Does genre fiction possess the merits of, say, Literary fiction?
You’ll get answers across the board. Of course, genre sells hugely. In all the categories and subcategories of Traditional publishing (and self-publishing now as well), loyal readers argue vehemently that what they read tops the charts. Which, of course, genre does. Fantasy of all sorts now holds the top spot (vampires and such having eaten the competition for many years), but Romance still sells, perennially, the most. Although, don’t tell that to Dan Brown! Anyone can manipulate the numbers, but over the years, agents and novel editors know what actually does sell best, and what they need to fill their lists in order to succeed. In fact, the moniker of Mainstream or Literary makes those same professionals’ blood run cold, unless of course the author is already famously successful (and, as a NY editor buddy of mine always says, preferably if they’re dead:).
Many readers tell me they couldn’t get through touted Literary novels—too highbrow, they say. The author is showing off, is another oft-repeated phrase. What the heck was it about? folks ask. Or, why should I work while reading? I want to be entertained.
Of course, the point of a great novel is to entertain. But many readers want more (and have a precious hard time finding that). The devil, as we say, is in the book development.
Full disclosure here: When I read strictly for pleasure, I read Literary. That’s what makes my own heart sing. I want depth and internal conflict and some piece of meaning to this existence. That said, I read widely, and through the genres, as, well, that’s what I do. I keep up with what’s selling to stay abreast of the market. And most times—like many of the folks keep saying—the writing is abysmal. We can all recount a litany of titles off the top of our heads of bestsellers that are cringe worthy. At best. Yet, they sell like cold beer on a hot Texas day.
But sometimes (and when all is perfect), genre accomplishes exactly what Literary does—including that same depth, inherent internal conflicts as well as external ones, providing a clue into the human condition that makes it all worthwhile.
We can all point to many examples as well. One such is J. Nelson Aviance’s Fantasy work, about vampires and werewolves and mages. His recent collection, Three by Moonlight, includes brilliant writing, compelling characters (I’d follow Eyulf the werewolf across eight galaxies), and gripping stories. And this is just a tease for his novel in progress. A young author to watch, Aviance drew me into a genre that, as all who know me can attest, is not something I’d normally pick up for pleasure and insight. But that’s exactly what I found there. And it’s smart—a key ingredient to what I love.
Kevin Don Porter’s Missing is a Mid-Grade Reader, so obviously not something most adults would peruse. But said adults would be missing the boat. This lovely read contains a depth of insights into the human condition that spans generations, while also being laugh-out-loud funny, entertaining, and a gripping Mystery. This young book author not only has a stellar career ahead of him, but is selling well now. Which just warms my heart!
So, is genre fiction as noteworthy as Literary? Mostly not. But exceptions occur all over the place, and to shy away from the different categories is to limit your reading experience. Great books can be found spanning all genres. And of course, that just adds to the riches of reading!
As an award-winning author and editor, since 1993, 50 + of my authors’ books have sold to Traditional publishers. Many have won awards, been made into films, been featured in Publishers Weekly, and become bestsellers. I also love English Labradors, red wine, and write literary fiction and co-authored nonfiction,
Although I write genre fiction, I have to admit that when it comes to “deep” or “insightful” novels, Literary fiction first comes to mind. That’s not to say that there aren’t many equally enlightening genre novels out there, but it just takes time–and more great books–for that old mentality to crumble away. Maybe J. Nelson Aviance and I can help hasten that process! And thanks so much for the generous comments about MISSING!
This is great service to fiction writers! And, thankfully, the piece is also instructive for discerning non-fiction writers, as well.
Thanks, Efiong! So glad to be of help.
The ‘more great books’ part is the key, Kevin. In this age of instant publishing, quality has dropped. But writers like you and J Nelson are changing that. My hat’s off to you both!
Susan
As an avid reader of most genres, freelance writer, editor, and book reviewer, it takes something special for me to enjoy reading for pleasure.
I enjoy reading the classics like Asimov to Zola instead of some contemporary writers. Some writers seem to forget that writing is a business, not a hobby.
I see too many that need an edit or proofread before it should reach the hands of readers.
I enjoy books that pull the reader into deep POV, and make you feel like the characters are your friends, or your enemies along with the emotions in the story.
Authenticity and quality.
You and me both, Robert! In this day of “instant” publication, it’s far too easy for folks to slap words on the page and put a “book” out there. ‘Authenticity and quality.’ I love that!
