Action/Adventure. Action sequences get our blood pumping. We sit on the edge of our seats as the hero dodges gunfire or chases after the bad guys in a souped-up sports car. The lesson to be learned from writing action/adventure is pacing. If you can learn to write a compelling action sequence, you need to master the delicate balance of details and description that allow the reader to visualize the story clearly without dragging down the pace of the action.

Comedy. Never underestimate the power of laughter. While the nonstop jokes and humor in a straight comedic piece are great, comedy can also be effective in nearly every other genre, whether easing the tension in a horror story, or adding some levity to a family drama. The funny moments are often the most memorable in a story, and they're not easy to accomplish. Learning how to write comedy can infuse your work with a sense of humor that adds depth and entertainment value.

Drama. The single greatest benefit to writing drama is the lack of other genre conventions. Drama doesn't rely on the thrills of action, the chills of horror, or the laughs of a comedy; it's conflict in its purest form. And when you don't have plot devices and genre conventions to rely on, that conflict most often has to come from the characters themselves. Learning to write drama can help you develop complex characters that are interesting even when there aren't genre conventions to rely on... and absolutely captivating when there are.

Erotica/Romance. Love and sexuality are a part of the human experience. Some people may be more private about this aspect of their lives than others, but the vast majority of us, at some point in our lives, deal with loving someone and possibly even expressing that love in a physical way. Being able to write love scenes is a critical skill for a writer to have in his or her repertoire... and one that many writers shy away from. Characters, just like people, have different personalities; the ability to write a character who realistically embraces his or her sexuality or understands the dynamics of a romantic relationship are powerful skills to have.

Family/Children's. Writing stories that the whole family can enjoy isn't just about writing for little kids. At its best, this genre is challenge to write something that appeals to audiences of all ages; stories that kids and their parents alike can enjoy together. While writing is a creative endeavor, publishing is a business one. Understanding how to appeal to a core audience with a broad range in ages and maturity levels can only help make your work more desirable to a publisher concerned with potential book sales.

Horror. Perhaps more than any other genre, horror relies on atmosphere. You have to use detail and description to create a mood for the audience... to put them in a place where, even curled up in bed with all the lights on, they're still afraid to look under the bed or check on that strange noise coming from the attic. Sharpening your horror-writing skills teaches you to make the most of every sentence; to create the appropriate atmosphere for every scene of your story by carefully selecting the words that will make the most impact on the reader's imagination.

Mystery. Stories wouldn't be very interesting if we knew what was going to happen at every step of the way. By practicing writing mysteries, you develop your ability to structure the surprises and twists in your story... to provide carefully-laid clues that will keep the reader guessing without giving it away. A healthy amount of mystery and suspense about what's going to happen next is what carries most stories; writing mysteries can develop your sense of what clues to reveal to the audience at what points to create maximum effect.

Period/Historical. Writing stories set in past eras requires the ability to research and accurately depict the time period. Unlike other fiction where every aspect of the story is able to be created from nothing, period pieces are set in a definite, established time period. A time period that can be researched and compared to the story, and inconsistencies pointed out. Historical fiction gives you the practice necessary to thoroughly research and effectively portray elements of a nonfiction setting, and blend them with your fictional creations.

Science Fiction/Fantasy. These two genres require the most suspension of disbelief on behalf of the audience. To enter a fantastical world distinctly different from our own, we have to believe in that world. Writing in these two genres can give you great practice at persuading your audience to believe the setting, even when that setting is one where you're building entire worlds from scratch. The sheer scope of creating a fantasy world or using a science fiction story as a metaphor, allegory, or commentary on a real-life issue is an incredible challenge to write effectively.