Breaking Genre Stereotypes: Writing the Story Only You Can Tell
M. Tobias Harris explores what it means to write stories that refuse to fit neatly into a single genre, examining both the creative freedom and the practical challenges of genre-bending work, and how authors can strategically position unconventional stories without losing their intended readers.
Do you have a story that defies stereotypes? Or perhaps yours is so unique that no single genre can define it. If so, you’re not alone. Many authors are lovers of multiple genres and want to incorporate their own flavor of storytelling—often blending tropes in fresh ways that challenge and redefine readers’ expectations.
Maybe you’ve written a romance with horror elements, combining pulse-pounding love with adrenaline-fueled fear. Or maybe, like me, you’re on a mission to challenge assumptions about an entire group—creating action-packed battles layered with Christian themes to show that a book doesn’t need to be sanitized in order to teach meaningful life lessons.
Whatever your vision, you know your story doesn’t fit neatly into one genre—and you’re excited to break the mold.
But here’s what I’ve learned: genre expectations exist for a reason.
The majority of readers gravitate toward stories that follow familiar beats. When your book doesn’t fit well into any one category, it becomes harder to find a dedicated audience. Readers may hesitate to pick it up at all. Take the romance-horror blend mentioned earlier—fans of either genre may be turned off by the crossover, leaving both groups uninterested.
So what’s the solution?
It’s entirely possible to position and attract readers to a non-stereotypical book successfully. In fact, many authors have done just that. But to join their ranks, you’ll need to be strategic.
Here are some helpful steps to consider when attempting to create a story that smashes expectations of a genre:
1. Research Your Target Genre(s)
- Who are successful authors within the genres or stereotypes you plan to write in?
- What plot devices or tropes do they commonly use?
- What is the primary age demographic—and is your writing appropriate for that audience?
- Are there any influencers, reviewers, or social media voices who regularly promote books that align with your blend of genres?
2. Define Your Primary Genre
Even if your book straddles multiple genres, you’ll need to pick a primary one—especially when it comes to pitching, submitting to competitions, or listing in marketplaces.
Ask yourself: What genre will best frame the story’s core themes?
For instance, I initially thought my book was firmly in the action/adventure category. However, after examining how it resonated deeply with readers interested in spiritual and symbolic fantasy books, I realized that the religious fiction audience might be more likely to enjoy it.
Knowing what shelf your book would sit on—literally or digitally—makes all the difference.
3. Enjoy What You’ve Written
This may seem obvious, but you must be your book’s biggest fan. If you can’t sit down and enjoy your own published story, something has gone terribly wrong.
Even if others don’t fully connect with your work, your passion and joy for your own story will carry you forward. That love will shine through—and it’s often what readers connect with most.
In Conclusion
Writing is a joyful, creative, frustrating, tireless, and enriching experience. And while breaking genre stereotypes can be risky, it’s also deeply rewarding. I can’t promise that blazing your own trail will lead to mainstream success, but being a pioneer always has its own rewards.
And who knows? If done well, you just might bring together a whole new community of like-minded readers—people who never knew they needed a story like yours, until now.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M Tobias Harris is a fantasy author who enjoys creating exciting, honor-driven worlds with stories that attempt to teach a moral lesson. When he is not mentally creating battles between monster-like creatures and modern-day special forces, he is raising his two rambunctious boys and attempting to be a better man, husband, and follower of God.
Website: https://mtobiasharris.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormtobias/
ECHOES OF THE TOMB
Choice is power. And every choice comes with a price.
On the frontlines, the elite warriors of Sword 1-1-8 live and die by their King’s command. Death is acceptable; defeat is not. Ordered to defend a crumbling fort behind enemy lines, every decision they make will shape not only their survival but the fate of their kingdom.
Far from the battlefield, Henry faces struggles of a different kind. His choices seem small, yet their weight follows him through failure, regret, and fleeting moments of hope. His journey reflects the same truth the warriors must face: the greatest battles are not only fought with swords.
Across years and battlefields, one truth binds them together—the war is waged not only on the field, but within the human heart.
Fans of epic battles, deep brotherhood, and soul-searching journeys won’t want to miss this action-packed fantasy adventure.