I am torn on this one. Sometimes genre fiction bridges the gap — Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine (or almost any of his other books) are great examples of beautifully crafted literature.
But a lot of genre stuff is designed to appeal to a targt audience, and often the pay is such that the author must churn it out in a hurry to make a living, leaving the finesse and polish needed for beautifully crafted words out of the mix.
You are so right, Duncan. It’s the genre exceptions we remember (and tout)!
I’d have to disagree slightly with the statement, “So, is genre fiction as noteworthy as Literary? Mostly not.” I’d say, yes, a great deal of the current popular genre fiction is not all that noteworthy, but I can name many genre books that are exquisite, such as any book written by Guy Gavriel Kay, Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin, Dune by Frank Herbert, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien. Books like that resonate, whether they are genre or literary. And despite the glut of paranormal/YA throwaways out there, genre writers are still turning out such gems.
I agree with you, A.F. The “mostly not” was the qualifier 🙂 I love your exceptions as well!
Well said! And I so agree with the books listed above…I don’t even think about where they fit in the rankings. A good read is a good read. Genre or literary really isn’t relevant. On the other hand, I’ve also got to agree that some of the current stuff out there is trash. The older trash is gone. We can’t read it anymore because it’s been weeded out already. Today’s trash just hasn’t been taken out yet.
Ms Ginnie. I absolutely love that trash line! And you know, your fabulous novel Ida Mae Tuttweiler and the Traveling Tea Party could be marketed as genre (and I think they did the film version as Romance?), but it’s truly Literary. And one of my all-time favs 🙂
Thanks! Well, If Ida Mae is a success (and it is!) it’s because of your editing….we both know that.
Ida Mae is just fabulous!
I love literary fiction–a discovery I made only recently since I hated almost all the contemporary literature chosen for me in college courses. I still have my favorite genres, but find myself looking more and more for something I can sink my teeth into.
Isn’t that funny, Linda–so many of us hated our college literature courses. But maybe it comes with a certain age that we truly want something with meaning?
I must confess I am not very discriminating. It’s the writing, the wit and the author’s passion, always, be it fiction of atmospheric physics.
Ah, Maureen–then you ARE discriminating! In whatever you read you require the writing, the wit and the author’s passion. You made my point in a nutshell! 🙂
talk about proofreading…
fiction or atmospheric physics
It’s too late…
Another insightful piece! I must say that I usually do not pick a book based on whether it is literary fiction or genre. But I do want characters with complexity and conflict – something that is part of the human experience, at whatever level we may live through it in our daily lives. I want to experience something that resonates with me, yet has not been part of my experience. Books allow that.
Thank you Susan for continuing to make us think.
Exactly, Zulfiqar! That’s what makes for a great reading experience for me as well. And speaking of, I simply cannot wait for THE RAT BOYS OF KARALABAD. Now, THAT’s a book that incorporates all of the above!
I don’t read a lot of fiction. I’m always concerned I’ll pick up on some really good line, remember it sub-consciously and then use it in my own work. I did that once, and a beta reader caught the connection…that scared me off! HOWEVER…when I do treat myself to some laid back, time-off reading I don’t really care if it’s one of the other. If I go over my bookshelf and my e-reader, I can see that genre and literary books both live there. And I could re-read every one of them. It’s true, there are genres I don’t pick up, they just don’t appeal, but it has nothing to do with the quality of the work. Course, Susan, If you’ve edited it, it’s got to be good!!!
You should treat yourself more, Ginnie 🙂 And what’s that old adage: Amateurs imitate, professionals steal. LOL.
And thank you!
In my opinion, to us, writers, besides being a thing of the heart, writing is essentially a craft. The craft of writing works across the genres, and each book, whatever the genre, has something in it that made it successful–that it was ‘crafted’ in such as way as to attract the reader. Reading across genres exposes to us the various techniques, methods, or aspects that made the story work. Therefore, reading, any reading, in any genre that grabs our attention, will expose us to these intrinsic values and give us the tools to compare ourselves (perhaps subconsciously) to others and improve or evaluate our own ‘craft.’ Grow.
Well said, Joe! Reading broadly only helps writers with their craft, especially once you begin reading with a writer’s eye.
That is exactly what I mean. It took me a paragraph to say what you did succintly in only one sentence :>(
Lol, Joe!