research type of fiction

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• Tags: Fiction Research , Fiction Writing

The most basic understanding of “fiction” in literature is that it is a written piece that depicts imaginary occurrences. There is this unspoken assumption that fiction, because it is of imagined events, has nothing to do with reality (and therefore researching for a novel is not important). This is far from the truth. 

The history of fiction writing presents an inherent paradox: the most gripping of novels require you to write of imagined events in a realistic way. If we accept literature as a reflection of the world around us, then we must also acknowledge that the best of fiction stems from reality. It may be an account of imaginary events, but is still heavily rooted in the real. 

Elevate your novel after research and writing. Learn more

For a writer, this means in-depth research about various aspects of novel writing , including cultural and social context, character behavior, and historical details. 

Your task is (ever so slightly) easier if you are writing about situations contemporary to you. But the further you go back, through the annals of history, the harder it becomes to strive for such authenticity.

Grammar mistakes are jarring, but so are plot holes. An inconsistent story is off-putting to even the most immersed reader. So, here’s the bottom line: do n’t assume, and get your research down.

Why is research important for fiction?

Because even William Shakespeare, one of the most iconic figures of literature, erred in making anachronisms. One of the most famous literary anachronisms is in his play Julius Caesar , in Cassius’ line:

“The clock has stricken three.” (Act II, Scene 1)

The error is that clocks that “struck” were invented almost 14 centuries after the play was set! 

But Shakespeare was a giant. We have forgiven these misgivings because Shakespearean literature is rich even with such minuscule errors. As for us foolish mortals, it’s probably best to do our research thoroughly. 

Having a detailed understanding of the landscape that you are writing about is one of the most effective ways to draw your reader into the story world. Your extensive knowledge of your chosen topic will also give you a stable and authoritative voice in your writing.

What should you be researching?

As you might have realized by now, there are various aspects of your novel you should be researching. To start with, we’ve split fiction writing research into two categories: content and form. By content, we mean the details and elements you should focus on within your story. By form, we mean the style and genre of writing you wish to eventually adopt.

Needless to say, these two categories will overlap with each other as you make your story more streamlined.  

A story’s setting is one of the most important elements of fiction writing. It is essentially the time and space that your narrative is set in or the story’s backdrop. A story might have a gripping narrative and well-rounded characters, but it is incomplete if the reader doesn’t have a sense of where it’s all happening. As part of your setting, you can include geographical, cultural, social, and political details that you feel are relevant to the story.

In other words, you are essentially creating a “world” for your story . These may seem like tiny details to add to your otherwise imaginary story, but they provide depth and plausibility to your story.

One cool way to get a lowdown on these intricate spatial details like roads, mountains, hills, monuments, and other geographical landmarks is through tools like Google Maps and Street View . This is especially useful if you have to write about a place you can’t visit or you simply want to get geographical descriptions right.

The worst thing you could do as a writer is to assume things. This is a misstep that is quite unnecessary and can easily be avoided with some research. The information you have already gathered while researching your setting is a good enough start. What you now need to do with all these seemingly scattered pieces of information is to make sure they do not contradict each other.

Character details and human behavior

In plotting your story, you will also automatically gain an understanding of the intention and goals of your characters. In order to flesh them out and ensure that they are dynamic and interesting, research is required.

An understanding of human behavior and nature is a very important skill for a good writer. The stereotype of a perceptive and observant writer is, in fact, due to quite a practical need! Even if your characters do not exist in reality, they should seem real enough for your readers to be able to relate to them.

Historical and social background 

Your story world is not just the time, place, and immediate surroundings of your characters. Irrespective of what setting your story has, it also has the larger context of the world that your characters reside in. This could be from a real point in history (like Victorian England, 1920s jazz era, etc.) or it could be completely made up (Oceania from 1984, or Panem).

But irrespective of whether you’re writing historical fiction or creating a new world altogether, it must be thorough and consistent in supporting your plot. As a writer, you must clearly understand the culture and systems that your characters are a part of. A well-rooted universe also gives readers an insight into a character’s identity.

Writing style and genre 

If you are writing a novel in a particular genre, it’s important to be aware of writing conventions and tropes commonly used in that genre. The best, and most obvious, way to do this is to read novels and stories in your genre of choice. Look at the top-rated and critically acclaimed books and study them carefully. Be critical in your study, try to understand the author’s creative writing process, and look at the style and tone they try to evoke. 

Aside from this, you could also take a look at books about novel writing in general. These will give you general, but useful information about novel writing, like when to write long descriptions and when to cut straight to the action.

How should you be researching?

• Read about what you are researching. Books, articles, and other forms of print media are great ways to gather information on culture, history, and society. Biographies and memoirs are great for character insight (especially if you’re basing your book on a real person). If you’re basing your novel in the real world, you know what to do next. If you’re creating your own world, this is still a good basis for whatever you cook up within your world.
• Films and TV are great sources for helping you develop your character as they help you understand character traits and motivation in your story. Additionally, they might also help you visualize your story.
• If you are writing about characters with a niche profession (for example), take interviews with people who are in that field. For instance, if you are writing a detective story, talk to people in your police precinct and observe their behavior.
• If you are writing about specific locations, read up about that. In the age of the internet, there are many resources and forums where you can interact with people around the world.
• Try to visit the locations you are writing about and spend some time there , to gain an insight into what life in that place is like.

Incorporating research into fiction

Be selective about your details. Whether or not you actually incorporate the details that you have researched, knowing your world well will make your writing infinitely better. 

Because of all the information you have amassed, there is a certain bias you acquire as an “expert” on the subject of your story. So if you include a lot of information, there is a danger of your work sounding too technical.

Make sure that every detail you include is directly relevant to the plot. Keep it simple: and avoid unnecessary plot holes.

You can use these practical tips to research for your next story. Once you research and complete your story, the next step is to edit and publish your work.  As a trusted brand offering editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you refine your work. 

