You might find that kind of support in an RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapter.

I’d emphasize experimenting with writing different genres when you start to write. When you find one that seems more natural or where the words come faster, that’s probably where you ought to be. If you’re struggling to write a book in a genre you think will sell, you’re spinning your wheels. Jordan’s absolutely right about not getting stuck writing something you really don’t enjoy just because you think it will sell. You have to be able to repeat it again and again.

Very comprehensive post. You didn’t leave much for me to add.*G*

I found a little something. It won’t apply to everyone, but might help some. Study the market, what’s hot what’s not, what are readers clamoring for, etc. Not so much to write to it, but to see if there’s momentum you can catch in it and ride for the genre in which you want to write.

I wanted to write western historical. I had a strong series that I knew had legs. It also had great editor interest, but I couldn’t sell it because, well, pretty, much the genre. However, WH used to be THE genre. (paranormal grew out of it) It had a lot of readers dying for more, but no one was writing it. To me that screamed hungry niche. A hungry niche is an opportunity to create a market. So, I built a marketing plan and went forth.

FWIW, I see the current hungry niche being big contemps (heat level immaterial) with deep characterization and strong romance. Think Sandra Canfield’s Night into Day. The next trend I think will be futuristics as that’s are a natural out growth out of paranormal and urban fantasy and takes those elements to the next level. I think we will also see a return to popularity of more books where the characters are bigger than the world. That’s just a natural swing.

There, *putting my crystal ball away* my input and predictions. All before coffee. (so please forgive typos)