Here at the start of another new year, as we all set goals we’d like to accomplish in 2019, I’d like to suggest something a little different. Throughout this year I will be participating in a genre challenge. What is that, you ask?

All too often, I find, readers settle into what they like to read—what’s comfortable for them. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it does leave so much untouched. As a thriller writer, I read, not surprisingly, thrillers. But in order to grow as a writer, and as a reader, this year I’m challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone.

This year I will attempt to read four books outside of the genres I normally read. I will be reading one per quarter and I challenge any other writer or reader who views this post to do the same. Expand your horizons beyond the familiar and who knows what you might find? What you might learn? Or what you might love?

To start things off, here in the soon-to-be season of Valentine’s Day, I’m reading a romance book. This is far afield from my normal reads, but I look forward to seeing how a romance writer maintains a reader’s interest when the “happily ever after” is never in doubt. And without a doubt, given the size of the market, many readers interest is maintained.

Check out my genre challenge shelf here on Goodreads to keep up to date with the books and genres I choose. And by all means, join me on this journey. If you can’t commit to four books, commit to one. Comment below if you’ll join me on this reading odyssey, and if you do, I look forward to hearing what you thought of the books you chose outside your own comfort zones!!