Here are some other articles you might find interesting: 

• 5 Elements of a Short Story & 6 Stages of a Plot
• What is Flash Fiction? Definition, Examples & Types

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What Genre Is My Story? Why the Answer Matters

by Sue Weems | 38 comments

The first time I wrote a novel, I didn’t think about the literary genre until the first draft was done, and I began trying to untangle my mess in revision. I hadn't asked, “What genre is my story?” After two painful years (mostly comprised of avoidance, procrastination, and general despair), I hired a developmental editor who began our first phone call by asking, “What kind of book is this?” and “Who is your ideal reader?”

“It’s for everyone,” I said.

“No, it isn’t,” she said in a kind, but firm voice. Within minutes, I realized I had skipped a clarifying question that would guide every step of the book process from the plot and characters to cover design and marketing. The question?

What genre is my book?

I needed to know what type of book I was writing. Historical fiction? Paranormal romance? Urban fantasy? Literary mystery? Psychological thriller? The genre matters. 

Genre appears simple on the surface: writing with similar form or characteristics. We’re familiar with genres like mystery, romance, horror, and science fiction. But it’s more: Genre is a promise to the reader, and more specifically, it’s a series of promises.

Some writers think identifying and writing to a genre kills their Muse’s Unicorn Magic. Not so.

Think of it this way: Good writing is a lot like giving a tour. Readers buy books to take the tour. If I hire a tour guide to take me around Paris, I expect to see Paris. Not London. Not Berlin.

While those are lovely places, that is not where the tour guide said we were going, and it isn’t what I paid for. There’s nothing I appreciate more than visiting a city for the second or third or twentieth time and getting a great tour from someone who surprises and delights me by showing me the city in a new way.

Good writing is like that.

Who is my reader? What do they expect?

My creative writing students are often surprised when I tell them to begin their story research on Amazon. I ask them what my developmental editor asked me: “What type of story is this? Where would the reader look for it on Amazon? What book category is it most like?”

Some writers tell me they are only writing for themselves, but I guarantee when they finish a story the first thing they say is, “Will you read this?” to everyone within hearing distance. I do the same thing. This is why I need to clarify genre as soon as possible, so I know what promises to make and keep for my readers.

Here are two specific ways to start. Ask yourself:

• What other book / film / tv show is my book like (or most like)?
• Where would my book fit on the shelf at the bookstore? (even if it straddles two shelves)

It won’t be exact, and that’s okay. Once you have a category, look at the summaries of several books or films in that genre. What patterns do you see? Hopefully you have read (or watched) broadly in that genre, so if possible, think through the plot progression. What are the key scenes? How does the main character change? What kinds of complications cause conflict? What role does the setting play?

What does genre research look like?

If I have a book that is similar to the show Murder She Wrote , I might break it down like this:

Genre: Cozy Mystery Key scenes: intro sleuth, dead body (or puzzle) scene, sleuth takes the case, clues, misdirection, clues, sleuth solves it, traps killer, justice Main character change: Sleuth won’t change necessarily, but we’ll see new sides of the sleuth and community Complications: red herrings (false clues), people lying, misdirection, another death, etc. Setting: usually small, complex communities Other conventions: a cozy will have no explicit sex, language, gore, etc.

If I get stuck writing my book, I can look at what a cozy mystery usually promises and use it to keep me moving forward. If I know my reader expects a dead body, I can deliver it in a way that is unexpected. (Wait, maybe that wasn’t the best example.)

Note: Sometimes a story draws from more than one genre, which can work, but make sure the primary genre is clear or you risk sending mixed signals to the reader. 

But isn’t genre just a bunch of clichés? I want to be original!

Have you heard of Shakespeare? The fellow wrote around ten tragedies (in addition to the comedies, histories, sonnets, etc.) for the stage and every single one begins with some noble person in trouble for their pride and ends with dead bodies littered across the stage. The eighteen or so comedies he wrote all begin in chaos and end in order with a marriage.

The same is true for us. If you know the most common devices in your book genre, write them down and use them to create small twists or turns that take the story new places within the boundaries. (Even in literary fiction, writers usually use some external control to guide the story. Consider James Joyce who used Homer’s Odyssey as a structure for Ulysses .)

I talk to writers all the time who are paralyzed because they don’t want to write clichés. So write them down and then revise them. We’re writers! We revise!

Haven’t started your book yet? Ask “What Genre is My Story?” Now

You can still use genre research to guide your process, even if you are a pantser who hates outlines. In fact, you may even find you have more fun writing when you have a few signposts along the way to keep the story on track. (Last ditch plea: As a recovering pantser, I can tell you it will save you hundreds of hours (and pages!) in revision to clarify genre early on.)

Once I identified the genre of my floundering novel as YA, coming-of-age science fiction, I understood what scenes had to be cut and what my protagonist needed to do to grow up by the end. I understood where my book would fit on a bookshelf and what the cover would need to look like to find the right readers. I figured out how make the right promises from page one to orient the reader.

When I was stuck in the middle? I knew to find complications that forced her to act on her own instead of depending on older figures in the novel to reinforce the coming-of-age theme.

Genre Clarifies Revision

When I was working through revision and couldn't figure out why a scene wasn't working, I realized that I had some misplaced genre elements that either needed to be cut or revised significantly to better fit the story I was telling. 

And far from restricting my process, knowing the genre actually clarified and focused my direction for revision. I don't want to throw in magical elements if I haven't established a genre that uses them. If I set up a romantic relationship (even as a subplot), I had better deliver on that promise by the end (or alternately thwart it and crush everyone). 

By the way, nonfiction book research works the same way. Go see where your book fits in the market.  You need to know who you are writing for and how to meet their expectations and needs. What types of books are most like the one you are writing?

It’s worth an hour of research to clarify the question your first editor is going to ask, “What kind of book is this?” Don’t be like me—have an answer ready.

Want to read more about genre? Check out Save the Cat by Blake Snyder (ch. 2 especially) and The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne.

