YES.

[rj_anderson]

Thanks to thegameiam for linking to a splendid essay by Dave Wolverton that explains the difference between literary and genre fiction, and reveals the little-known origins of the modern literary novel. It also does a very good job of explaining why I read very little so-called literary fiction, and don't feel a bit embarrassed about not writing it either:

On Writing as a Fantasist.

Comments

[wahlee-98.livejournal.com]

That is a truly fascinating essay, and it perfectly explains my general disgruntlement with the English Department (collectively) as it now stands-- although there are a few people trying to make strides away from the domination of Realist Fiction. People were so busy trying to open the Canon to minorities and women, they didn't bother thinking about opening it to genre fiction.

I want to be the kind of professor who teaches a class on English Fantasy Literature or the Mystery Novel or Science Fiction and Social Commentary. People who don't read genre fiction miss out on so much.