Can You Get Publishing Without Reading Multiple Genres

I had someone ask me this questions recently, and I must say that the answer is no.

There are aspects of humanity explored in each genre. Each one is a fundamental part of the human condition which plays out in our everyday lives, and transcends from reality into the written word.

Yes, all genres have similar characters and themes, but it is the subtle hints in the book that makes characters real, and strengthens plots.

It also makes books stand out. I recently wrote a post stating that 'avid readers make the best writers.' This is not something I came up with, but something that I've seen - time and again. Those writers who are published, and those published authors who earn more than $20 000 a year as writes, are all avid readers, and most (that I know) read at least three genres on a regular basis.

It is something to think about. Even reading a genre which is not something you enjoy. Ask yourself what you don't enjoy in that genre. A movie with a lot of blood in it has a message that turns many people off. They cannot sleep after watching this - but it isn't the artificial blood that makes them avoid the genre.

There is something subtle that talks about our primal needs, fears, wants, and desires. These things can be used to make a novel 'great.' It may only be a small thing. Like the main character kneeling down to talk to a child, or the nemesis spitting on the side of a building - but you won't learn these things unless you explore the genres that have mastered these 'human traits'