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Thought it'd be great to get some writers perspectives on this. As I'm writing my literary historical novel, and doing alot of reading, I find some things I love about literary fiction, and would like to see more of. This thread is an opportuntiy for writers and critics of the genre to share what developments they would like to see in literary ficiton.
For one, I'd like to see speculative elements outside of dystopia, alternative history and magical realism. I used to joke on Reddit that I was going to write an epic high fantasy like a Fyodor Dostoevsky novel. Then I was encouraged to do so, and I realised that I was serious the whole time. The less 'realistic' subgenres of fantasy & science ficiton like space opera & high fantasy could be great spingboards for literary storytelling. On the subject of magical realism, I'd like to see more originality in how authors approach it.
Also, more 'cinematic' stories. I consider the Wolf Hall trilogy to be one. Novels that deal with World Wars could as well. Classic literature gave us Les Miserables and War & Peace, and once my literary chops develop, I'm def writing an epic novel that long.
And this is more of a publishing point, but I want literary fiction to thrive outside of the MFA. They don't suit all literary fiction authors, and while I appreciate that some offer a form of patronage for writers, both students and professors, I'd like to see better financial alternatives available in the future. (journalism, online education, blogging, consulting are some things authors can do). I can't imagine myself doing a Masters in creative writing, because I'm finishing undergraduate, and I just having a burning need to travel the world. That ought to count for something in my literary development. Nothing against these programs, however.
Thanks for any responses, and Happy Friday!
For one, I'd like to see speculative elements outside of dystopia, alternative history and magical realism. I used to joke on Reddit that I was going to write an epic high fantasy like a Fyodor Dostoevsky novel. Then I was encouraged to do so, and I realised that I was serious the whole time. The less 'realistic' subgenres of fantasy & science ficiton like space opera & high fantasy could be great spingboards for literary storytelling. On the subject of magical realism, I'd like to see more originality in how authors approach it.
Also, more 'cinematic' stories. I consider the Wolf Hall trilogy to be one. Novels that deal with World Wars could as well. Classic literature gave us Les Miserables and War & Peace, and once my literary chops develop, I'm def writing an epic novel that long.
And this is more of a publishing point, but I want literary fiction to thrive outside of the MFA. They don't suit all literary fiction authors, and while I appreciate that some offer a form of patronage for writers, both students and professors, I'd like to see better financial alternatives available in the future. (journalism, online education, blogging, consulting are some things authors can do). I can't imagine myself doing a Masters in creative writing, because I'm finishing undergraduate, and I just having a burning need to travel the world. That ought to count for something in my literary development. Nothing against these programs, however.
Thanks for any responses, and Happy Friday!