tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post3560930523109967203..comments2024-03-28T18:09:43.267-06:00Comments on The Warrior Muse: IWSG - Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction & LinksShannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-10312706772165095832013-02-17T17:32:00.359-07:002013-02-17T17:32:00.359-07:00Moon, sounds good to me!
Dami, I think you're...Moon, sounds good to me!<br /><br />Dami, I think you're right.Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-72954198253304921292013-02-13T19:06:29.185-07:002013-02-13T19:06:29.185-07:00These are absolutely great links, thanks!
I write...These are absolutely great links, thanks!<br /><br />I write mostly literary but also enjoy reading and writing genre. I think the division is moot.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04283371140346602856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-55257893072446998442013-02-12T08:46:37.323-07:002013-02-12T08:46:37.323-07:00Thanks for all the links!
As for writing genre fi...Thanks for all the links!<br /><br />As for writing genre fiction verses literary, all I can say is, after getting my BA in English Literature, I absolutely prefer genre fiction!Becky Fyfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595020500346331076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-40666653205938361542013-02-12T01:01:52.198-07:002013-02-12T01:01:52.198-07:00Mark, I do! The fact that it's free and commun...Mark, I do! The fact that it's free and communal makes it even better. Art communities that work that way seem to be a good idea.<br /><br />E.J., I agree that it's about connecting with the writer. When I look forward, I get nervous about so many things, but what I really want is for readers to enjoy it, to have fun with the story and to be glad they read it.<br /><br />Rachna, hopefully that is a good thing. They're going to get tired of YA at some point, or want to expand that success to MG, and I hope you can swoop in when it happens.<br /><br />Carrie-Anne, breakthroughs like that are always such a relief. It's hard to figure out your exact genre sometimes. We just want to write!!<br /><br />Michelle, I agree. There is a lot of good that comes from attending writing workshops/conferences, but I also think it tends to make me overthink some things.<br /><br />Cynthia, interesting! And I agree. So was she not interested in literary fiction then? I know genre agents/editors tend to not be interested in literary, and vice versa.<br /><br />Carol, those are the ones that make it impossible to write anything else!<br /><br />Tamara, I agree on the passion. I write what I enjoy, and I need to embrace that.<br /><br />Milo, what works for Stephen King works for me, I tell you what! Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-43818355480713624722013-02-10T09:02:52.965-07:002013-02-10T09:02:52.965-07:00I'm a BIG fan of genre fiction, and while I wr...I'm a BIG fan of genre fiction, and while I write a lot of pulp, some of my "literary" ventures have been received well. But I know what you mean. It took Stephen King YEARS to break into the <i>New Yorker</i> -- wasn't it just a year or two ago? I write what I like to read, and I'm OK with that.<br /><br />Thanks for the market/contest/bloghop updates!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-50351317846159843842013-02-09T00:21:02.304-07:002013-02-09T00:21:02.304-07:00I must admit, I'm a huge lover of genre fictio...I must admit, I'm a huge lover of genre fiction--I don't even like the artsy stuff. Give me a fun story with great characters over something with a deep message any day of the week. Sorry, but most literary fiction seems boring to me, and generally depressing. I always feel like, if I want to be depressed, I can just go look at my sink full of dishes. haha. <br /><br />All kidding aside though, whatever you choose to write, you just have to have a passion for your story. The more of your heart that you can put into it, the more people will want to read whatever you've written-no matter what genre it's in. <br /><br />Tamarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04070551912944266954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-72695632377799021662013-02-08T12:16:34.108-07:002013-02-08T12:16:34.108-07:00I think it's good to have all those thoughts a...I think it's good to have all those thoughts and ideas about what to write. I've heard the best rule of thumb is to write the one that calls the loudest to you, the one that gets under your skin and won't turn loose.<br /><br />Happy Weekend!<br />Carol Kilgorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-20852103587548130012013-02-07T18:42:56.553-07:002013-02-07T18:42:56.553-07:00Once at a conference I saw that my pages were sche...Once at a conference I saw that my pages were scheduled to be reviewed by an editor and agent at the time slot marked for "genre" fiction. I wrote a mystery, though for some reason, I hadn't thought of my work as being genre fiction. And neither had the editor. She reviewed my work and said she considered my writing quite literary. So it's possible to write genre fiction in a literary style. I say, write for yourself and what's in your heart. Don't worry about what the "literary folk" would say.Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912167351889969855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-56567449987957673372013-02-07T15:45:18.155-07:002013-02-07T15:45:18.155-07:00Genre fiction... literary fiction...
