49. Avoiding pitfalls when writing cross-genre w/ Kellie McIntyre

Do you have a story idea that doesn’t fit neatly into one genre? If you’ve ever considered writing cross-genre, then stick around and learn how one author managed to successfully combine travel writing, memoir, and young adult into a single book. You’ll also know the key benefits of researching your idea compared to the others who’ve already published, and you’ll learn how to find quality editors who support your goals.As a bonus, you’ll also hear about Kellie’s and Erin’s travels abroad.Topics discussed in this episode: Trying to write during maternity leaveTraveling the world and blogging with her middle schoolersBinging YouTube writing craft videosReading one-star reviews for similar booksWriting the first draft in three monthsHiring three different editors when writing cross-genreFinding good editors and avoiding bad experiencesTelling her family she’s writing a memoir about themDon’t fret not having a formal writing degreeFavorite booksBONUS: Entering middle school curriculumsBONUS: Percentages of drafted and published booksAbout Kellie: Kellie McIntyre is a Southern girl with a passion for cultural and adventure travel. She has explored 50 countries across six continents and will finally make it to Antarctica in November 2023. In 2013, Kellie, her husband, and their two daughters traded middle school for a global adventure. That experience led to a first-class education from economy seats. And that education has turned into her new book. It is a “Dork Diaries meets The Amazing Race” family travel memoir with a unique twist—it’s written from her 14- and 12-year-old daughters’ perspectives. Kellie also shares tips for planning and surviving global family (mis)adventures on her travel blog, 4 Worn Passports. Kellie’s daughters are now young adults, and Kellie and her husband are empty-nesters in Alabama. They work in real estate.Get her book:The Passport Project: Two Sisters Ditch Middle School for a Life-Changing Journey Around the World: https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Project-Sisters-Life-Changing-Journey/dp/1737743817 Connect w/ Kellie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4WornPassports/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4WornPassports Travel blog: https://4wornpassports.com/ Books discussed during the show: The Girl with Seven Names, by Hyeonseo LeeEscaping from Camp 14, by Blaine HardenA Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael BeahFirst They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, by Loung UngFrom the Land of Green Ghosts, by Pascal Khoo ThweSend us Fan MailREADY TO TAKE YOUR WRITING FURTHER? Join our Patreon community and access our vibrant Discord writing group to get writing prompts, participate in sprints, download free resources, and more: https://www.patreon.com/erinptcanningeditor