? Your writing voice – the tone, rhythm, and language you naturally deploy – can align better with certain genres. For example, a fast-paced voice may work best in a rom-com or YA, whereas a haunting, slow-burn style could be perfect for gothic fiction or psychological thrillers.
4. Do You Prefer Worldbuilding Or Dialogue-Driven Scenes?
If you light up whilst constructing imaginary worlds and mapping out societies, you might be at home in fantasy, science fiction, or dystopian. If you thrive on snappy dialogue and character dynamics, you may gravitate toward contemporary fiction, romance, or drama-heavy thrillers.
5. What Type Of Reader Are You Aiming To Reach?
Consider who you want to impact with your stories. Are you writing for teens grappling with identity? Adults looking for strong emotional connections? Readers seeking escape or catharsis? Understanding your ideal reader can help you align with the genre that serves their needs best.
Taking the time to reflect on these questions can reveal a surprising amount about where your writing naturally fits. And remember: this isn’t about limiting yourself – it’s about giving your stories the best possible chance to shine.
Writing Strengths And How They Tie To Genre
If you’re still not sure where your writing fits, it can help to shift the focus from what you like to what you’re good at. Understanding your writing strengths is a powerful tool in finding your writing genre and building stories that really resonate.
Different genres emphasise different skills. Some reward complex worldbuilding, whilst others lean heavily on dialogue, pacing, or emotional depth. By identifying what you naturally do well, you can find the genre that allows those strengths to shine.
Here’s a quick visual guide to help you pair your skills with common genre traits:
| Your Strength | Genre Match |
| Vivid, detailed worldbuilding | Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian |
| Snappy or emotionally rich dialogue | Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult |
| Tight, fast-paced action scenes | Thriller, Action, Crime Fiction |
| Introspective or lyrical writing | Literary Ficction, Historical Fiction |
| Crafting tension or psychological depth | Horror, Gothic, Psychological Thriller |
| Humour and wit | Rom-Com, Satire, Cosy Mystery |
| Exploring relationships and emotion | Women’s Fiction, Romance, Family Drama |
Naturally, many stories blur these lines, and you may find yourself excelling in multiple areas. But using your strengths as a launching pad can simplify the process of finding your writing genre, particularly when you’re overwhelmed by the options.
Check Out Our Guide To What Makes A Book Scary
Try This Genre-Finding Quiz
Still unsure where you fit? This quick, informal writing genre quiz is designed to help you explore your creative instincts and guide you through the genres that align with your natural strengths, writing voice, and story preferences.
Choose the answer that feels most like you – no overthinking allowed!
1. Which part of writing excites you the most?
- Building whole worlds from scratch
- Creating unexpected plot twists
- Developing romantic tension between characters
- Diving deep into emotional or moral dilemmas
- Creating eerie, suspenseful atmospheres
- Writing clever banter and humorous scenes
2. Your ideal reader is someone who wants to…
- Escape into a whole new world
- Stay up all night to finish your book
- Feel all the butterflies and heartbreaks
- Reflect on human nature and relationships
- Be creeped out, thrilled, or unsettled
- Laugh, smile, and fall in love with quirky characters
3. How would you describe your writing style?
- Expansive, descriptive, and immersive
- Sharp, intense, and fast-paced
- Emotionally charged and character-focused
- Reflective, layered, and thoughtful
- Tense, moody, and atmospheric
- Light, witty, and conversational
4. What kind of stories do you find yourself daydreaming about?
- Epic journeys, magical lands, or futuristic technologies
- High-stakes crime, betrayals, or survival scenarios
- Soulmates, breakups, and everything in between
- Family secrets, quiet tension, or deep internal conflict
- Haunted houses, creepy small towns, or the unexplained
- Awkward dates, nosy neighbours, and charming communities
5. What’s your favourite type of plot structure?
- The Hero’s Journey or multi-POV sagas
- Twisty, high-stakes thrill rides
- Slow burn with strong character arcs
- Quiet revelations and emotionally resonant endings
- Spiralling descent or mystery unravelling
- Slice of life with feel-good resolution
6. You’re writing late at night. What’s keeping you going?
- A cool new magic system or futuristic society
- A shocking reveal that flips the entire story
- That perfect, heart-melting moment between two characters
- A sentence that absolutely nails the character’s truth
- The tension of “what’s lurking behind the door”
- A funny line that makes you laugh out loud
Results: What Genre Should You Write?
Mostly 1’s: Fantasy or Science Fiction
You love crafting bold new worlds and contemplating “what if?” Your imagination thrives in genres where worldbuilding takes centre stage.
Mostly 2’s: Thriller or Action
You’re all about fast pace, high tension, and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Mostly 3’s: Romance or Contemporary Fiction
Your strength lies in relationships, emotional nuance, and characters that leave a lasting impression.
Mostly 4’s: Literary or Historical Fiction
You lean into quiet complexity, layered characters, and meaningful themes.
Mostly 5’s: Horror or Psychological Thriller
You’re pulled to mystery, mood, and unsettling stories that crawl under the reader’s skin.
Mostly 6’s: Romantic Comedy or Cosy Mystery
Your voice is charming, playful, and warm. You’d thrive writing stories that make readers smile.
Bonus Tip: Keep your quiz results and re-take it every few months – you may be surprised how your genre preferences evolve over time.
Wrap Up
When it comes to choosing a genre to write, especially your first book, it’s easy to feel like you’re making a forever decision. But here’s the truth: you’re not. Writing your first book in one genre doesn’t mean you’re tethered there forever – it just gives you a focused path to hone your skills, finish a project, and learn what you enjoy most.
If you’re not sure where to start, think about the best genre to write for beginners. Often, that means choosing a genre you read often, feel passionate about, or already have a strong instinct for. The more familiar you are with how that genre works – its tone, pacing, and reader expectations – the easier it will be to craft something that flows.
But also? Don’t be scared to experiment. Plenty of authors write in multiple genres throughout their careers – and sometimes, the genre you start with isn’t the one you stay with. The key is to begin. Test your voice. See what energises you. And let your process evolve as you grow.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to what genre you should write. But when you follow your curiosity, lean into your strengths, and trust the stories that keep calling to you, you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.