Have you researched your genre? How has that research helped your writing? Let us know in the comments .

Take one of the following scenarios and write it as a short scene to fit a genre, but don’t tell us the genre. Let us guess based on the promises you make with character, setting, and other details. Scenarios:

• Boarding a bus / train / boat
• Choosing a gift
• Pushing a stroller

Write for fifteen minutes . When you're done, share your scene in the Pro Practice Workshop here , and don't forget to comment on a few other writers' works. Can you guess what genre they used?

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

38 Comments

I know I enjoy writing what I enjoy reading: underdog suffering misunderstandings/injustice, hurt and comfort science fiction (mostly humans with powers or fighting the supernatural), but I have no idea where that fits on a bookshelf. Guess I need to look around a little.

That’s what I did, Nicole. I began to go look at the categories for the books I loved to read most. It gave me a starting place.

Thanks for your article, I’ve found it very helpful!

This is a great idea, looking into what you enjoy reading. I find my interests vary a great deal, but know that two of my favorite genres (legal thrillers, and horror novels in the Steven King tradition) for reading are not ones I would feel competent writing. I do enjoy historical fiction, which is the genre that is currently calling to me for writing.

Yes, my interest can vary too, but I tend to gravitate toward fantasy. My only issue with a lot of books in that genre is too many characters to keep up with.

Nicole, look up the page in the front of those books you enjoy, where the publishers details can be found. They include the genre category that particular book fits into. Thank you for writing this comment – I hadn’t realised that I also need to do this research to determine my own genre range.

Great tip! Thank you! I didn’t know the genre category would be listed in the book itself and that is extremely helpful!

Cheryl bent over to review the neat row of yellow and green boxes , open at the top with well folded infant clothes and accessories with criss cross ribbons of contrasting colors. All the selections seemed attractive enough in their presentations but so boring in their contents, at least those that were in price range. Buying a gift for Charlene’s baby shower made her quite nervous. She knew two absolutes. Charlene had high standards of impeccable taste and a gazillion relatives who could whip home made items fit for royalty. On Cheryl’s limited budget the most sensible thing she could buy was a carton of diapers which would be useful if not memorable. For the price of one the fancy boxed items which might be worn once or twice in the first three months she could buy her friend a box a diapers which would both mother and child hours of comfort but little recognition of lasting import for the gift giver. What to do, Oh what to do???

A loud crash and suddenly the entire store was dark. Cheryl’s heart went, “Thump thump thump” as small cries of “What’s happening?” and “Oh my God” and varying tones of children whimpering began to assail Cheryl’s ears.

My fifteen minutes is up. Can you guess my intended genre?

Love this! Cheryl’s dilemma comes through clearly (and may I say as a mother of four: buy the diapers, Cheryl- HA!). The first paragraph I would have been leaning toward women’s fiction, but with the store thrown into darkness, I’m wondering if we’re veering into mystery. I hope you’ll keep exploring. Thanks for sharing here!

Thank you for the prompt and I was going for a Christian mystery genre, but certainly in women’s fiction Christian mystery mode. I think I will take your advice and keep exploring……You really think diapers would be best? lol

Akiko ran along the pier, making her way through the crowd as best she could. Most of the people moved out of her way, but she bumped into some of them. She would have apologized, but she didn’t have time.

Her pursuers were right behind her.

To her right, she could hear someone speaking clearly, as if to a crowd. “While the Windy is a sailing vessel, harbor regulations require us to use a motor within the harbor.”

He sounded close. Over the sounds of the crowd and her own beating heart she could hear the motor and the lapping of the waves against the hull. Surely they were underway.

Without breaking her stride, she called out. “Ahoy! Ahoy there!” She waved her arms above her head. “Ahoy!”

She could hear some murmurs and chuckles from the passengers. The man who had been speaking called back, “Ahoy!”

She quickly judged the distance to the ship and the height of the deck above the water. She reached to her right and found the railing with her fingertips. She scrabbled over the railing and jumped for the ship.

It was surprising how much went through her mind in the seconds she was airborne. Here she was, jumping for a target she could not see, relying solely on her faith in her other senses. She recalled a Bible story about blind Bartimaeus, who leapt into the street when Jesus passed by. “A leap of faith,” the pastor had called it. That what it was like. She was Bartimaeus, leaping blindly. That is, if Bartimaeus had been a sixteen-year-old girl being chased by assassins. And Jesus had been a sailing ship. And the street had been Lake Michigan.

Then she slammed against the side of the ship, her fingers barely catching the gunwhales. The impact knocked the wind out of her.

She wondered if she could be prosecuted as a stowaway. She certainly didn’t have any money to pay for a ticket.

A gunshot rang out behind her.

Great. She had only been trying to save her own life. Now she had put innocent people in danger.

On the deck, someone screamed.

I’m guessing YA thriller (inspirational/Christian). The clues I used included tempo (fast moving action), character (16 yr old girl running), and details (thriller- assassins and gunshot, Christian- Bartimaeus and Jesus). I loved the driving motion of the language throughout her run down the pier, as well as the way you slowed it while she was in the air with the allusion to Bartimaeus. Interesting name–if I’m not mistaken, Akiko means “sparkle” or “light.” I wonder if she is already the light or the story will help her take hold of her name. Great story seed here, Bruce. Thanks for sharing your practice!

YA thriller is correct. Interestingly, I have not included any Biblical references in this story until I wrote this exercise. I’m not sure why I haven’t included one before, nor why I put one in now. I’ll have to think about this more.

Akiko is a Japanese American, and her name has many possible meanings which would only be made clear by the Kanji (the way the name is written). While Akiko herself doesn’t know Japanese, you are correct. Her name means “sparkle,” “light,” or “bright-shining child.” It is an ironic name, since she is blind. I hope you picked up on that as you read my piece!

I enjoyed your post, Bruce. You did a fine job of increasing suspence with each action, hooking me up to read to the end. I’d love to know what will happen next. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks. Me, too, which is the biggest reason the story isn’t finished yet.

