The Genre Proposition: Mystery

Probably one of the most well-known genres of commercial fiction is the ol’ classic; “Mystery fiction.” Though, I am certain you don’t need a definition of what it is, for the sake of clarity, I will give one anyways.

Mystery fiction is defined as a story that primarily focuses on the investigation or proliferation of a crime or misdeed. The main character is most often an investigator of some kind who is aiding in the solving of the story’s critical focus. Of course, mystery fiction, as it stands, is one of the larger genre categorizations of commercial fiction, as it is usually more delineated than simply a “mystery story.”

We watch these crime shows on television; “CSI,” “Bones,” “Law and Order;” all of which are considered “mystery fiction.” Though, at their core, they are quite a bite different. CSI is about forensics in general while Bones is about a bone specialist “investigator.” Law and Order is even more general still in contemporary mystery fiction, focusing on the solving of a crime and the legal system that follows.

Perhaps one of the most famous mystery fiction works is Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes,” which follows an almost super-human private investigator as he solves a myriad of unique and eccentric crimes with the help of his friend, Dr. John Watson.

A List of Mystery Sub-Genres

Though, all mystery fiction pieces boil down to this simple description, they can be further defined in sub-categories. Some of those, being the following:

• Thrillers- a mystery fiction piece that is edged with large dependencies of time-crucial and climatic suspense.
• Legal thriller
• Paranormal thriller
• Medical thriller
• Detective procedural
• Spy thriller
• Cozy Mysteries- a humorous-based piece of mystery fiction, which often downplays the more serious elements that are traditionally factored into mysteries.
• Hardboiled Mysteries- related to literary fiction, as it often contains elements of literary fiction (see Previous Post). Often serious in tone and style with some measure of romance filling in the cracks.
• Locked Room Mysteries- a closed-circuit piece of mystery fiction wherein murder or crime is committed in an almost impossible way. The proverbial “Murder Mystery Party,” usually takes place within this genre’s specifications.
• Noir Mystery- a close relative of hardboiled fiction. However, it often flips the tables, making the main character, not the detective, but the victim, the perpetrator or the suspect. Often deals with a legal or political system with high stakes.
• Caper Fiction- a piece of fiction where a person or group swindles another person or group out of something, often through elaborate and thought-out means. Think “Ocean’s Eleven.”
• Giallo Fiction- (traditionally, Italian) a type of fiction that takes place in the backdrop of horror and eroticism. Kind of dark stuff, really.
• Gong-an Fiction- a type of mystery that is very specific to 20^th century Chinese magistrates. Thought to be a variant of one of the oldest forms of mystery fiction developed in the 12^th century in China.
• Inverted Crime Fiction- a mystery wherein the crime occurs at the beginning of the story, and then the detective goes through the process of solving it in the dark, while the reader already knows the details. This style relies heavily on drama and suspense.
• Whodunit- the colloquial and classic style of murder mystery story wherein the detective is attempting to determine guilt, often when two or more possible suspects exist. 

Though I couldn't say that this is anywhere near the comprehensive list of all mystery sub-genres, I can say that it is likely a very close representation of the major categories within Mystery fiction.

In the future, I will take a look at some of the other broad-stroke genres, because, frankly, it’s really fun.

Until next time. 

The Genre Proposition

I realize that the delineation of genres can be a very complex thing. Because we live in a time where experimentation with genres is so broad, it can be quiet a task to really define a genre as singular.

Joss Whedon personified this perfectly with his “Firefly” series, where he took two unrelated genres and fused them together. Western Fiction and Science Fiction combined to make Wes-Sci (a name I just made up). This was one of the first major marriages of two genres so utterly different, yet, so beautifully merged.

Honestly, with the artistic freedom that we have today, we can take any two (or three… or four) genres and push them together in the juicer to see what kind of interesting brew we can concoct. Do you love Noir mystery AND high fantasy? Write a book about a medieval inquisitor investigating murders. There’s no one saying that you can’t.

Whatever you can make a good story out of, you can combine. Of course, there are some that will be very (very) difficult to combine. For instance, I don’t think that a vampire romance piece would work well in space.

But, heck, if you think that it sounds like a doable project, give it a go and prove me wrong.

In any case, because of all of these genres and the difficulty that comes along with defining them, I am going to take a whack at some of them on this blog to see what I can come up with.

Want to learn more about them and see how they turn out? Stick around.

Also, I had another story published by the Penmen Review. “The Safford Sun Weekly How-To Column.”

It tells the story of a newspaper writer who slowly spirals into self-destruction, all told through his how-to articles published in a newspaper.

Check it out here or on my “Works” page.

Well, until next time. 

What is the Purpose of Fiction?

It’s a question that you probably have asked at some point in your academic career. Heck, you might even be asking yourself that right now. What use is fiction?

Well, that’s a complicated question. It really boils down to what kind of fiction you are talking about.

Now, you’re thinking; “What? There’s more than one kind of fiction?”

Of course there is! Though the sub-categories stretch into the hundreds, you can simplify it by categorizing them into two basic sets. Those being, Literary Fiction and Genre Fiction.

So, what is the difference?

