Intrigued by this;

why do you feel you write the genre you write?

Is it because you're very interested in that genre or is it because your thought process leads you to that particular writing path?

I remember an interview with Stephen King where he was asked as to why he doesn't write for a more 'literary' genre such as romance or drama - as opposed to horror.

If I remember correctly he just smiled and said "You assume I have a choice in the matter..."

Personally, I wrote my comedy feature because every other feature I started writing, regardless of the genre, ended up containing a distractingly large number of comical moments. So I decided to write a purely comedy piece, in the hope that it would suck all of my humor out of me, and allow me to focus on more serious pieces. It worked, to some degree. But humor has begun to seep into everything I'm writing again! Looks like it might be time to knock out this sit-com treatment I've been sitting on for six months...

But my favourite genre of films, in terms of watching, are dramas. And this has definitely influences the majority of my work.

I've also had a major hard-on for Scandinavian-noir novels at the minute, which has also resulted in me beginning a treatment for a TV noir show, in the vein of The Killing or The Fall (for you British ones out there).

My favorite genre is horror, hands down. Partly because horror films are what inspired me to write in the first place-- and my favorite movie is An American Werewolf in London. Everything I've written since I saw that movie was influenced by it in some way, from the story structure to the idea of making a contemporary version of an old movie.

But I've found I write a lot of other stuff too, mainly comedy. I don't really understand that because I don't watch many comedies.

I really don't know for sure why I write what I write. One reason might be that I'm not good at writing under pressure. If I tell someone I'll let them read my script once I finish it, I basically get frozen. And it's the same way when it comes to a "serious" genre-- it has to stay real, and you can't get too crazy or quirky with the story because come on, it's supposed to be a serious drama. But the thing about comedy and horror is, you can really let loose, and you don't have to worry about throwing in bizarre twists and odd scenes. The genres thrive off that stuff. Basically anything goes, unlike something like a drama or an action film. Maybe that's just me.

I don't write anything unless the idea really grabs me, something I can get excited about. And most of the time, that's either horror or comedy or both.

I write what the story tells me to write.  I don't limit myself to genre.  I've done comedy, drama, horror, fantasy.


Phil

I like to dabble in all different genres and styles. I like many different kinds of films so I don't see why I would limit myself to one. I can only write with my own sensibilities so whatever I write, it's going to come out as a James McClung script.

That said, I'm more often than not drawn to darker material and that darker material more often than not has some semblance of horror. I started out writing horror movies exclusively and have been trying to get away from that for a while but always end up getting roped back into writing horror in one form or another. In that sense, I don't have a choice in the matter in that I can only write what most intrigues me at a given time.

Still, I've written in all genres and after my next script, I'm going to write a romantic comedy because this latest one has been such a drag to develop. I'd definitely like to work on something simpler and fun down the line.

James McClung, was it you who wrote a script ages ago about a couple of guys going abroad and one of them gets tortured badly by some gangsters?

I remember reading that and really enjoying it.

I've heard lately that it is good to find 'your' genre and stick to it....I'm such a new writer that I haven't found the one that I love best yet....so I'm working with whichever floats up on my ideas list...some are easier for me than others.

At the present I'm writing a horror and a rom/com...ack..kinda weird to be working on both of those at the same time!

Quoted from the goose James McClung, was it you who wrote a script ages ago about a couple of guys going abroad and one of them gets tortured badly by some gangsters? I remember reading that and really enjoying it.

That'd be me. Outsiders is the script.

Quoted from Pale Yellow I've heard lately that it is good to find 'your' genre and stick to it....

IMHO, if you write a genre that some people like. Stick with it. If those people like your horror script, for example, they most likely will not be interested in your rom-com and vice versa, of course. Find your niche.  

COMEDY: I've tried it, but no one thinks I'm funny.
DRAMA: You have to be really good to pull off a good drama.
WESTERN: I have a great story in mind, but I'm not good enough to write it yet.
SCI-FI: Love it, I just am no good at coming up with ideas.
ACTION: Trying one right now.
THRILLER: Love those and have written a few.
HORROR: My favorite to write. They're fun to write and seems to be what people like from me.