Yes. THere are so many reasons to research your genre. First, you don’t want to fill your novel with cliches that make it look amateur, and second, if you’re not familiar with the genre you’re writing, you won’t know if your idea has been done to death already, making an editor say “Thanks, but I’ve seen it way too many times.”

So true, Jason. Knowing the market is important. One of the benefits of reading is hearing all the narrative voices that define and differentiate the genre.

My target audience, when I take the time to think about it, is always my biggest problem. Thankfully, and unfortunately depending on how you view this, I hardly think about it.

I like things to be categorized, official. I want to know exactly what I am reading. Thank you for this article.

You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

‘The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round’ echoed cyclically and relentlessly in her mind; but whether this tune came from a place of mockery or irony, she could not be certain. Certainty was an illusion that she had not the luxury of. Her eyes covertly observed the stroller’s wheels turning over and over again. Whoosh, pause. Whoosh, pause. They effortlessly performed a steady motion and rhythm that was so predictable- like your favorite song’s chorus lines, where you knew exactly what to expect and when. Predictability was extraordinarily underrated, in her opinion. Oh, how she longed for her brain to somehow reprogram itself. Never mind other people’s natural ability to do so…but if a brainless invention such as a stroller, she reckoned, could be capable of such power: then why couldn’t she, as well? Her train of thought jolted and derailed at the sound of the neighbor’s voice. “Hey there Mary Beth!” she shouted, unnecessarily amiable, in her opinion. “Oh, hello Becky. How do you do?” “I am just great! The kids are having so much fun in basketball and tennis, and well as for me, my garden is just absolutely blooming like you would not believe. You see, I have this secret trick I do where I….” Becky droned on about something for what seemed to be a very long time. Mary Beth didn’t have on a watch, but she knew a long time had passed because her legs began to get all tingly. That tended to happen when she stood too stiff for too long a while. She shifted uncomfortably when Becky remembered she had some real important errand to go run, and excused herself. Mary Beth was relieved. She didn’t know what she and the baby would be doing next, but she was positive that it ought to not concern Becky, or her big mouth. She continued to push the steady stroller up the unpaved sidewalk.

My favorite line was this one: “but whether this tune came from a place of mockery or irony, she could not be certain.” I love all the cycles you exploit here from the song in the opening to the droning of the neighbor causing tell-tale tingling in the legs. As I was thinking about this prompt, I imagined the times in my life when things have seemed absolutely mundane and repetitive and how the best surprises often come from those moments precisely because they are unexpected. I hope Mary Beth and the baby take the unpaved sidewalk on a new adventure. Thanks for sharing your practice. (I’m guessing women’s fiction for genre.)

Reader expectations are huge. I wrote what I thought was historical fiction. You can imagine how much research that takes to get it right. After two years, I learned that historical fiction topics must be at least 50 years old. Mine topic happened less than 30 years ago. So then I had to find a new genre. I’m still revising.

I didn’t realize that, Nancy. So anything within 50 years would fall into contemporary then? Interesting. Thanks for reading and sharing your experience.

Gloria griped the rubber handles of the covered jogging stroller, her palms sweaty and slippery. As she raced along the hot sidewalk, the sun glaring into her eyes, she felt a familiar movement. Pausing, she jerked the stroller sharply. She felt a tumble as an ‘ooph’ emitted from it bowels. As she turned onto Fifth Avenue, waiting with throngs of New Yorkers for the DON’T WALK signal to change, a muffled voice asked for some water. She reached into a diaper bag and shoved a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi into the stroller. “Are you supposed to give babies soda?” said a tall woman in a next to Gloria. “Mind your own damn business,” said a gravelly voice. “Who was that?” said the woman. Before Gloria could think of something plausible, the sound of soda hissing and spraying came from the stroller. A tiny man emerged, Pepsi dripping from his miniature physique. “I quit!” he said, throwing the spitting bottle at Gloria’s head as she ducked. It hit the tall woman, knocking her hat to the ground. “If you think I’m helping you hold up a jewelry store now, you’re crazy!” “Charlie, wait!” said Gloria. She and forty other people watched him stomp away as he tore off a little t-shirt that said, ‘Mother’s precious angel’. “They grow up so quickly,” said Gloria, looking around with apprehension. She turned and ran toward Charlie. The siganl changed. The abandoned stroller rolled into the street, underneath the tire of a black Escalade inching its way into the intersection. The driver stopped, raced from the car toward the stroller, fear glazing his face. He pulled out 17 wallets, three watches and a copy of Nudist’s Delight. He rooted around a few seconds more, looking for a baby, his arms sticky with Pepsi. I’ll be damned,”

Gloria griped the rubber handles of the covered jogging stroller, her palms sweaty and slippery. As she raced along, the hot sidewalk blinding her eyes, she felt a thump. Pausing, she jerked the stroller sharply. She felt a tumble, as an ‘oomph’ emitted from its bowels. As she turned onto Fifth Avenue, waiting with throngs of New Yorkers for the DON’T WALK signal to change, a muffled voice asked for some water. She reached into the diaper bag swinging from one of the handles and shoved a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi into the stroller. “Are you supposed to give babies soda?” said a tall woman in a next to Gloria. “Mind your own damn business,” said a gravelly voice. “Who was that?” said the woman. Before Gloria could think of something plausible, the sound of soda hissing and spraying filled the air, momentarily drowning out horns and engines. A tiny man swung his legs out of the stroller, Pepsi dripping from his miniature physique. “I quit!” he said, throwing the sputtering bottle at Gloria’s head. She ducked. It hit the tall woman, knocking her to the ground. “If you think I’m helping you hold up a jewelry store now, you’re crazy!” His bald head shone in the July heat. “Charlie, wait!” she said. The crowd watched him stomp away as he tore off a pint-sized t-shirt that said, ‘Mother’s precious angel’. “They grow up so quickly,” said Gloria, apprehensively. She shoved the stroller into the intersection, turned and ran toward him. The signal changed. The abandoned stroller was caught underneath the bumper of a black Escalade. The driver stopped, racing to the stroller, fear glazing his face. He plunged his hands in to pull out the child. Instead, he found 17 wallets, three watches and a copy of Nudist’s Delight. He rooted around a few seconds more, looking for a baby, his arms sticky with Pepsi. He looked around, folded up the stroller, stuffed it into the trunk and drove away.

