Comments on "Genre War is Over" - Faerye Net

Book Shelves & Chisels

2009-07-09T23:53:45+00:00

Interesting note: About fourteen years ago, my husband worked in the Astor Place Barnes & Noble (no longer there, I believe) in NYC. At that time, he remembers that books were not shelved by genre. Perhaps the chasm has widened in direct result to the increase in MFA programs (though I love mine).

I’ll be on the watch with my curious chisel.

Thanks, Felicity!

Re: I'm Starting to Get It!

2009-07-06T15:28:15+00:00

Thea —

I read your post — good on ya! I used to describe the genre/‘literary’ divide as a wall, and the process of working against it as trying to chisel out one of the bricks. Using that metaphor, it’s good for folks to be working from both sides.

Sometimes I’m not sure about that though, because it seems like it’s not enough for works to blur genre boundaries — attitudes need to change. When I listen to an interview about The Yiddish Policemen’s Union where the interviewer apologizes for using the word ‘genre’ with regards to the work and its influences — a work that drips hard-boiled and won the Nebula AND the Hugo — I realize how far we have to go. (For that matter, when the Powell’s “Staff Pick” review for that book calls it "a “what-if” story for adults".)

Anyway, whether or not my wall metaphor is still workable, thanks for picking up a chisel :)

I'm Starting to Get It!

2009-06-30T00:06:52+00:00

Hey, Felicity—

I’m coming over to your side. Read my latest posting, “Where’s the Heart?” on my blog.