Even though my first feature on here is a comedy, I can't help but find myself more drawn in by drama.
My comedy was built around one (1) scene.  After that, I had to write an entire story around that one scene!  
I grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King novels, and I still buy anything he puts out.  So you'd think horror might be my calling, but not so.  In my early, eary days I tried to emulate King...to no avail.
Drama is appealing because they are the movies that move me the most.  I find it to be an outlet for my personal life.  Conflict resolving, stuff like that.  
At least in screenplays the characters reslove their conflicts...most of the time, anyway.
Steve

Quoted from Pale Yellow I've heard lately that it is good to find 'your' genre and stick to it....I'm such a new writer that I haven't found the one that I love best yet....so I'm working with whichever floats up on my ideas list...some are easier for me than others.

A crime SP I wrote a few years ago (my only genre at the time) received high praise from both an agent (boutique) and a manager (start-up). I was ecstatic, thought I'd won the lottery.

But--supposedly--the market at the time was flooded with Mob stories (thank you, "Sopranos") and the manager asked if I could write a rom-com because he supposedly had a connection at a prod-co specializing in rom-coms. "Sure!" I lied, and spent the next month studying the only book on rom-coms I could find and studying/breaking down the ten rom-com movies I most enjoyed. Took me seven weeks to come up with a  script for that manager. The agent was aghast--she had wanted to see me work to my forte, and come up with another crime story that was simply less Mob-focused. When all three of us happened to meet at a function, she admonished the manager (and me) for having me switch from the genre I wrote well. She ignored me after that...one contact gone. I rewrote the rom-com over the next year with notes from that manager--only to see him drop me and the other writers he was helping in order to take a job with a prod-co.

This particular sad tale of bad luck and bad decision-making on my part may have nothing to do with your initial question. But I still rue my decision not to follow that agent's advice and stick with what I did well. That initial rom-com was woefully bad in comparison to the ones I later came up with. It was, after all, my first, and by definition, crappy. Whereas I had already gone through the crappy learning stages of crime and became fairly savvy at them. That's not to say I'd have made my break-through by sticking to crime, because let's face it, the agent was a small boutique and there's no telling how far she could've taken my crime scripts or how good they really were.

On the other hand, I've since become better at rom-coms, as well as broad comedy and horror. Don't know if I'm spreading myself thin, however, by dabbling in several different genres. At least i'm not totally insane and assume that I can write in any genre. I think you need to study the genre(s) you like, in the form of how-to books in each genre (if available) and by watching and reading the best movies in that genre to truly grasp what makes them work or fail, and writing several scripts in that genre before becoming anywhere near competent.

Yes, I regret that decision to switch genres when I had modest interest in my crime-writing. Then again I've expanded my horizons by delving into a couple other genres since. Doesn't mean I would've necessarilly succeeded in crime, but the odds were certainly better.

All that said, if you're particularly good in one definite genre, I's say stick to it till it runs its course, then study up on another genre if it calls to you, and be prepared for another learning curve till you get it right. Being competent in two or three different genres-I feel--is attainable. Being proficient in all genres is delusional. And you might have your best shot by focusing on just one and one alone that you're particulalry good at.

Quoted from Pale Yellow At the present I'm writing a horror and a rom/com...ack..kinda weird to be working on both of those at the same time!

The horror of romance vs the romance of horror. Sometimes not so far apart.

Horror is where my heart is when it comes to writing. I've tried writing comedy and it's hit and miss with me. The more I do it I'm finding out that I'm more of a smarta** than a funny guy who can write a good comedy.

- Dirk

Comedy is my North

I center on it

That's why I haven’t written one sense my first. Although I have one in queue.

It was comfortable.

Dark Thriller is my South.

I'll never be the same after writing one. I went places I really shouldn’t have to do it.

And it changed me.

Drama is my West. Safe! I’ve done a couple and seems to be a "go to" for most writers.

Romance…

Well Romance is my East. A place I look to but most likely will never visit.

Right now...

Political espionage is my Center-

My muse

I have something again that keeps me up at night.

And that's where I'm most comfortable.