This is terrific– died laughing at this part: “pint-sized t-shirt that said, ‘Mother’s precious angel’.

“They grow up so quickly,” said Gloria, apprehensively.” So many great sensory details– I was there watching along in disbelief.

Thank you! I wrote a weekly humor column for 9 years and it’s difficult for me not to incorporate humor in my work. Life is serious and way too short not to laugh.

I love the inclusion of humor in this. It is one aspect of writing I struggle with, but delight in finding it in other’s writing.

I’m not sure about the genre of this piece – it could be moving toward the mystery genre, but there are other possible directions – perhaps legal thriller?

The entirety of the walls were rusted over, along with the intense fall colors all around, it felt like a sea of fire and blood, my skin hot with it. The closer I got to the abandoned station the further away reality felt. It was strange to think I was entering this surreal space to get closer to the truth. A paradox.

“Hey, pay attention to where yer steppin…” Derek growled at me from behind. “Now isn’t time for daydreamin’, look where yer puttin’ yer feet.”

“Yah, I know. Sorry.” I muttered an insincere apology, taking in the sight around me. “Why would she have come all the way out here?”

When I turned to look at him he was staring hard at the next car up. “Think we can manage to get that lock open? Probably rusted shut, ‘magine.”

I saw where he was staring, and realized quickly that the trek up through this train car was going to be a treacherous one, and for the first time out in the woods I felt frightened. But I had to do this, for my little niece. I thought of her petite size, only 11 years of age, eyes big and blue and always watching… if I was scared out here, what in the hell must she be feeling?”

“Maybe she didn’t come out here on her own.” Derek’s voice was quiet, careful. “You have to consider the possibility that she-“

“I already talked to the police about this, and I don’t want to even discuss it.” I raised an eyebrow at him, doing my best to act like I wasn’t completely frantic at the idea that she could have been taken, instead of simply leaving on her own accord because of the fights we’d been having. Losing your mother can really mess you up, I imagine… I know losing my sister made me different… perhaps Sarah and I just didn’t like each other anymore. The thought made my head hurt. “Sarah’s a smart kid, and she’s an angry one too. She just ran off to give me a scare, that’s all, make me come chasing after her. It worked.”

Once we’d reached the next car up I stood on my tip toes against the railing and peered inside, and what I got a look at hit me like a bus, so hard I fell back on to the metal spoke sticking out from the busted up balcony. I saw the blood through my shirt before feeling anything. Derek looked me over I’m guessing, I couldn’t speak, all I could see was the dingy train car with nothing but men’s clothes drying, a makeshift woodstove, books… a living space. A living space with one large mattress, and a camera pointing directly at it.

“The blanket… it’s stained.” Derek sounded ill.

“But it’s empty. Right?” He nodded and I started to cry. “Is it what I think?”

“Color of rust, it’s definitely blood.” He bent back down, staring at me sideways as he helped put pressure on my side, the wound started to decrease it’s flow. I just had to be careful. “Second thoughts on talkin’ to the police, Liz?”

“Just get them out here, now, call.”

I felt her in the woods just then, a soft word, a song I couldn’t quite remember, and for the first time the reality hit. Sarah, my little niece, my love and all that’s left of my family… was she gone?

The colors in this come through so clearly– such a striking and chilling parallel to the action. Thanks for sharing your practice. (Genre guess: suspense/ mystery)

Thank you so much for the wonderful prompt! And yes, you are 100% right on the genre, and knowing I have some sort of a grasp on it makes me feel so much better about the novel I’m working on. Love this page, btw, really helpful in a lot of ways

I agree with the genre being suspense/mystery. My attention was definitely captured by this intro. I want to read the rest of the book.

Thank you, maybe one day I’ll be able to write the rest of this story!! 🙂

What happened? Did they find Sarah? Keep writing!

I haven’t figured that out yet lol. It’s sort of an off-shoot of a novel I’m working on, but it seems like a pretty good start to another novel!! I will keep writing, keep an eye out 🙂

He went into the jewellery store. He had seen the ad about 20% discounts on diamond jewellery, in the morning paper. This was it. He would buy the goddamn ring and give it to her in the evening. All he had to do was drop the kids off at the grandparents so he could have her to himself. Once the diamond got her attention, she wouldn’t realise if it was a divorce paper or the sale of her soul that she signed. “Good evening sir! What would you like to see?” asked the overtly courteous salesman. “I saw the ad in the paper today,” he began. “Oh yes, the diamond discount, is it?” the salesman enquired. “Yes, yes!” he replied. “Please come with me, sir. This way,” said the salesman, leading him to the first floor of the store. “Do you mind me asking if it’s for an anniversary or birthday?” the salesman asked. “None, really! I just wanted to take advantage of the discount,” he said. “Right then! You might like to take a look at the round-cut gold range then, sir,” said the salesman. “I need something below 50,000. Your choice!” he said, checking his phone for emails. “Uh, but how can I…,” said the salesman sheepishly. “Of course you can. Just close your eyes and choose one for me. I’ll take that,” he said. “Alright sir,” said the salesman. Ten minutes later, he had bought a decent-looking diamond ring for Mou, enough to catch her attention. The first phase of his plan was done.

Thank you so much for this post. It is extremely helpful and gives me the beginning process for my next writing project. Researching the genre, which, at this point I think is historical fiction, will be an enjoyable place to start.

With the novel I wrote some time ago, I was definitely in the category of a “pantser,” answering, “It’s for everyone,” the first time someone asked about my potential audience. At that point the book had already been written and published on Create Space. I’m continuing to learn from my mistakes there and will someday do a revision – with a new cover.

