What is Literary Romance?
Literary fiction
is generally marked by deep characterization, societal and cultural
commentary, and writing style. The story doesn't revolve around the
characters; the story is the character(s). We get to know
why -- why they make choices they make, why they have formed into
who they are, why something inside needs to change, and why we come
to care whether or not they get what it is they most need. This can't
be complete without at least reflecting upon the society and culture
from which they came. We are all affected by this. Literary fiction
recognizes the importance and makes a statement about how we are.
It is not only about the characters, though. It is about us.
Many readers, even avid readers, will not touch literary fiction.
Much of the resistance comes from novels they were forced to read
in school, and as much as most of those novels are important as cultural
studies, many are dry or plodding and only appreciated by those interested
in 'serious' literature. While I enjoyed most novels we were 'forced'
to read, I sometimes had to push through them, as well. I love learning
about cultures and people, but I also love humor and like a 'light'
read that I don't have to force myself to continue. I believe many
readers are the same.
Romance as a genre deals with love
relationships and tends to revolve more around the specific plot (as
does most genre fiction) than around the characters. We get to know
the basics of the characters and what happens to them but we don't
often get much personal background as to why they make their decisions.
It tends to be lighter and a nice break from the 'real' world. Many
are quite specific with sexual action and readers who don't care for
that much gratuity shy away from all romance because of it. Others
are careful about which romance authors they read.
Unlike many authors, I didn't start out writing with a certain genre
in mind. I had characters in my head with stories to tell and simply
started writing them. Upon working toward publication, I realized
marketing required a genre. In truth, I knew it did before, but it
wasn't a concern until I had to define my own. I read mainly literary
fiction and historical fiction, but my storytelling is lighter than
literary fiction, less history-detailed than historical fiction, and
much of it is about romance. All of it revolves around relationships
of some kind. Societal and cultural issues are there, influencing
my characters and their decisions, but it's background music, so to
speak. Historical details come through enough to let the reader be
in the right time frame, but it's not the central core.
Without finding a genre that encompasses what I do, I began marketing
my work as literary romance. The closest comparison I've been able
to determine is to call it a cross between Nora Roberts, John Irving,
and Marilynne Robinson. I would love to hear other comparisons if
readers find anything similar to my work.
I grew up surrounded by the arts. It seeped into my soul and finds
its way into my stories. I also always have at least one character
providing a certain amount of comedy relief. Humor is important in
life; I believe it is in fiction, as well.
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