I’ve really appreciated the conversations happening around The Hollow the last few days—it’s been interesting hearing how people respond to tone and atmosphere.
What’s surprised me is how different reactions are depending on the type of story. Some people lean toward the slow, uneasy build, others want something more grounded and emotional, and some are drawn to bigger high-concept ideas.
As a writer, I’ve found myself pulled in all of those directions depending on the story I’m working on.
Curious—do you tend to stick to one kind of storytelling, or do you find yourself moving between different styles depending on the idea?
I think the story has to dictate the style or the audience can feel the mismatch even if they cant name it. The writers who lock into one lane often end up bending every idea to fit their voice instead of letting the idea breathe on its own terms.
The interesting part is what happens when a story pulls you into unfamiliar territory. That discomfort usually means the idea is strong enough to override your habits. And the work that comes out of that tends to feel more alive because you are solving problems you have never solved before.
I have been working on a project that blends grounded sci fi with character drama and the tone shifts depending on whether a scene is about the technology or the people reacting to it. Both have to feel honest but they require completely different instincts. Sticking to one style would have killed the project.
That range you are describing with The Hollow sounds like it is serving you well. The fact that audiences are responding to different tones in your work means you are not just writing one note.