Can you pursue publication of a book outside of your lane? My short answer is yes. My long answer is BUT. This whole kerfuffle in publishing isn’t your fault, but it becomes your responsibility. Just like writing outside of your lane requires due diligence, so does publishing outside of your lane.
Publishing a book is impressive, even if it’s not a book you’re personally impressed with. Second, any book can fill a need. That’s why some “poorly written” books jump into stardom.
If you’re struggling with reading, it’s not just you. The average human apparently now has a shorter attention span than a goldfish. Reading comprehension and endurance are becoming particularly noticeable in college students.
Whether online or in person, your tactic should always be the same: work to your strengths. Will it sometimes feel a little uncomfortable? Maybe. But there’s a big difference between momentarily stepping out of your comfort zone and “no way in hell am I ever doing that.” It may take time to learn.
Regardless of how true this phenomenon is or not, the concept of the junior novel nonetheless has a strong message: That a career in writing requires that you keep writing. Instant or overnight success is not an appropriate dream to chase, neither for reality nor for our own wellbeing.
