What genre is this?

gvm · Jul 7, 2008

I am writing a novel in which a girl acquires a superhuman ability, sort of like Mel Gibson in What Women Want being able to read women’s thoughts. The rest of the novel is contemporary and based in the real world. There are no elements of fantasy in the book apart from this. So what genre would this fall into? Just mainstream/commercial?

Would be glad to receive any input on this!

Reilly616 · Jul 7, 2008

I think that's urban fantasy. Mine is the same. Everything is real world and logical, but there is one fantasy element thrown in.

steveg144 · Jul 7, 2008

Fantasy. You don't get to introduce "a little" fantasy and get away with it, it's like being "a little" pregnant! :tongue

Clarec · Jul 7, 2008

So she's telepathic?

Clare

maestrowork · Jul 7, 2008

Magical Realism?

I think in general, something like What Women Want is considered just a romantic comedy -- with or without the "fantasy" part. I think you need to determine the true themes and nature of the story. Any "genre" can include many things. The Time Traveler's Wife could be considered sci-fi or fantasy but it's ultimately a love story. Stranger than Fiction would be considered fantasy or magical realism because the central story is about a man trying to live when the author of his story tries to kill him...

DeleyanLee · Jul 7, 2008

Look at your main conflict--what does it evolve around? That's where I've usually found the genre answer.

t0neg0d · Jul 7, 2008

DeleyanLee said:
Look at your main conflict--what does it evolve around? That's where I've usually found the genre answer.

Good observation

C.M. Daniels · Jul 7, 2008

Paranormal?

HConn · Jul 7, 2008

Contemporary fantasy.

hammerklavier · Jul 7, 2008

I second magical realism.

geardrops · Jul 7, 2008

I am with DelaneyLee. I wouldn't exactly call "What Women Want" urban fantasy.

Fantastical elements do not a fantasy make.

Ralph Pines · Jul 7, 2008

I have a similar problem. My first novel is about a young man that travels from Puerto Rico to the UK to take care of his father's will and last testament. Finds himself in charge of a delivery service, a dairy and a half-brother he never knew. Hilarity, love, tragedy and the English countryside (Woodstock/Oxfordshire) all rolled into one.

mightylion21 · Jul 8, 2008

gvm said:
I am writing a novel in which a girl acquires a superhuman ability, sort of like Mel Gibson in What Women Want being able to read women’s thoughts. The rest of the novel is contemporary and based in the real world. There are no elements of fantasy in the book apart from this. So what genre would this fall into? Just mainstream/commercial?

Would be glad to receive any input on this!

what about scifi?
idk. i could probably think on it later. my brain has been stretched too far today.

i have a question for you.
i need a name for the husband of a lady name nichole. he's a doctor. but he doesnt look like dr. mcdreamy. any ideas?

Karen Duvall · Jul 8, 2008

This is definitely not fantasy, urban or otherwise. If this psychic ability she acquires is the only fantastical element, and it's used as a story telling device rather than a world building tool, then you have commercial fiction with magical realism.

Urban fantasy is made up of magic and magical creatures. It's what I write, so I know what you've got doesn't quite fit. But it sure sounds fun! I loved that Mel Gibson movie. Your story sounds like something I'd enjoy reading.

gvm · Jul 8, 2008

Hi All, thanks for the replies.

Judging by this definition of urban fantasy, I can see my story doesn't fit into that.

Look at your main conflict--what does it evolve around? That's where I've usually found the genre answer.

This is a good idea. I think this might help me.
Using this definition of magical realism, and especially looking at the most common archetypes and the weirdness parts, I agree my story probably falls into that category. I am almost worried about this, because I truly did not understand 100 Years of Solitude. I don't think I have the necessary IQ for it. As an aside, does anyone know why Zadie Smith's White Teeth is included in the list? I read it long back but I don't recall that it had any elements of magical realism?
Also, I cited What Women Want just as an example. The actual gift the girl gets is to do with her office work. Does that make it sound boring? I promise I'll make it funny!

Thanks for your replies again!

What genre is this?

gvm

Reilly616

steveg144

Crusty Polemicist

Clarec

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

t0neg0d

C.M. Daniels

Cinnamon, sit. Bad fish!

HConn

Whore for genre

hammerklavier

It was a dark and stormy night

geardrops

Good thing I like my day job

Ralph Pines

mightylion21

Karen Duvall

Chalice the Hatchet Knight

gvm