I have just the opposite problem. I'm a wise cracking sassy pants and when I try to do something serious? BOOM. crickets

How about using a kicker of humor, sarcasm, wit, funny, etc. to give the readers a heads up right up front that this piece will not be "the usual" that they are used to.

Or maybe pub with The Haven or Muddyum until your readers get used to the switch up. Just a thought. Come on up, the stage is big enough for all of us ;-)