Genre vs Feeling
I sent out a newsletter to my newsletter subscribers a few weeks ago. Reading through the responses, I noticed something surprising.
There was a lot of interest in my other fantasy projects… and very little interest in Zodiac.
On paper, Zodiac and Dreamweavers are both fantasy. And yet, they don't feel the same. But when I think about Constantine, I get the same kind of golden vibe as when I think about Dreamweavers.
Despite being told to pick a lane and stay in it, I write across genres. That means historical, mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, you name it. But after reading the responses from that survey, I realized it isn’t about the genre it’s about the feeling.
Because of this, I'm changing the way I sort my stories. Introducing my gold and silver collections!
The Gold Collection
Stories set in historical-inspired worlds with mystery, atmosphere, and subtle magic or fantastical elements. Cozy, warm, golden, vibes.
Includes:
Historical mystery stories
Historical fantasy or retellings
Atmospheric, slow-burn plots
Secrets, investigations, and hidden truths
Strong focus on setting and mood
Example Projects:
The Constantine Capers Series (Ongoing)
A historical mystery set in Victorian London
Secret Societies
Slow-burn romance.
Dreamweavers (Future Production)
YA fantasy with a renaissance-style Italian backdrop.
Magic systems based on emotions, dreams, and memories.
A world built on dreams with a protagonist who has never had one.
Lots of references to fabric/weaving/looms. (i.e. fabric of the world, the Great Unraveling, Dreamweavers, etc.)
The Silver Collection
Stories set in speculative or futuristic-leaning worlds involving science fantasy, time travel, or altered reality. Sleek, cool, silver vibes.
Includes:
Science fantasy stories
Time travel narratives
Alternate reality or speculative fiction
Action-driven or discovery-based plots
Example Projects:
The Thirteenth Zodiac Saga (In Production)
Space Fantasy
A dictator who believes he is destined to save the galaxy
A protagonist that never wanted powers—but is hunted for them anyway
Magic system based on the Zodiac Constellations (but not related to astrology)
The Darkest Day (Future Production)
Dystopian Time Travel Thriller
A world where criminals aren’t given the death penalty—their memories are erased
A protagonist discovering that things aren’t as they seem
And because of that shift, I’m also changing how my newsletter works so you can choose what you actually want to hear about.
Those of you who are on my newsletter can choose to receive any of these updates:
1. Gold Updates: Warm, atmospheric stories rooted in history, mystery, and subtle magic. Includes launch updates, cover reveals, behind the scenes insights, and sales for this group. If you like Constantine Capers, you'll want these updates.
2. Silver Updates: Sleek, futuristic-leaning stories where time, reality, and possibility shift. Includes launch updates, cover reveals, behind the scenes insights, and sales for this group. If you liked The Thirteenth Zodiac, you'll want these updates.
3. Events: Information about conferences, book signings, in-person launches, and any other events. Where in the world is Natalie Brianne?
4. Proof of Life: Whatever random piffle Natalie sends out to prove she does have a life outside of books. Includes crochet projects, cat sightings, etc..
5. Author Compendium: For readers who are also writers, or who enjoy seeing how stories are built from the inside out. These emails/blogs can be more technical and talk about writing craft.
6. Recommendations: Emails that feature other authors or books that you might like.
Because, at the end of the day, it’s nice to have a choice.
If you aren’t part of my newsletter but are interested in joining, click the “Join the Newsletter” button at the bottom of the site.
