The debate continues on whether “literary” fiction is distinct from “genre” fiction.
“Literary versus genre fiction: Meaningful difference or false distinction?” is an upcoming panel discussion on this issue scheduled for 28 January at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, New Jersey. The panel will include several authors: Christina Baker Kline, Alice Elliott Dark, Laurie Lico Albanese, Elizabeth Brundage, and Peter Golden.
As I am currently rounding up contributors for a website dedicated to promoting a concept of literary quality that is not spoiled by genre bigotry, this issue is high on my watch list. If I were in the northern New Jersey, I would definitely stop by; any aspiring writers or interested fans in the area should attend.
For more of my take on this issue:
Debunking Edward Docx and the cognitive biases of the “literary” (17 Dec 2010)
Agreeing with Suzannah Windsor Freeman (26 Nov 2010)
Dracula and why our discussion of the literary is so confused (08 Sep 2010)
The unasked question in the Franzen-Picoult fracas (26 Aug 2010)
Justin Cronin tells it like it is (03 Aug 2010)