Again, this is a pretty hard question to answer, but it can be simplified by defining the two.

Literary fiction is a type of fiction that is intended to portray meaning. The key, defining characteristic is that literary fiction is intended to contain a degree of aesthetic distinction and value. Generally, this means that a “literary” work must be flawless in style and form, complex and meaningful, serious in practice and stern in definition. Ultimately, a piece of literary fiction must deliver a message to the reader that comments on or questions some aspect of humanity.

Genre fiction, on the other hand, is a type of fiction that is plot-driven and conceptualized in a particular style and theme to be geared towards a specific readership. I like to call genre fiction, “Commercial Fiction,” as it is primarily used in the attempt, not to portray meaning, but to sell books by providing entertainment to the reader. Because of its deep contrast from “literary fiction,” it is often classified as “paraliterary fiction,” as being fiction that may utilize literary devices, but does not contain the sole purpose of portraying meaning. They are a form of entertainment, just like movies or television. Genre fiction is just what it sounds like; a story set in a specific genre. If a story is about a pair of cowboys defending a town from banditos in the 1800s, it is in the western genre; if a story is about a group of survivors, trying to live out the events of a grim zombie apocalypse, it is in the horror genre; if a story is about a group of friends traveling to a distant land to vanquish an ancient evil using magic, it is in the fantasy genre. These are all genres that you are likely familiar with.

*It should be noted that, even though genre fiction is primarily intended to provide entertainment, it still fulfills the “reading” benefits that I mentioned in my previous post. Reading commercial fiction, though not as useful to brain development as literary fiction as it is not as complex and strenuous, still qualifies as educational.*

So, the key difference between the two is that:

Literary fiction portrays meaning and may fall into a genre.

Genre fiction tells a story within a stipulated setting, and may portray meaning, but targets the key purpose of sales and entertainment respectively.

Now, back to the original question; “What is the purpose of fiction?”

Well, for one of these types of fiction, I have already answered it. Genre/Commercial Fiction serves the sole purpose of entertainment. The publishers put it out so that you will buy it because you will be entertained by it. Pretty simple. And, just to squelch any of you who might think that I am calling commercial fiction inconsequential, I will go ahead and say that I have nothing against commercial fiction; on the contrary, my livelihood depends on it. Commercial fiction promotes greater brain functioning just as literary fiction does. However, when you ask the question, “What is the purpose of fiction” when looking at something like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games series, the purpose is just that; to entertain a set audience.

For literary fiction, however, the question of purpose is far more multilayered. Literary fiction is the absolute best way to extract greater functioning in your brain (again, as outlined in this previous post). It tells a story, yes. But it does more than that; it preserves our humanity. If you have ever seen the movie, V for Vendetta, then you probably recognize the line, “Artists use lies to tell the truth while politicians use them to cover the truth up.”

This is how literary fiction works. It tells the truth of human nature, emotion, sociology, behavior.  Basically, everything that a person experiences, literary fiction is intended to be the vessel through which those sentiments are personified.

Perhaps I will go deeper into the purpose of literary fiction in a later post, but for now, this brief summary should suffice.

Until next time. 

Get it Write!

A peer of mine once asked me, “Why is writing so important? It’s not like I’m ever going to write an essay after I graduate college.”

This is an attitude that most people have about writing. They view it as algebra or chemistry; subjects that really will have no use once the graduation date arrives.

But there is a key difference.

Whether you know it or not, you use writing every day for a myriad of activities. Writing is one of only TWO forms of communication that we, as humans, possess (The other being “speech”).

Writing is a skill that you absolutely need if you are going to succeed in life. Whether you are writing an email, a text, a resume, a piece of literature; your ability is always going to be judged by the quality of your writing.

For instance, if I wrote a cover letter to a job and said, “Hello. I am applying for this job and would like for you to maybe consider hiring me;” that application is going to be set aside in favor of a cover letter that says, “I am writing this cover letter in application for your recently posted job opportunity.” Though they both say the same thing, the writing makes one statement far more respectable.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that writing is just for college essays and book reports. As long as you are communicating with others, you will be writing for the rest of your life. It’s not an educational skill, it’s a life skill. You may never write a book or another research paper, but I guarantee that you will write something.

Wouldn’t you rather that something be written with quality?

The take-away from this blog post: Writing is important. Learn how to do it correctly.

Until next time.

Why Reading Matters

I was listening to a comedian the other day, and I heard him bash pretty heavily against reading literature. This attitude is not new in our world. In fact, it is a common attitude. Many people that I know—some of whom are in my own family—detest the act of “reading.”

Why is this? I am honestly not sure. Reading is a proven method of enhancing one’s brain functioning and intelligence (facts below), so why are people so hastily rallied against it? I’m guessing that it has to do with this culture of laziness that has overtaken our country. An attitude put forth by the 1980’s pop band, Loverboy; “Workin’ for the Weekend.” Once that weekend is here, all we want to do is nothing.

Now, I’m not a political activist or a steward for social change; I’m not that arrogant. However, I am a writer. And, if you didn’t know this about writers, we are very observant people.

