Literary Fiction Writer Resources
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Literary Fiction can be a bit nebulous to define. Generally speaking, (not to be too reductive) Literary Fiction is a fictional story that can be realistic, include fantasy elements, horror, or contemporary settings, and focuses more on the language, the way the story is told, and overall meaning versus specific events or telling a story purely for entertainment.
A Literary Fiction story takes a close look at what it means to be human, sort through emotions and existence, and oftentimes what the story is about isn't stated on the page but something readers must infer. Literary Fiction can encompass a variety of subjects and styles but often includes these subgenres:
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Literary Fiction Writer Toolbox
Check out these resources that cover writing craft like narrative styles and writing as a profession in depth.
(Disclaimer: Some of these are affiliate links which means I'd get a small percentage if you choose to buy when you click.)
(Disclaimer: Some of these are affiliate links which means I'd get a small percentage if you choose to buy when you click.)
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
- Jane Friedman's YouTube channel
All professional writers and publishing professionals can benefit from the free information Jane Friedman offers on her YouTube channel. An author, teacher, speaker, blogger, and authority on publishing, her goal is to help writers pursue their career dreams in a pragmatic and sustainable way.
Reading Recommendations
Reading in your genre is so important that I'm adding a whole section of recommendations for writers to choose from to elevate their skills. One of the best teachers of writing craft in your genre that you will ever encounter is a well written book.
Bonus: More good books to read!
Be sure to pay attention to the way these stories are told on a craft level to get the most out of your read.
Bonus: More good books to read!
Be sure to pay attention to the way these stories are told on a craft level to get the most out of your read.
- How is it structured?
- Whose perspective is the story told from?
- Is it in first person? Third?
- How does the POV change narrative distance and bring the reader closer to the story (sometimes by putting distance between them and the MC)?
- How does the story defy genre expectations? Or not?
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
- Jagannath by Karin Tidbeck