Category Archives: Genres

What Is Speculative Fiction?

Today, by request, I’m going to take a crack at pinning down a definition for that mysterious term “speculative fiction.” [For more definitions and genre musings, check out the rest of my “What Is Genre Series” here!] If you’re a … Continue reading

Posted in Genres | Tagged | 94 Comments

The Differences Between Commercial and Literary Fiction

I have blogged about this before, once to postulate a theory about literary fiction and once to clarify and defend commercial fiction. These are two of the most popular posts on my site in comments, shares, and searches. Obviously, this is … Continue reading

Posted in Genres | 55 Comments

What Is Gothic Fiction?

I’ve decided to continue my trend of analyzing, defining, and explaining literary genres by illuminating one of my favorite and often-misunderstood genres; gothic fiction. So what is gothic fiction? Let’s start at the very beginning… Gothic History The Goths were … Continue reading

Posted in Genres, Horror | Tagged | 35 Comments

What Is Horror?

Thanks to horror being one of my genres of choice – both as a fan and as an artist – I’m often in the position of having people ask me my thoughts about it, which, of course makes me ridiculously … Continue reading

Posted in Genres, Horror | Tagged | 21 Comments

What Is Commercial Fiction?

And why you should stop assuming it’s trash.  Myth: The quality of writing in commercial fiction is low.  Myth: Commercial fiction is less intelligent than literary fiction.  Myth: Commercial fiction isn’t “deep.”  Myth: Commercial fiction is trashy.  Myth: Commercial fiction … Continue reading

Posted in Genres | Tagged , , | 27 Comments