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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
Love, loss, regret and sex are the main criteria for a romance novel. These stories focus on the love trysts between men and women who are caught in circumstances they cannot control. Often, there is a love triangle
involving two women and a man or two men and a woman, and romance novels are usually set in fantastic or exotic locales. The most important components of a romance novel are strength of characters (who are usually glamorous) and strength of conflict (which is often life-or-death).
10. Science Fiction
If you enjoy writing (or reading) about futuristic societies or amazing scientific discoveries, science fiction might be your best bet. Science fiction differs from fantasy in that it is based in rudimentary scientific fact rather than mythology. A sci-fi tale doesn't have to be entirely correct -- authors have been known to stretch the boundaries of reality -- but the author must have some understanding of science, physics and the laws of the universe.
11. Suspense/Thriller
In recent years, the suspense and thriller genres have melded to become one, and perhaps it really has always been that way. In any case, a suspense or thriller is designed to keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat. Often, thrillers deal with crime or supernatural occurrences, but the basis of the plot is rooted in the characters' struggle for survival. There is always a life-or-death problem in a suspense or thriller novel and cheap thrills are not beyond a suspense writer.
There are several more sub-genres that I have not covered here, but these are the major ones. When writing your first novel -- or even subsequent novels -- it is usually best to choose one and stick with it. Publishers are not ammenable to beginning writers who cross genres.
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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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