Meanwhile, my second book (written with my husband) is much easier to categorize, as you will see in the writing sample below. This is not from the book, but captures the general theme in a new way with your prompt.

Here is my writing from this exercise. I don’t think you’ll have much trouble identifying the genre.

Boarding a Train

Boarding the train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station brings sadness as this may be the last time I visit this beautiful city. I’m writing for those of you who have yet to spend time in Italy, sharing our adventures while giving you some practical guidelines on planning your trip and what to put on your “must see” list.

We’ve been staying in the hills southeast of the city for a full month and ridden the commuter train from Incisa Val’darno into Florence five or six times. It is a forty-five minute ride through countryside that has begun to blossom into spring. The trips early in the month (March) were mostly in shades of gray. Now the chestnut trees are blooming in brilliant white, along with the hackberry bushes. Yellow blossoms decorate some of the fields and the varied greens of grape and olive leaves are filling in the blanks.

Italy has a seductive quality that lures one into dreaming of staying here permanently, but you can get a taste in a well-planned two week stay. One note about planning. It is important, but don’t get too attached to your plan. Expect to be surprised and improvise as you explore. No plan at all will result in wasting a lot of your precious time here figuring out what to do, but being too attached to your plan will result in missing those special unexpected moments that are sure to make an appearance.

I’ll give you some practical tips and lists at the end of this book. Come join us on our adventure and begin dreaming of your own.

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On the Fine Art of Researching For Fiction  

Jake wolff: how to write beyond the borders of your experience.

The first time I considered the relationship between fiction and research was during a writing workshop—my first—while I watched the professor eviscerate some poor kid’s story about World War II. And yeah, the story was bad. I remember the protagonist being told to “take cover” and then performing several combat rolls to do so.

“You’re college students,” the professor said. “Write about college students.”

Later, better professors would clarify for me that research, with a touch of imagination, can be a perfectly valid substitute for experience. But that’s always where the conversation stopped. If we ever uttered the word “research” in a workshop, we did so in a weaponized way to critique a piece of writing: “This desperately needs more research,” we’d all agree, and then nothing more would be said. We’d all just pretend that everyone in the room already knew how to integrate research into fiction and that the failures of the story were merely a lack of effort rather than skill. Secretly, though, I felt lost.

I knew research was important, and I knew how to research. My questions all had to do with craft. How do I incorporate research into fiction? How do I provide authenticity and detail without turning the story into a lecture? How much research is too much? Too little?

How do I allow research to support the story without feeling obligated to remain in the realm of fact—when I am, after all, trying to write fiction?

I heavily researched my debut novel, in which nearly every chapter is science-oriented, historical, or both. I’d like to share a method I used throughout the research and writing process to help deal with some of my questions. This method is not intended to become a constant fixture in your writing practice. But if you’re looking for ways to balance or check the balance of the amount of research in a given chapter, story, or scene, you might consider these steps: identify, lie, apply.

I recently had a conversation with a former student, now a friend, about a short story he was writing. He told me he was worried he’d packed it too full of historical research.

“Well,” I said, “how much research is in there?”

“Uhhh,” he answered. “I’m not sure?”

That’s what we might call a visualization problem. It’s hard to judge the quantity of something you can’t see.

I’ve faced similar problems in my own work. I once received a note from my editor saying that a certain chapter of my novel read too much like a chemistry textbook. At first, I was baffled—I didn’t think of the chapter as being overly research-forward. But upon reading it again, I realized I had missed the problem. After learning so much about chemistry, I could no longer “see” the amount of research I had crammed into twenty pages.

Literature scholars don’t have this problem because they cite their sources; endnotes, footnotes, and the like don’t merely provide a tool for readers to verify claims, but also provide a visual reminder that research exists within the text. Thankfully, creative writers generally don’t have to worry about proper MLA formatting (though you should absolutely keep track of your sources). Still, finding a quick way to visually mark the research in your fiction is the least exciting but also the most important step in recognizing its role in your work.

Personally, I map my research in blue. So when my editor flagged that chapter for me, I went back to the text and began marking the research. By the end of the process, the chapter was filled with paragraphs that looked like this one:

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays an especially important role in pregnancy. Only a few months before Sammy arrived in Littlefield, a group of scientists found the first example of progesterone in plants. They’d used equipment I would never be able to access, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy, to search for the hormone in the leaves of the English Walnut trees. In humans, aging was associated with a drop in progesterone and an increase in tumor formation—perhaps a result of its neurosteroidal function.

My editor was spot-on: this barely qualified as fiction. But I truly hadn’t seen it. As both a writer and teacher, I’m constantly amazed by how blind we can become to our own manuscripts. Of course, this works the other way, too: if you’re writing a story set in medieval England but haven’t supported that setting with any research, you’ll see it during this step. It’s such an easy, obvious exercise, but I know so few writers who do this.

Before moving on, I’ll pause to recommend also highlighting research in other people’s work. If there’s a story or novel you admire that is fairly research-forward, go through a few sections and mark anything that you would have needed research to write. This will help you see the spacing and balance of research in the fiction you’re hoping to emulate.

(Two Truths and a) Lie

You’ve probably heard of the icebreaker Two Truths and a Lie: you tell two truths and one lie about yourself, and then the other players have to guess which is the lie. I’d rather die than play this game in real life, but it works beautifully when adapted as a solo research exercise.

It’s very simple. When I’m trying to (re)balance the research in my fiction, I list two facts I’ve learned from my research and then invent one “fact” that sounds true but isn’t. The idea is to acquaint yourself with the sound of the truth when it comes to a given subject and then to recreate that sound in a fictive sentence. It’s a way to provide balance and productivity, ensuring that you’re continuing to imagine and invent —to be a fiction writer— even as you’re researching.

