One struggle some writers have is that they want to write in several quite different areas.

Maybe they're writing a novel and a blog, or they freelance and write short stories, or they're working on a memoir and a poetry collection.

Or it could be several of those all at once!

Some writers would say it's best to focus on one area at a time. And it's true that if you tackle too many different projects at once, it's hard to build up momentum.

But I think there are some great reasons to try out different areas of writing ... even if you have one main project (like a novel) that's your main focus.

Here's why.

#1: You Don't Know What You'll Love Until You Try It

Throughout my teens and early twenties, I thought I wanted to make my living from writing fiction. 

I hadn't even considered freelance writing until I stumbled into it through blogging. But I really enjoyed it ... and 17 years on, I'm still freelancing.

Perhaps you've written a blog but never tried a novel or short story. Or maybe you've only written short stories, never any poetry.

Don't rule out anything: if you haven't tried a particular type of writing, you can't be sure whether or not you'll like it.

#2: Switching Between Projects Can Help You Write More

Do you ever get stuck with your writing ... or just bored of it? I love writing fiction, but I think I'd struggle to enjoy it as much if I did it all day, every day.

Switching between different types of writing can help you get more done overall. If you're not in a "fiction writing" mood, perhaps you'll work on a blog post instead. Or if you need a break from freelancing, you might craft a poem.

#3: All Writing Experience is Helpful (One Way or Another)

Sometimes, you'll try your hand at a writing project that just doesn't work out. You'll still learn something from it. That could be:

• You'll learn that you can write around your day job
• You'll develop a character who you want to use in a different project
• You'll come up with an image that you want to re-use
• You'll learn what you don't want to write ... and that will get you closer to what you do want to write

If you're happy and focused working on a single big project (like a novel, blog, memoir, or short story collection), then by all means stick with it!

But if you'd like to dip a toe into a new area of writing ... there's no reason not to, and it might just give you a burst of fresh creative energy.