As I searched for topics for this month’s blog, this article captured my attention.
“In essence, the best Genre Fiction contains great writing, with the goal of telling a captivating story to escape from reality. Literary Fiction is comprised of the heart and soul of a writer’s being, and is experienced as an emotional journey through the symphony of words, leading to a stronger grasp of the universe and of ourselves.”
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/literary-fiction-vs-genre-fiction_b_4859609
When I began writing seriously, I thought the so called “battle” of Genre vs Literary Fiction was the most ridiculous fight of which I’d ever heard. Why not combine the two? (That’s one main goal in my writing.)
I sought more information.
“James Lee Burke, mystery author, has helped draw general fiction fans over to the genre with his rich literary prose and complex heroes like Dave Robicheaux.”
https://mysterypeople.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/if-you-like-james-lee-burke
When I write, I incorporate strong feelings from experiences I’ve had, or those from someone I know, have met, or transcribed their interviews. That in and of itself is of course, not Literary Fiction.
But to choose what to do about my emotions, to learn how an individual processes them and what effect they have on society—only humans can make those choices. I like that about Literary Fiction.
GENRE FICTION SUMMARIZED:
- “Commercial” fiction, more focused on widespread appeal
- Bestsellers are those that break the mold with original world-building, plot twists, and memorable characters
- More of a business
- Entertainment/Escapism
- Large-scale drama with external conflict
- Page-turning plot
- See: Game of Thrones or Harry Potter
For example, mystery writer David Baldacci’s books like the Archer series automatically pull readers’ emotions to the surface, as any good story should. But the Archer stories help me escape my own realities, I’m truly entertained. Also, I learn more about the craft of writing and a business income from Genre Fiction. And if I solve the “who dunnit” I’m happy about my sleuthing ability.
LITERARY FICTION SUMMARIZED:
- “Serious” fiction
- More often takes place in realistic settings
- Historical fiction may be in this category
- Stories may be written with experimental style
- …literary novels focus on the quality of the prose, as well as explore questions such as, what is forgiveness?
John Grisham is known for his legal thrillers—Genre Fiction—yet he has written books such as Bleachers that I consider Literary Fiction because the entire story is about character development, looking inside yourself, and maturing enough emotionally to forgive someone.
- Discussions of psychology and philosophy are at the heart of these stories
- Relies more on symbolism, metaphor, and nuance
- Often treated as a craft
- Improvement of self
- Small-scale Drama with Internal Conflict
- Carefully constructed sentences
For example: Lincoln in the Bardo—with over 100 narrators—I admit, I wasn’t sure if the Bardo came to Lincoln or Lincoln went to the Bardo.
See also, The Rent Collector and The Handmaiden’s Tale; the latter is considered both Literary and Sci-fi.
“Beyond public perception, the literary vs. genre debate also holds importance in marketing. Readers often look for certain characteristics in books, whether that be interesting world-building or thought-provoking writing or both. Umbrella labels can help you or your publisher reach the best audience for your story.”
https://medium.com/swlh/literary-vs-genre-fiction-9173e11e77df
“During the Great Recession in 2008-2009, sales for most every consumer item you can think of declined—except for romance novels. Those sales went up.
“In difficult times, people need a pick-me-up. Romance novels provide the distraction and balm people crave when the world seems to be falling apart—or, in this case, when the whole concept of “togetherness” has become more complicated than a love triangle.
“Romances offer diversion, excitement and escapism.” (Like all well-written Genre Fiction)
In 2015. J. K. Rowling and Stephen King each grossed an estimated $19 million. Janet Evanovitch was a couple million ahead of them; modern mystery with a dose of humor are big sellers too. In 2018, James Patterson topped the list at $89 million.
If you want to say something of societal importance in your writing, can you say/show/teach it via genre fiction? If so, then you may be in business.
Thank you to Quotidian Writer YouTube channel and https://silver-apples.squarespace.com/blog
(Image by nugroho dwi hartawan from Pixabay)
Good post! I too straddle the literary/genre divide, though in my case the genre is not recognized: Hippie Lit/ Counterculture Lit – not just a time period but an outlook, an ethos. The experiences of folks in the counterculture certainly prioritize introspection, which would lean “literary,” but also serve as a genre, a set of values and touchstones that should resonate with a wide audience. I’m deeply invested in my characters, trying to understand each one even as they clash with each other. My use of metaphor and careful description play off the plots of my novels, “Karmafornia” and “Superball” – I think they enhance each other. How would you classify Anne Tyler? Certainly a best-seller, she writes wonderful characters, and plots tend to be secondary. I think her books should be taught in high school: teens often feel odd or weird – her odd weird characters are appealing, and they manage.
Great post. The writers I most admire are those who straddle both. When I can do both well I’ve met my goal.
I disagree with this — not in any of your definitions, they’re spot on — but with the automatic assumption that literary fiction isn’t it’s own genre. Genre just means “category” — it’s a label that tells a reader what they can expect from a book they pick up off the shelf. Literary fiction carries it’s own set of reader expectations — as well as it’s own tropes and cliches — and nothing hurts other genres more than the assumption that literary fiction is the only genre that equals “good” writing. This is an example of elitism in the publishing world that drives me crazy, and discredits good writers simply because they align their world-building with a certain genre (romance, spec fic, mystery, etc) so that their readers can find them. Rather than saying your book is both literary and another genre, why not just own the fact that your book can be expertly, beautifully written, AND categorized as genre?
All that said, thanks for bringing attention to this, as it’s a conversation I think we need to have more often!
I agree with Erin. Literary fiction is as much a genre as romance, mystery, or SF. It’s all marketing, and has nothing to do with the worth of a novel.