How to Find the Right Genre for Your Writing Career
Choosing the right writing genre is one of the most important decisions you can make as a writer. Whether you dream of publishing a novel, crafting personal essays, writing poetry, or shaping stories for young readers, your genre influences your creative process, your audience, and your long-term career opportunities.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What kind of writer am I really?” You’re not alone. Many writers experiment across genres before finding the one that feels like home. The good news is that finding your genre isn’t about limiting yourself. It’s about aligning your strengths, interests, and professional goals with the type of writing that brings out your best work.
Below, we’ll explore how to identify the right genre for your writing career and how advanced writing programs at Lindenwood University can help you refine your voice and build a sustainable future as a writer.
What Stories Are You Drawn To?
One of the easiest ways to uncover your genre is to look at what you already enjoy reading and writing. The books, essays, poems, or stories you gravitate toward often reflect the type of work you’re meant to create.
Ask yourself:
- Do you enjoy telling real stories rooted in lived experiences?
- Are you constantly imagining characters, worlds, and plotlines?
- Do you find meaning in language, rhythm, and emotional expression?
- Are you drawn to writing for children, teens, or young adults?
Your answers can point you toward a genre that aligns naturally with your instincts.
Explore Creative Nonfiction
If you’re drawn to memoirs, personal essays, literary journalism, or narrative storytelling grounded in truth, creative nonfiction may be the right fit. Writers in this genre often explore identity, culture, history, and personal experience through compelling storytelling.
Creative nonfiction is a strong choice for writers interested in:
- Memoir and personal essay writing
- Narrative journalism and long-form nonfiction
- Cultural commentary and reflective storytelling
Programs like Lindenwood’s Writing Creative Nonfiction focused MFA allows writers to refine their voice while learning how to publish and teach nonfiction in professional settings.
Love Building Worlds? Choose Fiction!
Fiction writers thrive on imagination. If you enjoy developing characters, crafting plots, and exploring “what if” scenarios, fiction offers endless creative freedom. This genre is ideal for writers who want to create novels, short stories, or genre fiction such as fantasy, literary fiction, or speculative work.
Fiction may be right for you if you enjoy:
- Character development and storytelling
- Writing short stories or novels
- Exploring themes through imagined worlds
Lindenwood’s Writing Fiction MFA helps writers deepen their narrative craft while preparing for publishing, teaching, or professional writing careers.
Drawn to Language and Emotion? Lean into Poetry.
Poetry emphasizes precision, emotion, and form. If you find yourself focused on word choice, imagery, rhythm, and meaning, poetry may be your natural genre. Many poets also work across disciplines, blending poetry with performance, visual art, or teaching.
Poetry is a strong fit if you enjoy:
- Expressive, concise writing
- Exploring language, sound, and structure
- Writing for literary journals or performance spaces
A Writing MFA with Poetry Emphasis provides advanced mentorship and community support while helping writers build a professional portfolio.
Explore Young Adult and Middle Grade Writing
Writing for children and teens requires creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of audience. If you’re passionate about storytelling that resonates with younger readers, this genre can be both meaningful and impactful.
Young Adult and Middle Grade writing is ideal for those who want to:
- Write novels for children or teens
- Create age-appropriate, engaging narratives
- Influence young readers through storytelling
Lindenwood’s Writing Young Adult and Middle Grade focused MFA allows writers to specialize in this genre while gaining industry insight and publishing experience.
Think About Your Career Goals
Your genre choice should also support where you want your writing career to go. Some writers aim to publish books; others want to teach, edit, or work in communications, education, or nonprofit storytelling. Many careers benefit from advanced writing credentials that demonstrate expertise and discipline.
Graduate-level writing programs help writers:
- Build professional portfolios
- Receive mentorship from published faculty
- Prepare for teaching, publishing, or creative careers
- Develop discipline and long-term writing habits
Lindenwood’s online Writing MFA program is designed to support working adults, offering flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.
Remember That Genres Can Evolve
Choosing a genre doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever. Many successful writers work across multiple genres or shift focus over time. The key is starting with the genre that excites you enough to commit to growth, practice, and refinement.
An MFA program gives you the structure and feedback needed to explore your genre deeply while developing transferable writing skills that apply across industries.
Finding Your Place as a Writer
Finding the right genre is about understanding yourself as a storyteller. When your genre aligns with your interests and goals, writing feels purposeful rather than forced. Whether your passion lies in nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or writing for young readers, the right academic environment can help you turn that passion into a career.
Lindenwood University’s online Writing MFA program offer multiple genre-focused pathways, allowing writers to specialize while building the confidence, skills, and credentials needed to succeed in today’s creative landscape.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your writing journey, exploring your genre may be the beginning of something lasting. To contact your online academic advisor, please call (636) 206-7122 or email [email protected]. If you are looking for guidance in the admissions process, please visit the admissions counselor directory.