Hello!

The very quick version of this email:

💡 Your writing counts (even if you've heard some snooty opinions)

🎉 I work with all kinds of writers across a range of genres

👉 Request a FREE chat about your writing & your next steps​

---

I've just wrapped up Draft Five of a contemporary romance novel ... and while I'm excited about it, it's hard not to have some doubts.

There are people in my life who think romance is some kind of lesser genre. And it's easy for me to feel this novel is too simple. It's "boy meets girl". It has tropes that some people may roll their eyes at.

Have you ever felt that way about your writing?

I hope whatever you're working on, you know (and truly feel) that it matters. That it's just as valid as anyone else's writing. That it counts.

But I know that you may be writing in a genre that attracts an unfair amount of, for want of a better word, "snootiness".

In some cases, any book that's commercial rather than literary attracts this, but it's particularly common in genres like:

• Romance
• Science fiction and fantasy
• Fan fiction

But all of these are massive genres, enjoyed by a huge number of (thoughtful, interesting, and intelligent) readers.

I've got a degree in English Literature and a masters in Creative Writing, so I've read my fair share of books that are challenging and that attract literary acclaim ... but these days, I'm often just wanting a book that's going to entertain me during a few minutes of down time! If there's something moving, thought-provoking, or unusual about it, that's a nice bonus, but basically, I want a good story and characters I care about.

I think a lot of readers feel the same.

If you're writing something that's often dismissed, please know that it really does count. That your story might be the treat that someone's looking forward to at the end of a long, tiring day. That your book might be the highlight of someone's week.

It all counts.

When I'm working one-to-one with the novelists I coach, or working with writers as a group in Writers' Cafe, I love seeing the range of genres that people are tackling. To me, everyone's stories are equally valid and equally important, and it's always a joy to celebrate seeing writers reach "The End".

Happy writing,

Ali

---

Want to have a chat about your writing? I've got FREE roadmap call slots available over the next couple of weeks. These are designed to help you get really clear on your next steps to move forward with a novel, short story, or any creative writing project.

There's zero obligation to buy anything after the call, though I'll be very happy to talk you through my coaching options if you're interested.

👉 Request your Roadmap call here (takes less than 60 seconds)

If you want to type the link, aliventures.com/roadmap takes you to the form.

---

Use the password alinewsletter to get freebies at aliventures.com/newsletter-secret​

​Aliventures Blog | Writers' Cafe |

Find me on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook​

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.