Why Literary Fiction Rules!

Almost every reader has a genre they can’t seem to help but gravitate toward. Some readers love the cutting-edge nerd-spense of sci-fi action novels (get it, nerdy suspense - suspense for nerds? It’s us, we’re the nerds.), others like the undeniably hot and heavy spice of the historical romance genre (hey, Bridgerton lovers!), and some weirdos enjoy a light summery beach read that involves serial killers and psychologically unhinged characters (@ our media director).

But the more traditional subgenre of Literary Fiction has become more stigmatized in recent years because of a few key misconceptions. Let us set the record straight.

Myth: “Lit Fic has no plot".”

It does, just maybe not the type people expect. Literary fiction usually focuses on abstract internal conflicts like emotions, thoughts, or identity. It can also explore subtle events in everyday life, and often favors language and style over intense action. Rather than big twists or explosions, literary fiction might revolve around a man grieving his wife and learning to reconnect with his daughter, or someone coming to terms with their cultural identity, or maybe a friendship falling apart over years of misunderstandings.

These are quiet plots, but plots nonetheless. They are simply more internal than external and are often more realistic.

Myth: “it’s boring".”

Slower paced ≠ Boring. Readers who enjoy constant action may find literary fiction to be somewhat of a drag due to the slower pace. Sorry, but not every story line needs guns a-blazing to keep the book moving. There are also fewer genre tropes within literary fiction, which other styles of fiction typically use to quickly grip readers' attention.

While there may not be any high speed chases, dramatic shootouts, or fire breathing dragons, there is still plenty of action that exists if reader takes the time to give Lit Fic a try. Literary fiction demands more attention because it is often exploring deep themes and subtexts rather than spelling it out. It is read between the lines, which may not be what a reader is in the mood for if they want to kick back and unwind without having to think too hard about craft elements like metaphoric language, internal conflict, or complex characterization. However, for readers who want to look deeply at character psychology and human experience, or language structure, metaphor, and nuance, literary fiction can offer an engaging and intellectually emotional experience.

Myth: “There isn’t anything at stake.”

The stakes in literary fiction are typically internal. In genre fiction, stakes are often external and big picture. Will the hero save the world? Will they catch the killer before they get their next victim? In literary fiction, the stakes are usually emotional, psychological, philosophical, and/or relational. Maybe a character must confront the guilt of abandoning a loved one, introducing the risks of personal truth, emotional responsibility, and vulnerability. Maybe someone must choose between speaking up or staying silent in the face of an injustice at work, risking their own moral integrity, job, and community. Risks can include something such as feeling misunderstood, living with regrets, or losing one’s sense of self.

While not life and death, they can be defining or life-altering moments for a character's development, and a quiet plot is just as strong as a loud one. To many it is the silent realism that makes this genre so enjoyable. The seemingly small situations explored by literary fiction are deeply human experiences to which we all can relate (which is why so many are classics!). Literary fiction puts a fine lens over the human experience and offers readers a deeper look beneath the surface of our lives.