YA. MG. NA. ...Genre fiction... literary fiction... <br />YA. MG. NA. <br />Why can't we look past the semantics and just be allowed to write a story that comes from the heart?<br />Just my two cents worth...michellehttp://writer-in-transit.co.za/she-said-what/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-72212962570757073062013-02-07T11:08:56.137-07:002013-02-07T11:08:56.137-07:00I suppose I write genre fiction, since historical ...I suppose I write genre fiction, since historical is a genre, but I do tend towards a more literary style as well. <br /><br />I was feeling insecure because the modern definition of YA is much different than it was when I began writing, and because it's so hard to find serious YA historical these days. So I came to the conclusion that I've actually been writing adult historicals that happen to have young characters.Carrie-Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05810154378449825641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-3583744047881165552013-02-07T09:29:32.630-07:002013-02-07T09:29:32.630-07:00I suffer from the same insecurity, I find MG ficti...I suffer from the same insecurity, I find MG fiction bit of a hard nut to crack where agents are concerned. Everyone is looking at YA.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-90176918625356634452013-02-07T08:23:19.025-07:002013-02-07T08:23:19.025-07:00I think you have to write the types of stories you...I think you have to write the types of stories you enjoy reading, Shannon. I truly believe that's how to find your niche. <br /><br />That's not to say you can't 'pretty up' stories about boy wizards or teenagers killing each other on TV (I'd put both series up against the finest literary stories I've read). It's just to say you have to follow your imagination with these things.<br /><br />I also do not believe that the real reward of being an author is tied to money or accolades. It's tied to connecting with readers. Charlaine Harris is never going to win a Pulitzer for her Sookie Stackhouse novels, but she has a million diehard fans. I bet she's cool with that. (Yes, she's rich now, but wasn't always.) <br /><br />There's no other way to say it but this: When you get that first, genuine review on Goodreads from a stranger who has truly gotten your story and enjoyed it, none of the rest of it matters. You'd write a thousand more for free and send them to just that person if life and practicality would allow it.<br /><br />That's a really long way of saying: write the best story YOU know how to write, and let the chips fall. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00273059558675234923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-28657718642921755842013-02-07T02:48:28.030-07:002013-02-07T02:48:28.030-07:00Thanks for all the great links - and glad you like...Thanks for all the great links - and glad you like my idea to host a Writers Retreat in Hawaii :)Mark Koopmanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634424953074803816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-50138010516349779352013-02-07T00:17:04.921-07:002013-02-07T00:17:04.921-07:00J.A., admittedly, I didn't think I cared about...J.A., admittedly, I didn't think I cared about awards, but I look at the posters at my kids' school with the medal winners, and I covet...<br /><br />And yes! I'm staff at PPWC, so might actually be easier to find. I will get in touch.<br /><br />Alex, that's quite true. Neither do others, of course, but here's hoping!<br /><br />Mood, that's what it sounds like. I know at the local big conference there are those that disparage literary (never staff/faculty, but attendees). I imagine it works both ways.<br /><br />Shelly, there always seems to be! Don't know what I'd do if there weren't when I went to write my posts.<br /><br />Andrew, ooooooh, indeed! But she was awesome.<br /><br />Jan, that's true, we do write what the story demands. Sometimes I read a book and I think how I'd love to be able to write like that. And it happens with all different kinds of books.<br /><br />Julie, always glad to pimp!<br /><br />DL, I agree, and my heart has an obvious direction!<br /><br />Missed, I shouldn't, should I!?<br /><br />Jamie, well said! I gotta' write what I most want to write.Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-73258020296179293842013-02-06T23:53:20.881-07:002013-02-06T23:53:20.881-07:00D.G., no aspirin necessary, but I do write what I ...D.G., no aspirin necessary, but I do write what I love. Like you, the rest stays on the back burner.<br /><br />Robin, yes, I hope you do enter the contest! How fun! Very good point. I do read a bit of everything, but genre fiction is first and foremost.<br /><br />Lauren, it sounds like another case of the grass is always greener. Like you, I read across the board, but some things more than others, of course.<br /><br />Sopphey, ah, riches. If only!<br /><br />Pat, I feel the same way, so it makes sense to write what I read and react to the most.