Shawn.....><

Horror was what drew me into movies. My ultimate goal is to scare a person. I've given a couple of people chills so I'm getting close. lol.

But it's usually never straight horror. Another genre usually enters. Like Action, Thriller, and unintentional comedy.

It's whatever floats your boat.

Gabe

Quoted from the goose Intrigued by this; why do you feel you write the genre you write? Is it because you're very interested in that genre or is it because your thought process leads you to that particular writing path? I remember an interview with Stephen King where he was asked as to why he doesn't write for a more 'literary' genre such as romance or drama - as opposed to horror. If I remember correctly he just smiled and said "You assume I have a choice in the matter..."

Thank you for posting this question. It's one that I have asked myself. Stephen answers it well indeed, if he has said, "You assume I have a choice in the matter?"

I've come to that conclusion as well. I don't feel I have a choice in the matter. Often, I've started projects, trying to stick with a particular tone, but I lament afterwards because "something" gets the better of me.

Now, I try and think of projects in a very long term fashion. This way, time can work its magic, characters can have a chance to speak. I can assimilate what I perceive as the project's most basic need. Maybe, in the end, that need will speak louder than the existing genre that I had (seemingly and arbitrarily) set.

Sandra

Mystery is my favorite genre.  I believe  that human origin is mystery.  That's why mystery in Movie is like salt on bread.  

So far, I'm all over the map. My least favorites are horror and drama, but I'm not opposed to trying them if I get a good idea. I'm not a huge horror fan. POLTERGEIST is probably my favorite horror movie because it explores the kind of things that creep me out. During the July OWC, I figured out a way to do that and I want to go back and flesh that out.

As for me, I think I underestimate drama. I always think they've gotta be soap operas or tragedies, like they can't be something else and they can't be optimistic. But then I came up with an idea for a drama feature about one of my favorite composers and his tour of North America and how it changed his life.

Mainly, I feel most at home with comedy, scifi, western, action, and/or adventure. I want to tell fun stories. When I saw RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK for the first time, I became a student of fun storytelling. I want audiences to share in the fun with me as I spin fun stories.

Quoted from DanBall My least favorites are horror and drama

I wouldn't call myself a horror fan - a lot of members are big horror fans. They write it and watch it, which makes sense, as horror and comedy are the 2 most popular genres.

While there are some very good horrors - the vast majority seem to rely on shock and gore and for me, when you have seen that pony once, there are no more tricks.

Drama is the genre I like most. Despite all the great action films etc, the most satisfying to read or watch, is where a character has to overcome what seem like impossible odds and change.

Quoted from DanBall I just read the first 10, but it seems like this is heading into "Patch Adams" territory, with a lightbulb replacing the clown act. H

You dropped that review into a WIP of mine a few months back, which I never understood!?
I don't think you underestimate drama - but you need to approach it for what is it, not what you assume it is.

I just enjoy comedy.
Everyone who knows me personally and those peeps that have read my scripts know 99% of my material is comedy.
I'm not a very serious person, there's too many people on this planet for that. I like a laugh and I like all forms of comedy... slapstick, satire, dark or whatever.



Mark

Quoted from irish eyes I just enjoy comedy. Everyone who knows me personally and those peeps that have read my scripts know 99% of my material is comedy. I'm not a very serious person, there's too many people on this planet for that. I like a laugh and I like all forms of comedy... slapstick, satire, dark or whatever. Mark

I'd love to be able to write really funny material - I think comedy is the hardest genre to write in.

I tried my hand at stand up

So far, the experience i have with short scripts is that my best genre, if you can use that phrase, is drama.

Alas, there is no market for a drama feature, well not by me anyway, and quite frankly, even i wouldn't want to see them. But i like writing them - oh what a beautiful paradox.

So if a write a feature i am not going to do drama and rather try comedy, rom com, thriller...or all three, maybe one day a horror.

Quoted from Eoin I tried my hand at stand up

Now that's funny

Mark

Genre is an extension of personality, simply as that. So taking the cue from Pia, and not meaning to confrontational ...

