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# How to Categorize Your Novel: Fiction Literary Genres

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Published January 18, 2007 by:
Steve Thompson
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More: women's fiction Literary Fiction Crime Fiction Genres Literary Elements
Crime novels are often grouped in with mystery, though the plot sequences are highly dissimilar. Most crime fiction novels focus on investigators, federal agents, medical examiners or detectives who are unraveling a
particularly gruesome or heinous case. True crime is also lumped into this literary genre, and will focus not only on the investigation of a crime, but also on the mastermind who commits it. Psychopathy and sociopathy are often the focus of true crime novels.
5. Chick Lit
Often not even considered a literary genre, chick lit is a book that is written primarily for women and focuses on the common problems women face -- such as dating horror stories and career foibles -- usually with a humorous perspective or twist. Chick lit is always light, airy and entertaining. It is differentiated from romance because, although chick lit often delves into romantic interludes, there are usually several subplots. It is also different from women's fiction because chick lit rarely examines deep, emotional or disturbing issues.
6. Fantasy
Commonly considered one of the most difficult literary genres to break into, fantasy encompasses novels which deal with the fantastical -- faraway places, mystical lands and fictional creatures. Most fantasy novels contain elements of magic and are usually focused on medieval-type values such as chivalry.
7. Historical Fiction
Many history buffs are also fans of historical fiction, which deals with plots and characters set in the past. Usually, a novel is only branded as historical fiction if the story must be set in the past; for example, a novel that deals with the slave trade could not realistically be set in 21st century New York. Historical fiction novels are always rooted in fact and make allusions to actual events. It is important for a historical fiction novelist to be well-educated in history.
8. Horror
Fans of the gruesome, the frightening and the fantastic are often horror genre buffs. The horror literary genre is a selection of novels that are based on one principle: it must scare the reader. Some horror novels focus on the supernatural while others deal with more realistic villains: serial killers, rapists and snipers. Horror does not have to be filled with blood and guts, as many of the horror novels written in recent years are more firmly rooted in the psychological aspects of murder and mayhem.
9. Romance
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Published by Steve Thompson
Steve is a full-time freelance writer. In addition to the more than 3,000 articles he's written for AC, he has also written articles and other materials for more than 100 happy clients. View profile
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Resources Takeaways Did You Know

- It is usually best to pick one genre and stick with it.
- Chick lit is not the same as romance or women's literature.

The suspense/thriller genre is one of the fastest-growing in America today.

- www.writersmarket.com

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