This is the fourth article in the series, The Five W’s of Writing (Who, What, When, Where, and Why).
“So you’re a writer. What do you write?” When people ask me this question, I don’t know exactly what to say. I formulate my answer depending on who’s asking. If the question comes from another writer, I get specific about genre and subject matter. But, I try to give a short answer if the questioner is someone asking just to be polite. I might say, “I write magazine articles for a local magazine and some Christian publications.”
First, accept and be proud of the fact that you call yourself a writer. Realize that anyone interested enough to ask you this question might be a potential reader. Then, decide how you will answer the question.
What genres do you write? To answer fiction or nonfiction doesn’t really say much. Fiction writers, do you write short stories or novels? If you write novels, what kind do you write? Take a look at Zondervan’s category list for some examples. Nonfiction works include a vast array of possibilities. See this list of nonfiction categories. You might write short nonfiction works like how-to articles, memoir, essays, poetry, profiles, news, or creative non-fiction. You’ll sound more professional when you identify the exact genres that you write.
What subjects do you write about? If it’s fiction, you just make it up, right? Yes, but you need to be familiar with your physical and historical settings to make your story believable. Fiction writers usually choose settings that they familiar to them. If not, they do a lot of research before beginning to write. Nonfiction authors usually write to share information and/or encourage others. They choose topics for which they have developed expertise. Or, they might write about other people’s unique experiences.
Examples:
- If I were to ask Ann Gabhart what she writes, I would expect her to say this. “I write historical fiction, the latest set in the Shaker community in central Kentucky near where I live.”
- Beth Moore might say, “I write Bible studies and Christian living books mainly for women.”
What do you write? Answer this question for yourself. I invite you to share your answer by commenting on this post.
When I am asked what I write, I usually say “inspiration.” If I get to say more, I say I’ve written stories and articles for Christian books and magazines. Sometimes that leads to more questions and I can be more specific.
Good challenge, Emily, to always be ready with an answer!
My short answer: I write Christian fiction adventure/suspense, both short stories and novels. But that doesn’t really tell much, so here’s a slightly longer version:
Most of my Christian fiction adventure/suspense stories are focused on a team of Special Forces Christians going into different countries to rescue kidnapped or persecuted believers. But the team doesn’t believe in killing. They use alternative measures in the spiritual battles between the prince of darkness and God’s servants. My website offers lots of free short fiction, and I’m about to have my first novel for sale.
If you have any suggestions for me about my “pitch,” I’m open to anything you offer.
Thanks Emily!
David Telbat
I think you could tighten up the long version and make it really interesting. More later on this.