COMEDY: These are fundamentally happy people who enjoy social experiences.
DRAMA: For thinkers, and for whom character is important. Especially found among Christians.
WESTERN: Usually have difficulty fitting in to modern society. Did poorly at school.
SCI-FI: Not into the bureaucratic result of modern society, and are looking for 'life, more exciting'.
ACTION: Due to the lack of it.
THRILLER: Likes to shake things up some, enjoy doing something different, and have a nose for danger.
HORROR: The unacceptable face of society. Nazi's. Should be jailed and may well go 'downstairs' on the day of judgement. Unloved by their mothers.

Well that's my opinion. I'm sure some will differ.

Quoted from Forgive Genre is an extension of personality, simply as that. So taking the cue from Pia, and not meaning to confrontational ... COMEDY: These are fundamentally happy people who enjoy social experiences. DRAMA: For thinkers, and for whom character is important. Especially found among Christians. WESTERN: Usually have difficulty fitting in to modern society. Did poorly at school. SCI-FI: Not into the bureaucratic result of modern society, and are looking for 'life, more exciting'. ACTION: Due to the lack of it. THRILLER: Likes to shake things up some, enjoy doing something different, and have a nose for danger. HORROR: The unacceptable face of society. Nazi's. Should be jailed and may well go 'downstairs' on the day of judgement. Unloved by their mothers. Well that's my opinion. I'm sure some will differ.

That statement couldn't possibly be said with any serious intent - I can only assume  that this is your way of telling us you're into Comedy . . .

I'm into it, but I couldn't write it for the life of me. Actually, I think I was being serious ...

Quoted from Forgive I'm into it, but I couldn't write it for the life of me. Actually, I think I was being serious ...

I'm afraid your observations on society are about as relevant as the horoscopes attempts to categorize peoples personalities based on their star signs . . .

So, I'm a Christian . . .

And everyone here that writes horror is unloved by their mother . . .

Seriously ? ? ?

Quoted from Forgive Genre is an extension of personality, simply as that. So taking the cue from Pia, and not meaning to confrontational ... COMEDY: These are fundamentally happy people who enjoy social experiences. DRAMA: For thinkers, and for whom character is important. Especially found among Christians. WESTERN: Usually have difficulty fitting in to modern society. Did poorly at school. SCI-FI: Not into the bureaucratic result of modern society, and are looking for 'life, more exciting'. ACTION: Due to the lack of it. THRILLER: Likes to shake things up some, enjoy doing something different, and have a nose for danger. HORROR: The unacceptable face of society. Nazi's. Should be jailed and may well go 'downstairs' on the day of judgement. Unloved by their mothers. Well that's my opinion. I'm sure some will differ.

I'm in agreement with Eoin. Sounds awful cheeky to me (not that that's a problem).

If not, I agree that genre *can be* an extension of personality though I wouldn't say that definitively. Your breakdown seems short-sighted and judgmental though. I think your descriptions for comedy and drama could easily apply to horror writers, for one thing. Comedians also famously have a reputation for being bitter and neurotic.

You can't put artists in a box is the bottom line, I'd say.

Quoted from Forgive I'm into it, but I couldn't write it for the life of me. Actually, I think I was being serious ...

Pfft...are you trying to make my life difficult?

Please don't feed the bears.

Quoted from Forgive COMEDY: These are fundamentally happy people who enjoy social experiences. DRAMA: For thinkers, and for whom character is important. Especially found among Christians. WESTERN: Usually have difficulty fitting in to modern society. Did poorly at school. SCI-FI: Not into the bureaucratic result of modern society, and are looking for 'life, more exciting'. ACTION: Due to the lack of it. THRILLER: Likes to shake things up some, enjoy doing something different, and have a nose for danger. HORROR: The unacceptable face of society. Nazi's. Should be jailed and may well go 'downstairs' on the day of judgement. Unloved by their mothers. Well that's my opinion. I'm sure some will differ.

This just doesn't wash...

Out of my features, I've written drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, thriller, fantasy and action.  I've started a western that I hope--

I HATE YOU MOTHER!!!!!!


