Moving Out of the Comfort Zone by Wendy H. Jones

 

I've been thinking a lot about comfort zones over the past few weeks for a number of reasons. As writers , and indeed readers, we often prefer to stay in our comfort zone and write or read in the same genres. Why not, there is nothing manifestly wrong with this. We know what we are doing and this makes things easier for us. The start of a new year always gets us thinking about new beginnings and fresh starts. But it's not the start of a new year I hear you say. That was a month ago. Well, on the 1st January 2024 I had a nasty chest infection and was not feeling anything like fresh, never mind making a fresh start. But, the minute I perked up and gained a bit of energy I was ready to pen this blog. So, what of that comfort zone.

Let's start with reading. I absolutely adore crime fiction in all its various iterations and in every sub genre. In fact I read it voraciously. There is nothing wrong with that as it means I am steeped in the genre and as a crime writer that is a good thing. I am familiar with the tropes and action the average crime reader expects. However, I firmly believe that reading more widely makes me a better writer overall. Therefore, each year I run a reading challenge on Facebook via the group Wendy's Reading Challenge 2024. I post 36 categories and members choose what book they would like to read for the challenge and give feedback on it. There's no compunction to do all the categories and members are in control of what they read. This has definitely made me read out of my comfort zone. One of the categories is read a non-fiction book on a topic you know very little about. My choice is The Kew Gardens Christmas Book by Jenny Linford. What I know about plants could be written on a pin head and I've never been to Kew Gardens. Yet, I am learning a lot about Kew Gardens and plants and additionally learning about writing non-fiction books and the style that can be used. So, I would challenge you to read outside your comfort zone. If you'd like to join the group, click on the link above. 

That's all very well I hear you say but writing outside of your comfort zone is a whole nother ball game. It certainly is. I am currently in the process of writing a series of fiction books based on the true story of a nineteenth century Scottish Naval Surgeon. Whilst I was a nurse in the Royal Navy and I'm Scottish, it's a perfect fit for me, the challenge of moving from contemporary to historical fiction is a real. To start with it seemed insurmountable but it turns out I am loving it. You have probably gathered this is not crime fiction either. So, another step out of the comfort zone. If you had asked me a couple of years ago if I would write anything but crime fiction I would have said a categorical no. Yet, when the opportunity arose I stepped up to the plate. I am also a writer of novels, my preferred length. Despite this I have written flash fiction, drabbles and short stories. I am also writing a series of non fiction books for writers. I believe this willingness to expand a try new things makes an author a better writer overall. It gives the author a better appreciation of the craft and allows them to write more fluently and fluidly. It also expands their use of words and the way in which they choose to use them. This is no bad thing.

So, who is going to join me in stepping out of the comfort zone and trying new things in 2024, both in reading and writing. Let me know in the comments and let's encourage each other along the way.  

About the Author

Wendy H Jones is the multi award-winning, Amazon #1 international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers' Choice Award. Non-Fiction Matters the fourth book in her Writing Matters Series won the prestigious Dorothy Dunbar Cup from the Scottish Association of Writers. She is also the retired President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing.  She is the Editor in Chief of Mom's Favorite Reads Magazine and is the editor of Writers' Narrative a new magazine for writers.  She is also a partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats an international publishing and writing retreat organisation. Wendy is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services. 

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