Should we ever leave our writing comfort zone?

I read an interesting article the other day about writer’s tendencies.

That women writers tend to stick to subjects they are familiar with, and that male writers usually jump right in the deep end. I’m sure this isn’t entirely true, but it made me think about my current WIP. My previously talented detective’s life is in the toilet, and he is struggling to regain control, but unable to see a way through to the other side.

I have been where he is and remember how hard it was to even think straight sometimes. This experience has certainly helped me to help him.

Writing with knowledge is how most of us roll, but I can’t help wondering if I could jump into the deep end and write something unplanned and unplotted. Something far from my comfort zone.

Sounds exciting though, doesn’t it? One of these days, I might just try…


Anita's latest poem seems to have fallen out of its comfort zone too...

My Mind...

My world is made of breadcrumbs
Only there is no Hansel and Gretel in this story
I know I’m not living in a fairy tale
Everything I touch crumbles, harmony is lost
My secret thoughts turn darker
At times my spoken word is edged with barb wire
I lose friends, family with my acid tongue
I feel as if I have fallen into a fog
Laced with hex
It follows me, breaking every step,
There is no one to tell this sorry tale to
They wouldn’t understand
Besides, what could they do
I must find my own way out of the labyrinth
Before I lose the only thing left to me
My mind…

AnitaDawes2025

In case you were wondering, we are well and truly in our comfort zones this week, writing up a storm!

Have a lovely week, folks! 💕💕


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Responses

  1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    That’s an interesting comparison between women and men writers. It would be fun to try something new, Jaye, something entirely off the deep end. But that also requires a lot of “starting over,” which I don’t think I’d be up for.

    And a dark, but beautifully crafted, poem from Anita. I always enjoy reading her work, regardless of the subject. :-D

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      Yes, I am beginning to think that too, Diana… Probably best to stick with what I know and love…

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Widdershins Avatar

    I try but inevitably the storyline veers back to the genres I love writing in. :D

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      This happens to me too, even though I wonder if I might be better at something else. We don’t really know, do we?

      Like

  3. Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt Avatar

    There IS no comfort zone in writing. Only places where I have to give up making it better. It is all hard. And satisfying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      You are right, Alicia, but I was wondering about changing the genre we are most comfortable with. Maybe that isn’t a good idea…

      Like

      1. Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt Avatar

        Change is good – I changed from the mystery series I was trying to sell to a traditional publisher in the last century, to writing mainstream fiction.

        I’m sure some people are comfortable where they are, but others get travel-lust. But the writing itself, the process of telling stories or recording what’s happening, is very strongly engrained in my psyche – I write a lot of words every day. Some I even go back and read!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

          Change can be a good thing, it’s just that most of us secretly dislike changes and the uncertainty they bring…

          Like

  4. Violet Lentz Avatar

    I have made a pact with myself to do just this. I am attempting stories about things I do not know- and doing the research necessary to put them together. Not all of them have been a screaming success- but I need the practice- so I am still chugging along.- So glad to hear you and Anita are in your comfort zones. And tell Anita- we have all been there- and the return trip is much less painful than you perceive it to be….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      I don’t think anything is as bad as we first thought, Violet. That’s down to our creative writer minds, I suppose…

      Liked by 1 person

  5. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    That poem is very hard hitting. As for writing, I make up what I write. I have never experienced a ghost or hell, been to war, or worked in a factory. I just rely on what I’ve read and imagination.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Good to hear you’re in your comfort zones!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      Took a while to get here, Di… and we hope they hang around for a while…

      Like

  7. Dan Antion Avatar

    The poem does seem to take a turn toward the deep end. I am writing outside of my comfort zone right now, and I have to say, I’m looking for a way back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      I am beginning to think its best to stick with what you’re happy with, Dan… Personally, I am too old for added complications…

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Grant at Tame Your Book Avatar

    Enjoyed the poem! As I love to say, “Write with the wind and edit with the diligence of a brain surgeon.” Use your life moments to find the places unique to authentic you, and share those innermost parts with the world.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar

      I love that quote, Grant. I shall remember it!

      Liked by 1 person

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