I still have my notes from the first time I used this exercise. I was researching the ancient Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang for a work of historical fiction I would later publish in One Story. I was drowning in research, and the story was nearing fifty pages (!) with no end in sight. My story focused on the final years of the emperor’s life, so I made a list of facts related to that period, including these:

1. The emperor was obsessed with finding the elixir of life and executed Confucian scholars who failed to support this obsession.

2. If the emperor coughed, everyone in his presence had to cough in order to mask him as the source.

3. The emperor believed evil spirits were trying to kill him and built secret tunnels to travel in safety from them.

Now, the second of those statements is a lie. My facts were showing me that the emperor was afraid of dying and made other people the victims of that fear—my lie, in turn, creates a usable narrative detail supporting these facts. I ended up using this lie as the opening of the story. I was a graduate student at the time, and when I workshopped the piece, my professor said something about how the opening worked because “It’s the kind of thing you just can’t make up.” I haven’t stopped using this exercise since.

We have some facts; we have some lies. The final step is to integrate these details into the story. We’ll do this by considering their relationship to the beating heart of fiction: conflict. You can use this step with both facts and lies. My problem tends to be an overload of research rather than the opposite, so I’ll show you an example of a lie I used to help provide balance.

In a late chapter in my book, three important characters—Sammy and his current lover Sadiq and his ex- lover Catherine—travel to Rapa Nui (Easter Island). They’ve come to investigate a drug with potential anti-aging properties that originates in the soil there (that’s a fact; the drug is called rapamycin). As I researched travel to Easter Island, my Two Truths and a Lie exercise produced the following lie:

There are only two airports flying into Easter Island; these airports constantly fight with each other.

In reality, while there are two airports serving Easter Island (one in Tahiti; the other in Chile), nearly everyone flies from Chile, and it’s the same airline either way. On its surface, this is the kind of lie I would expect to leave on the cutting room floor—it’s a dry, irrelevant detail.

But when I’m using the ILA method, I try not to pre-judge. Instead, I make a list of the central conflicts in the story or chapter and a list of the facts and lies. Then I look for applications—i.e., for ways in which each detail may feel relevant to the conflicts. To my surprise, I found that the airport lie fit the conflicts of the chapter perfectly:

Ultimately, the airport lie spoke to the characters, all of whom were feeling the painful effects of life’s capriciousness, the way the choices we make can seem under our control but also outside it, arbitrary but also fateful. I used this lie to introduce these opposing forces and to divide the characters: Sammy and Sadiq fly from Tahiti; Catherine flies from Chile.

Two airports in the world offered flights to Rapa Nui—one in Tahiti, to the west, and one in Chile, to the east. Most of the scientists stayed in one of those two countries. There was no real meaning to it. But still, it was hard, in a juvenile way, not to think of the two groups as opposing teams in a faction. There was the Tahiti side, and there was the Chile side, and only one could win.

This sort of schematic—complete with a table and headers—may seem overly rigid to you, to which I’d respond, Gee, you sound like one of my students. What can I say? I’m a rigid guy. But when you’re tackling a research-intensive story, a little rigidity isn’t the worst thing. Narrative structure does not supply itself. It results from the interplay between the conflicts, the characters, and the details used to evoke them. I’m presenting one way, of many, to visualize those relationships whenever you’re feeling lost.

Zora Neal Hurston wrote, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” Maybe that’s why I’m thinking of structure and rigidity—research, for me, is bolstering in this way. It provides form. But it’s also heavy and hard to work with. It doesn’t bend. If you’re struggling with the burden of it, give ILA a shot and see if unsticks whatever is holding you back. If you do try this approach, let me know if it works for you—and if it doesn’t, feel free to lie.

__________________________________

Jake Wolff’s  The History of Living Forever is out now from FSG.

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Pasco-Hernando State College

• Fiction - Types of Fiction
• The Writing Process
• Paragraphs and Essays
• Unity and Coherence in Essays
• Proving the Thesis/Critical Thinking
• Appropriate Language
• Glossary of Literary Terms
• History of Literature
• How to Read Literature
• Appropriate Language - Literature
• Fiction - Plot and Theme
• Fiction - Character
• Fiction - Point of View
• Fiction - Figures of Speech
• Fiction - Irony
• Fiction - Setting
• Fiction - Symbols

Terms Related to Types of Fiction

a style of writing generally used in a variety of settings for communication and record keeping and characterized by non-poetic elements; follows standard grammar and other conventions of writing

biography  –

a factual story written about a person by a another person

autobiography  –

a factual story written by a person on his or her own life

the actual events

narrative  –

a story or poem about a sequence of event

travel narrative  –

a narrative about a journey usually written by the person about his or her own journey

capture narrative  –

a journal kept by a person who was captured and held against his or her will and forced to live in another culture; generally associated with stories white people have written about being captured and living with the Indians in early American history

anecdotes  –

short, amusing, true events about a person that relate a bigger truth about life than the specific incident

parables  –

a short tale used for teaching a lesson

a short tale used for teaching a lesson which uses animals, objects, or nature

beast fable  –

a fable that has animals with human qualities as characters

folk tales  –

stories or legends that are about or from a culture or group of people (folk)

fairy  tales  –

stories that include supernatural creatures such as fairies or magicians

a narrative that involves conflict on a broad scale with humans of special stature or ability fighting a battle or having an adventure whose outcome will impact the world beyond the participants; often includes gods

a traditional story which explains the world and existence of humans usually as part of a cluster of such stories and which is a reflection of a religious belief system

picaresque  –

a story about a rogue

short story  –

a fictional story that is shorter than a novel; usually begins near climax; setting is generally limited, and characters are few and less developed than novel; often includes an epiphany (where a character has a flash of insight)

modern short story  –

a short story characterized by an apparent lack of action or conflict and/or without resolution

short-short story  –

a short story from a paragraph to a page or so in length; less than 1500 words; includes flash fiction and micro fiction; also called sudden fiction

flash fiction  –

a type of short story less than 1000 words

micro fiction  –

a type of short-short story ranging from a few words to a paragraph of less than 250 words