I’m not saying that with conceit. (On the contrary; being so observant turns many of us into alcoholic,  sociopaths. Read the life stories of any major author in the last 200 years; most of them are a little loopy.) I’m more of saying it because it is one of my only skills. Many people are great at a lot of things. Me? I’m basically only good at being a writer. Otherwise, I’m a pretty worthless guy.

That being said, I have personally observed that the culture that we live in belittles those who read literature and looks upon those who read for pleasure with suspicion. People who read are often viewed as “witches;” strange, unknowable creatures with ulterior motives galore and a penchant for the macabre.

Recently, I was reading a book at my house when some friends came over. They commented on how it was “strange” that I was reading for pleasure. I said nothing; as I often do, but it made me think.

Why is it so strange for me to read for pleasure?

I decided that it is because, as a culture, it is not a common phenomenon. It is nothing against those people who ask. It has just become a social norm to not read for pleasure. Reading is for school or professional advancement. But, when the day is over, the TV turns on and the brain turns off.

This is the culture that we live in.

A recent study published by the LA Times found that only 57% of Americans read one or more books that were not required by school or work over the course of a year. Barely more than half of the people that you see (in the US) actually sit down and crack open a book.

People scoff at literacy, believing that it is a waste of time. The same comedian that I heard said that they hated going to a movie with someone who “read the book” that the movie is based off, because those people tend to have more knowledge of the subject matter. The comedian quipped that the movie is better because there is no reading involved.

Sure, it was a joke, but, as with most jokes, they are rooted in some truth.

What is the Benefit of Reading?

So, you are probably wondering; why should I read? What good will it do me? Well, I’m glad you hypothetically asked. Here are just a few examples.

Another website that I read found that reading can do the following:

• Enhance general knowledge
• Reduce stress
• Improves relaxation
• Improves analytical thinking
• Improves vocabulary
• Improves memory
• Improves writing skills
• Improves goal-setting

NOTE: Almost half of the people reading this blog post will have stopped reading by now because it is too long and requires too much reading.

Another study found that reading improves these factors:

• Social and emotional intelligence
• Empathy
• Critical Thinking
• Fast decision-making

Another still found that reading:

• Feeds the intellectual cravings of the mind
• Improves conversational abilities
• Stimulates creativity
• Reduces stress
• Improve problem-solving abilities

The TV Conundrum

The fact of the matter is that reading is one of the best activities to improve your brain’s higher functioning.

I love television. It’s one of my favorite methods of storytelling. However, a study put forth in the Journal of Genetic Psychology found that a reliance on television for stories and information can actually be damaging to brain functioning and potentially lower one’s intelligence quotient.

Put down the remote and pick up a book. You can even get an eBook and never have to worry about finding shelf space for your literature. Just read it on your phone. You can even buy it from your phone. Either way, you will benefit from reading much more than you think.

And, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you “don’t have time.” The New York Daily News found that the average American watches 34 hours of television per week. Cut that in half and spend the spare 17 hours per week reading a book.

Now, allow me to dismount my soapbox and get back to writing. I’ve got a book to finish.

Until next time. 

Why the Degree Matters (HINT: It Doesn’t)

Having a creative degree (and working towards another), people are always asking me the same question;

“What good is THAT degree?”

Of course, they choose to phrase it in different ways, but the tone always betrays their true meaning. No matter what the degree is, if it is in the humanities or the arts, it is always going to be looked upon with suspicion and scorn.

“Oh, you’re getting a degree in Art History? How fun!”

What they are really saying is, “You’re getting a degree in something silly and I don’t respect you.”

So, when people ask me why I have a degree in Creative Writing, or why I am getting my Master’s Degree in Fiction, I like to turn the tables on them.

“Hey Cameron, what do you plan on doing with your degree in stories?”

“Oh, I just want to be able to adequately tell the story of a lonely business-degree holder who lives with his parents because everyone and their mom have a business degree these days.”

People often do not take this well.

The fact of the matter is, the degree that you have matters little in the end. As a young college graduate, you are always going to find yourself struggling to find traction. Even as an older professional, you have to work to obtain your goals. Does an education help? Absolutely it does! I would never demean the value of a strong educational background. But, the degree is a stepping stone, not an endgame.

Having a degree is supposed to help you get a job, not realize your dreams. If you want to be a classical pianist, then be a classical pianist. Sure, you might have to get a high school music-teaching job to subsidize your ambitions; but who cares?

I am a writer who works as a copy editor to pay the bills and put myself through grad school because writing fiction is only lucrative contingent on your accomplishments NOT your degree.

Sure, I work in the corporate world, but I won’t always be a copy editor.

Think about it.

Well, anyways, until next time. 

Announcement:

My recent short story With Trembling Hands has been featured in the Penmen Review at Southern New Hampshire University. A literary piece about an old man who has failed to grasp onto the new world order,  the story comments on the adaptation of an older universe to a newer one.

Literary fiction is a vessel through which an artist communicates complex human emotion and meaning with a combination of literary devices rather than through commercial clichés (not that I am against genre commercial fiction). Though I am not arrogant enough to think myself an expert on such a complex artistic form, no writer worth his salt would forgo at least attempting to construct a literary piece.

Read it HERE

Anyways, that’s all for now.

Until next time.