by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com
It’s tempting to look at successful books in your genre and try to write something similar. But the thing that actually makes readers remember your work isn’t how well you fit the mold—it’s the quirky details and perspectives that only you would think to include.
Pay Attention to What You Notice That Others Don’t
Everyone sees the world through their own filter, and yours is different from every other writer’s. Maybe you’re fascinated by the way people organize their kitchen cabinets, or you notice how differently people react to unexpected weather. Perhaps you have strong opinions about the proper way to load a dishwasher, or you’ve always wondered why some people talk to their houseplants. These oddly specific observations that feel natural to you are exactly what can make your writing stand out from everyone else tackling similar stories.
Trust Your Natural Voice and Interests
The things you’re genuinely curious about will always come across more authentically than topics you think you should write about. If you’re endlessly fascinated by small-town politics, that enthusiasm will infuse your cozy mystery with energy that feels real. If you find yourself drawn to stories about people starting over in midlife, that personal interest will create more compelling characters than trying to write about demographics you think are more marketable. Your genuine enthusiasm shows up in your writing whether you realize it or not.
Let Your Background Inform Your Stories
Your job, hobbies, family situation, and life experiences give you insider knowledge that other writers don’t have. A nurse will write medical scenes differently than someone who’s never worked in healthcare. Someone who grew up in a military family understands aspects of that lifestyle that others might miss. A person who’s moved frequently has different insights about community dynamics than someone who’s lived in the same town forever. These aren’t limitations—they’re advantages that let you write about familiar territory with authority and authentic detail.
Embrace the Things That Make You Different
Maybe you have an unusual hobby, come from an interesting cultural background, or have lived in places that most people only visit. Perhaps you have strong opinions about coffee preparation, know more than average about local history, or understand the complexities of managing a blended family. These aspects of your personality and experience naturally seep into your writing, creating characters and situations that feel fresh because they’re drawn from your specific reality rather than generic research.
Know Your Market Without Copying It
Understanding what’s selling in your genre helps you make informed decisions, but it shouldn’t dictate every choice you make. Read widely in your category to understand reader expectations and current trends, but use that knowledge as a foundation rather than a template. Readers within genres often crave something that feels both familiar and surprising. Your individual perspective applied to genre conventions creates that sweet spot where readers feel comfortable but not bored.
The writers who stand out aren’t the ones who perfectly execute the same formula everyone else uses. They’re the ones who bring something distinctly their own to familiar territory, making readers think “I never would have thought of it that way, but it makes perfect sense.”
What’s one quirky thing about your perspective that shows up in your writing whether you plan it or not?
Your quirky perspective is what sets your writing apart from others in your genre. Don't hide your weird—embrace it: Share on X