Different writers is a better word choice. Encyclopaedia Britannica describes fiction as “literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact, though it may be based on a true story or situation”. Popular or genre fiction makes a beeline from the opening paragraph to the final scene. It is also a powerful example of Literary Fiction, with a distinct fascination with war and fighting. For this week’s new episode of Yak Babies we discuss so-called literary fiction: What does the phrase mean, is it little more than a marketing term, how is it distinguished from genre fiction, etc.. In creative writing, we talk about form and genre. Literary fiction, on the other hand, has a more organic approach. Incidentally, I know some writers of literary fiction, and they are just as down to earth as the rest of us, so we must beware of stereotyping them, otherwise we are just as guilty. Popular works like Hunger Games and Harry Potter take on social and political issues in a fantasy realm. 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. The truth is that both literary and genre fiction can be hugely impactful, and both must be outstanding in … Not everything needs to be nicely packaged. This difference manifests itself in various ways. Form is what we write: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.Genre is how we further classify each of these forms.. Literary fiction, on the other hand, is a bit trickier to define. Many literary fiction writers are writing science fiction and thrillers, while genre fiction writers are importing literary fiction techniques. But it is also an example of Genre Fiction, as it “contains great writing, with the goal of telling a captivating story to escape from reality” (Petite). “Literary Fiction Vs. Genre Fiction.” (2014). However, the boundaries are not fixed, and major literary figures have employed the genres of science fiction, crime fiction, romance, etc, to create works of literature. The works of Stephen King, Thomas Harris, Michael Crichton, Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Unlike genre fiction, which follows a loose but predictable narrative, literary fiction doesn’t adhere to any rules. Yes, across the bestseller lists there are novels that contain poor writing, and those lists are normally dominated by Genre Fiction. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. The opening scene where the two boys are “trying to make each other tougher” by fighting, to the end where they join the Marines to “answer the fierce alarm of war” illustrate its value as a literary piece (Percy 625, 638). The common names for these two divergent types of fiction are literary fiction and popular or genre fiction. This change is not without merit. The continual references to the Marine base, Dave Lightener, and fighting theatrically emphasize the genre of war stories. By these definitions, it seems like the main purpose of “Genre Fiction” is to entertain, and its stories are constrained by very specific rules (therefore predictable and formulaic) while “Literary Fiction” is only bestowed upon works that are free of conventional “genre” tropes (and thus more deserving of prestigious recognition from the literary community at large). Refresh, Refresh – A Synopsis I disagree with that, so I dismissed the comment out of hand. Overall, Grossman points out that the line between genre and literary fiction is very blurry and that many of the great writers from both sides are borrowing madly from the conventions of the other. It lacks the structure that makes genre fiction so easily digestible for readers. “I was exhausted and reeked of gore, but I could appreciate the need for revenge” (Percy 633). In reality, neither of the two categories of writers necessarily deserve the distinction of being better writers. Yes. The main reason for a person to read Genre Fiction is for entertainment, for a riveting story, an escape from reality. This appears to be common among newer authors who use elements from both styles to create interesting work. Literary Fiction is often considered as an art form, while Genre Fiction is thought of as escapist reading. Your email address will not be published. Indeed most fiction books on the bestseller list would be classified as genre fiction rather than literary fiction. “The dichotomy between genre and literary fiction,” he or she wrote, “relies on concepts of literary value that few people share.” The inference here is that the dichotomy between genre fiction and literary fiction is a false one. The boys made a fight ring in the backyard. Genre prefers a page-turning plot structure, and literary concentrates on emotional nuance and authenticity. There are certainly high brow literary readers who believe that genre fiction does not deserve any merit. Writers Online Workshop defines “mainstream fiction” as fiction that transcends popular narrative categories. Arguably the main difference, according to Neal Stephenson, is that writers of literary fiction are often supported by patronage or employment at educational institutions, with the critical acclaim of their books helping to maintain their position, whereas writers of genre fiction supports themselves with book sales. It should not be a surprise that my writing is a mix of styles. For example the "Arabian Nights" or even the bible stories must be considered to be popular. Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. But I also think there is a difference between literary fiction and other genre fiction, one based on literary fiction’s own set of conventions. A key element of genre fiction. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. Growing up, I read only genre fiction, except for assigned books. Finally, it ends up becoming something like Benjamin Percy’s Refresh, Refresh which blurs the line between Genre and Literary Fiction. The moment after I explain the situation to whoever I was talking to is where the conversation seems to change a bit. Literary Fiction Vs. Genre Fiction. That does not mean that all Genre Fiction writers cannot form competent and engaging prose.
Love Your Way, Batman Arkham Knight Ps4 Gameplay, A Lonely Place To Die, Vegan Takeaway Dublin, Hollow Knight Flame,