Phil

I used to think that what a writer should do was show his versatility by writing in different genres. Plus I wanted to explore different kinds of stories, it was a lot more fun. So that's what I did. I have horror, fantasy, western, comedy, period, and kids stories under my belt.

But I was wrong. From what I've seen in interviews with pros...and the logic of it is convincing...is that it's all about branding. If Director XYZ is looking for a writer for a horror project they will look at established horror writers. If Studio A is looking for someone to do a thriller project they'll look at established thriller writers.

So having a genre helps you establish your brand.

I'm not saying writers shouldn't try different things, but branding is important and something to weigh.

Quoted from KevinLenihan I used to think that what a writer should do was show his versatility by writing in different genres. Plus I wanted to explore different kinds of stories, it was a lot more fun. So that's what I did. I have horror, fantasy, western, comedy, period, and kids stories under my belt. But I was wrong. From what I've seen in interviews with pros...and the logic of it is convincing...is that it's all about branding. If Director XYZ is looking for a writer for a horror project they will look at established horror writers. If Studio A is looking for someone to do a thriller project they'll look at established thriller writers. So having a genre helps you establish your brand. I'm not saying writers shouldn't try different things, but branding is important and something to weigh.

What I don't understand is why you can't be branded as a writer who can write any genre because you're good? Or be branded as a character development writer? I guess a lot of producers don't look for character development writers, though.  

I'm not saying these things from experience, Dan. But it seems to be the opinion of every pro writer I've seen. You have to think about from the perspective of the producer or director looking for whatever genre.

I'm not saying to do this, and to be honest, so far I have not either. But it does seem to be the smart strategy.

It makes sense, doesn't it? I want a writer who will do a big, dumb, action spectacle for an A-list director. The producer in me searches out either Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, or I look to David Koepp. How about an Oscar bait period piece? John Logan or Peter Morgan. Political intrigue film? Billy Ray or Matthew Michael Carnahan. Know what I mean?

It makes sense, and maybe some day I'll follow what makes sense. Unfortunately by the time I knew this was a good strategy from seeing what the pros say, it was too late, I had done multiple genres. And I'm still kind of doing it because I have a bunch of different stories lined up that I want to do. Oh well.

I'm still so new that I don't know what genre I like or write the most. I watch all types of movies. I fall into the category of writing several different genres....maybe that's why I'm a jack of all trades...master of none *sigh*

Thriller, horror, comedy, drama, or TV Sitcoms, I'll give anything a go as it is how we learn.

Don't be scared of getting out of your comfort zone.

I like human interest stories that have a touch of comedy to them.  Something like "Silver Linings Playbook."   I think I was drawn to writing material like that after I saw the movie "Breaker Morant."  Brilliant piece of writing, and acting, and I was hooked.  It's taken me a long time since then to get to where I am, but I think I'm on the verge of something, which I can't talk about at the moment, but it's pretty exciting!

Gary

I've written scripts based on very loose ideas that pop into my head.  One fantasy feature script I wrote was based on a short I wrote for a OWC.  A dark comedy I wrote is based on a short I wrote just to show Janet how to use Final Draft.

A rom/com I'm struggling to write now is based on a single scene I wrote in a family comedy script that I wrote a year or two ago.

You don't always choose your story... and you certainly don't choose the genre.  Sometimes, iot chooses you.


Phil

I write what I know or what intrigues me or what I most enjoy watching on the screen or reading in a book. I don't chase the latest "hot trends" because I wouldn't be any good at it, and the story wouldn't ring true if I weren't completely dedicated to it. I have to write something that I'm familiar with and that I would actually be interested in if written by someone else.

Mind you, all of this is predicated on the amount of research involved. I like getting details right. So if I am highly interested in a topic and have what I feel is a kick-ass premise for that subject material, I'll read a few books on the subject if I'm not already comfortably immersed in it, and visit some blogs, even travel to an area to learn more about it--but within reason. Therefore, unless I get an academic who's an expert on 17th and 18th century navigation and overall living to help me out on that time period, my YA pirate story will never be written. And I'm okay with that.

For now I'll stick to crime/procedurals, horror, and comedy. Genres I really enjoy watching/reading and am pretty well versed at.