<br /><br />Tony, that's a great point, and true. Something to think about.<br /><br />Schell, true, and I think I've already found that genre.<br /><br />Al, genre tends to be the fluff, the stuff that falls in a genre, like Urban Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, etc. I'm having a hard time defining literary, though.<br /><br />Annalisa, it made sense. Unfortunately (maybe?), I have ideas of all kinds all the time, BUT I do tend to be more drawn to one or another, so those are what I write.<br /><br />Julie, I like that last part. That's what I need to be focusing on: entertaining the reader, period. It's so easy to get caught up in the business of things, to think of what to pitch something as, etc.<br /><br />Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-68121769636312319202013-02-06T23:21:27.834-07:002013-02-06T23:21:27.834-07:00Genre fiction won't get the 'respect' ...Genre fiction won't get the 'respect' of the literary community for a while to come, sadly, but who needs 'em? If you're being pulled towards genre, then go for genre until the literary stuff pulls you back :)<br /><br />Jamie @ <a href="http://www.mithrilwisdom.com" rel="nofollow">Mithril Wisdom</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02548680159204361401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-74278474564695661712013-02-06T22:23:59.269-07:002013-02-06T22:23:59.269-07:00It sounds like you are drawn to genre writing; don...It sounds like you are drawn to genre writing; don't fight it! Missed Periodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10343265071637032284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-34212789500573494122013-02-06T20:07:40.078-07:002013-02-06T20:07:40.078-07:00I'm pretty sure that genre fiction has a broad...I'm pretty sure that genre fiction has a broader market, so exposure-wise, that's a better choice. But you should always follow your heart, and you'll end up where should really be. :)DL Hammonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02007260062331783715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-43306853268041671662013-02-06T19:25:03.357-07:002013-02-06T19:25:03.357-07:00Don't sweat the genre stuff. You are amazing!
...Don't sweat the genre stuff. You are amazing!<br /><br />Thank you for the pimping too.J.A. Kazimerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10876584250229776810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-26137796433439267942013-02-06T19:15:23.707-07:002013-02-06T19:15:23.707-07:00Maybe the answer to your dilemma depends on what k...Maybe the answer to your dilemma depends on what kind of respect you want: the respect given to a great writer of any genre, or the kind that goes with what's often thought of as more high-brow, serious fiction. I've also read mysteries/thrillers and science fiction I thought of as literary, and stuff that wasn't literary but was so darn good and so much fun I didn't care. We write what the story demands.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16028635002644119824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-27378123632737454612013-02-06T18:15:38.184-07:002013-02-06T18:15:38.184-07:00I feel the need to point out that Agatha Christie ...I feel the need to point out that Agatha Christie is the best selling author EVER, and she was a genre writer.<br />Just sayin.Andrew Leonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13964775673414653644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-53139531050521344172013-02-06T17:23:49.259-07:002013-02-06T17:23:49.259-07:00Wow! There are a lot of things going on.
Hugs and...Wow! There are a lot of things going on.<br /><br />Hugs and chocolate,<br />ShellyShellyhttp://www.shellysnovicewritings.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-74449496780543774902013-02-06T16:13:57.467-07:002013-02-06T16:13:57.467-07:00I think literary fiction is much the harder to bec...I think literary fiction is much the harder to become successful at, especially if you aren't coming at it from a traditional angle.<br /><br />mood<br /><a href="http://moodywriting.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Moody Writing</a><br />Cheers for the link!mooderinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523337588830695638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-28743595963584038802013-02-06T13:25:05.486-07:002013-02-06T13:25:05.486-07:00Award winning books don't always sell though. ...Award winning books don't always sell though. Focus on what you enjoy.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-22386080357982398972013-02-06T13:01:24.446-07:002013-02-06T13:01:24.446-07:00Don't worry about getting awards, those come l...Don't worry about getting awards, those come later when you've written and published LOTS of books. Just write what speaks to you :)<br /><br />Also, are you going to PPWC this year? It would be fun to meet up :)Jennie Bennetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17331827076858223497noreply@blogger.com