Genre fiction versus Literary

What is the difference between the two? While there are many answers, hardly any really combat the entire issue. Genre has more guidelines, the characters are thin, literary is real, and so on.

To some extent those claims are true, genre tends to have guidelines and parameters that literary fiction does not. However, at the same time, they are a facilitator of imagination and can enhance your fiction higher than the more realistic terms imposed by literary stories.

The characters are thin is another true claim, for the most part. However, it’s more than poor writing, but a loss of focus. Writing should appeal and feature the characters as fully formed and interesting people. However, genre tends rather to steer its focus on the magical or scientific wonders spun from the writer’s imagination.

No one is saying to get rid of your gizmotron (coined by the best writing teacher I’ve ever had), because it probably has a lot going for it. But, instead of long expositions and a story entirely about the machine or magic, with characters simply as thin plot ciphers speaking dialogue that sounds choked from a cadaver’s throat, show the gizmotron and it’s glory so you can allow the characters to wander and develop.

Genre fiction seems to always get stuck on this concept, leaving the reader with an incredibly substantial and well thought out world, and at the same time a sense of being cheated with poor characters that can barely be considered realistic or consistent.

What many people do not recognize is genre fiction that can transcend these problems is regularly considered literary. “Lord of the Rings” is regarded more as a literary piece than pure fantasy. “Dante’s Inferno,” another canonical piece of fantasy called literary. Look at “Brave New World” and “1984,” both are light SF novels.

THEY HAVE BREATHING PEOPLE

So continue writing genre, and don’t be scared or ashamed to admit the fact. They are legitimate writing styles and should be regarded as such. However, don’t put all the proverbial eggs in your gizmotron, spread them around the magic/machine and your characters as well.