Genres and Literature When you speak about genres and literature, genre means a category, or kind of story.

All categories of books or stories can be called either fiction or non-fiction. a made up story can tell about things that could happen is read for fun characters may be like real people or imaginary Non-Fiction has facts that can be checked and proven the author is an expert on this information it IS TRUE!

Action/Adventure/Thriller… The characters (and the reader) can always expect the worst - the main characters can, and usually do, have everything thrown at them. Action, action and more action are hallmarks of a good adventure/suspense book. And finally, there must be a villain, for without a foe…without an adversary, there can be no adventure…no suspense.

Crime/Detective/Mystery Most - though not all - crime and detective novels share a common structure. First there is the crime, usually a murder; then there is the investigation; and finally the outcome or judgment, often in the shape of the criminal's arrest or death. Mysteries are stories that have a real setting and a problem to be solved that includes clues, distractions, and an answer to the problem.

Fantasy Fantasy is fiction that has elements that are not real. Sometimes this includes talking animals or characters with magical powers. There’s usually a conflict between good and evil.

Horror Horror fiction is, broadly, fiction intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. May be supernatural or non-supernatural Although mostly supernatural, any fiction with a morbid, gruesome, surreal, suspenseful or frightening theme may be termed "horror“.

Romance A romance is a work in which the plot centers around a love relationship. It has two strict criteria: The first is that the story must focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people. Secondly, the end of the story must be positive, leaving the reader believing that the protagonists' love and relationship will endure for the rest of their lives.

Science-Fiction (Sci-Fi) Science Fiction is made up of stories that blend fact and fiction with futuristic technology. This is a form of writing that is concerned with a world removed in some fundamental way from our own, whether in time, attitude or knowledge.

Western Westerns are a novel or collection of stories set in 19th century frontier America with: a strong, self-reliant central character simple plots full of action often involves cowboys, cavalrymen, lawmen and outlaws of the Old West.

Children’s/Young Adult Picture books - the illustrations play a significant role in telling the story. Early readers Also called "easy-to-read", these books are designed for "emergent readers" - children who are just learning to read on their own. Most of these books are intended for primary grades (age 6-8). Chapter books For ages 7-10, Chapter books are transitional books that help children move from early readers to full novels. Middle-Grade Novels This is the golden age of reading for many children, ages 8-12. A novel, unlike the picture book, relies entirely on text to tell the story. Young Adult Young adult novels, also sometimes called teen novels, are generally read by children anywhere from age 12 upwards. Most are contemporary stories, and often involve contemporary problems, including drugs, sex, and peer pressure.

Experimental Experimental fiction breaks one or more of the conventions that the reader expects to find: All the main characters may be depicted as hateful, disgusting human beings. Instead of delivering a discernible story, the writer may ramble on about this and that, piling digression upon digression. As the reader attempts to settle into the fictional dream, the writer may intrude by addressing the reader directly. The writer may play with language, wrenching meaning and syntax in unexpected ways

Literary v. Popular Fiction Literary fiction focuses more on style, depth and character development. This type tends to be considered to have more “literary merit” Popular fiction focuses more on plot and narrative Gone With the Wind vs. Harry Potter

Works Cited Bennett, Steve. “Children’s Literature and Fiction Genre definition.” http://www.findmeanauthor.com/‌childrens_fiction_genre.htm. findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. - - -. “Crime Fiction Genre Definition.” http://www.findmeanauthor.com/‌crime_fiction.htm. findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. - - -. “Romantic Fiction Genre definition.” http://www.findmeanauthor.com/‌romantic_fiction_genre.htm. findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. - - -. “Thriller Fiction Genre definition.” http://www.findmeanauthor.com/‌thriller_fiction_genre.htm. findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. - - -. “Western Fiction Genre definition.” http://www.findmeanauthor.com/‌western_fiction_genre.htm. findmeanauthor.com, 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2011. French, Bonnie, Tina Laramie, and Michele Romeo. “GENRES.” N.d. PowerPoint file. Introduction to Genres. N.d. PowerPoint file.