Are you feeling stifled in your writing? Uncreative? Blocked?

Or maybe you’re afraid that your story is too much like everyone else’s. Too formulaic. Too predictable.

Don’t worry. You can work with that. Instead of diving deeper and expecting more from your manuscript and your genre, try taking a break.

Read other genres.

Why? Because you need a break. Your brain needs a break. And sometimes stepping outside of your comfort genre will expose you to characters, plots, twists, and subplots you’ve never considered before. You’re not going to steal someone else’s story idea, but getting out of the fantasy bubble and picking up a romance novel might unexpectedly delight you. Or bore you. Either way, you’ll leave with an idea of something you like or don’t like (and maybe a spark of inspiration).

This is my challenge to you—read at least two books outside of your genre this year. See what else is out there. Find out what other people are doing. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something you love.