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Fiction and Beyond: the Many Sub-Genres of Fiction

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It’s only recently that I discover my interest in historic fiction. Before this, I’m sure that I could have told you that such a sub-genre even existed, which has got me wondering what other classifications exist within the realm of fiction.

First, you can specify the length of a work of fiction:

* Flash Fiction: Fewer than 2,000 words (or 1,000 depending on whose definition you use); about five pages.
* Short Story: Between 2,000 and 7,500 words; about five to 25 pages.
* Novelette: Between 7,500 and 17,500 words; about 25-60 pages.
* Novella: Between 17,500 and 50,000 words; about 60-170 pages.
* Novel: 50,000 words or more; about 170 or more pages.
* Epic: 200,000 words or more; about 680 or more pages.

From there, fiction can include fairy tales, poems, movies, comics, and more. Here are a few of the more popular sub-genres of fiction, most of which should be self-explanatory:

* Crime / Detective
* Erotic
* Fantasy
* Gothic (a combination of romance and horror)
* Historical
* Horror
* Medical
* Mystery
* Philosophical
* Political
* Romance
* Satire
* Sci-Fi
* Thriller
* Tragedy

…and the list goes on, with many of these sub-genres having sub-genres of their own.

I would say that, aside from historical fiction, I like my books with a hint of multiple genres. I enjoy a psychological thriller, but prefer the tension to be counterbalanced with a smudge of romance. While I enjoy a romance, I need at least a little tragedy to ward off super sappiness. Although I usually do not like any science fiction, when it is nicely blended with romance, action, and a hint of tragedy - as with Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife - I am thoroughly content as a reader.


Posted in Adapted for Film, Bestsellers, My Rantings, Reading Related on September 2nd, 2008

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