by Pauline Tait
Writers are often advised to choose one genre, build their author brand, and remain consistent. Readers like to know what to expect, and the industry tends to favor authors who are established in their genre. But for some of us, writing in two genres can be powerful and brand-building, a catalyst for creative freedom and professional success.
Twisty mysteries with a touch of romance and children’s picture books
I write both twisty mysteries infused with romance and children’s picture books. On the surface, these two genres couldn’t be more different. One explores secrets, suspense, and second chances while the other invites play, rhythm, and early literacy. But despite the contrast in tone and readership, I’ve found my audiences often overlap in unexpected and valuable ways.
It’s a common assumption that readers of adult fiction and buyers of children’s picture books belong in separate camps. But many of my readers are parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians, people who enjoy a good mystery while also seeking out quality picture books for the children in their lives. Time and again, I’ve seen how these two strands of my author business support and strengthen each other, and how effective they are when it comes to cross-selling.
Some readers discover my picture books first, often after a school visit, bookshop event, or festival, and later explore my mysteries. Others start with a mystery and then discover I have the perfect gift for their child or grandchild. Either way, this crossover has proved powerful.
Creatively, writing in two genres allows me to return to each with renewed energy. After the layered complexity of a mystery, the sparing and precise style of a picture book can feel like a breath of fresh air. Each genre exercises different writing muscles and challenges me in different ways. That variety keeps my work engaging and my voice clear.
From a professional standpoint, writing across two genres has created more opportunities than it has limited. I’ve had the privilege of working with the British bookseller, Waterstones, delivering author events, speaking at literary festivals, running school workshops, and contributing to libraries, book groups, and author groups. In almost every case, organizers are interested in the full scope of what I do. They don’t ask me to choose. They want to hear about my processes, my stories, and my readers.
Clarity is key. I keep my branding distinct. My children’s books and adult fiction are presented separately with different visual styles, tones, and messaging. This way, each genre is speaking directly to its intended audience. But I never shy away from the fact that I write both. In fact, my dual-genre identity is something readers often remember.
This approach won’t be right for everyone. Some authors thrive by focusing deeply on one genre, and that remains an effective path. If you feel the pull toward more than one form of storytelling, it’s worth considering. However, it does need to be thought through extremely carefully, and with a clear understanding of who your readers are and how they find your work. For instance, writing picture books alongside young adult fiction might not create the same crossover, and you may find yourself speaking to very different audiences.
For me, writing in two genres has not diluted my work, it has enriched it. It’s broadened my reach, deepened my understanding of audience, and allowed me to connect with readers across generations. It has given me the chance to explore very different kinds of stories and to enjoy both the subtle power of a picture book and the intricate layers of a mystery.
Pauline Tait is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author of children’s picture books and romantic mysteries. Her picture books spark imagination and support early literacy, while her novels follow women overcoming extraordinary challenges, finding love, and discovering their inner strength. With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the publishing world, Pauline is also a professional writing and publishing mentor to children’s authors.
paulinetait.com