sudden fiction  –

a type of short story of less than 1500 words; another way of referring to the short-short story

a longer piece of fiction characterized by more plot and character development than a short story

a piece of fiction shorter than a novel and longer than a short story; usually thought of as a short novel

metafiction  –

writings about fiction

stream-of-consciousness  –

a style of writing meant to convey written-down thoughts

a fiction which includes some aspect or situation that does not fall into the understood rules of physics, scientific possibility, or reality

science fiction  –

a type of fantasy that includes unreal scientific technology or events

horror fiction  –

a type of fiction that includes an event or events that are very frightening and which may include fantasy or science fiction

crime fiction  –

a type of fiction whose plot revolves around solving a crime

as a literary genre, romance fiction began in the Middle Ages and involved high adventure of noble heroes often with super-human qualities pursuing a righteous quest, included some supernatural aspect, and did not necessarily involve a love situation. The modern usage or the term is a fiction which includes a romantic element.

pastoral romance  –

a romance which focuses on the pleasures of the simple, rural life

chivalric  romance  –

a romance popular from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance involving the romantic exploits of chivalric heroes, men who abided by the Code of Chivalry

pop fiction  –

a type of fiction with exciting or thrilling plots designed for popular audiences characterized by suspenseful plots, usually flat characters, and focus on a swift-moving action

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Iowa Reading Research Center

Types of fiction.

This week, our blog post will focus on types of fiction texts, their defining characteristics, and examples of books.

Realistic Fiction

Defining characteristics:.

• A fiction, or untrue, story
• A story that has believable events and characteristics that could actually happen in real life
• Although it can take place in a real setting, it is not based on history or science
• When Sophie Gets Angry-Really, Really Angry —by Molly Bang
• Frindle —by Andrew Clements
• The Great Gilly Hopkins —by Katherine Paterson

Historical Fiction

• A mix of fiction and historical facts
• Based on historical events, but the story is mostly untrue
• Could possibly have historical character
• Pink and Say —by Patricia Polacco
• Uncle Jed’s Barbershop —by Margaree King Mitchell
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 —by Christopher Paul Curtis
• The story couldn’t happen in real life
• Typically involves magic or supernatural powers
• Oftentimes takes place in another world or has make believe characters, such as wizards or dragons
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory —by Roald Dahl
• Magic Tree House  (series)—by Mary Pope Osborne
• A Bad Case of Stripes —by David Shannon
• A fiction story based on a mysterious event or a crime
• The story provides clues throughout the story, but the mystery isn’t typically solved until the end of the story
• I Want My Hat Back —by Jon Klassen
• The Boxcar Children  (series)—by Gertrude Chandler Warner
• Holes —by Louis Sachar

Traditional Literature

• Stories that are typically passed down from generation to generation
• Fairy tales—these stories typically have a theme of good vs. evil and typically have a happy ending
• Fables—these short stories often have animals as characters and teach a moral, or lesson
• Legends—these stories often exaggerate characteristics of a person that makes them notable

Graphic Novels

• Similar to comic books in that they use art, and text, in sequence to tell a story
• Although graphic novels are not considered a separate genre, there are many fiction graphic novels that are motivating young readers around the globe
• Hamster and Cheese —by Colleen Venable
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz —by Eric Shanower and L. Frank Baum
• Coraline —by Neil Gaiman

It’s important to make sure children read a variety of books. This list provides ideas for the types of fiction you can include in family reading.  Your local library is a great resource for finding different types of fiction books.      

• types of fiction

Research for fiction writers: Why do it & how

Posted on March 15, 2024 at 9:00 AM by Guest Author

You can elevate your storytelling by incorporating the right details. Discover the importance of research for fiction writers and practical tips.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Research for Fiction Writers

5 Types of Valuable Research for Fiction Writers

How to Do Research for a Fiction Book

Tips for Applying Research to Writing

Takeaway  

The Importance of Research for Fiction Writers  

If you assume a fiction book doesn’t require any real-life investigation, think again. In fact, research for fiction writers isn’t just strongly recommended — it’s crucial. It gives you the knowledge and understanding to create a compelling story that resonates with readers. Some would argue that research can enhance your creative process , helping your work reach its full potential. 

Here are just a few examples of what research does:

It adds authenticity and credibility to storytelling.

Research is critical to authenticity in fiction, allowing you to develop believable worlds and characters. By immersing yourself in the details, you can infuse your narrative with accuracy and credibility. Whether it’s the realistic portrayal of a historical event or the nuances of a character’s profession, research adds a layer of realism that readers appreciate.  

It enriches the narrative with depth and detail. 

Another advantage of research for fiction writers is that it helps bring a story to life. It adds richness and texture to your writing that can be difficult to achieve otherwise. It enables you to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of a setting so that readers feel they’re actually there. This level of depth and detail not only makes your fictional world more immersive and memorable but also enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. 

It helps avoid inaccuracies and maintain engagement.

With research, you can also avoid introducing errors and inconsistencies that affect the reader’s enjoyment or cause them to lose interest. Nearly every fictional work requires some suspension of disbelief on the reader’s part . But if you’re incorporating actual events, cultural customs, or scientific concepts, it’s important to present them in a factual way. Doing so makes your story more believable so that readers stay engaged. 

5 Types of Valuable Research for Fiction Writers  

There’s no rule regarding what kind of research you should conduct for your book. Ultimately, the exploratory work you do depends on your unique needs. That said, some are especially valuable. 

Here are five of the most common types of research for fiction writers:

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

Performing historical research helps you understand specific time periods, events, and even cultural nuances. It allows you to delve into the past so you can weave your narrative with precision. Of course, this type of research is nonnegotiable for historical fiction, but stories in other genres can benefit from it, too. 

LOCATION RESEARCH

Settings can become characters in their own right, shaping the mood and atmosphere of a story. That’s why it’s worth exploring the physical landscapes and architectural styles of a place you’re including in your book. Doing so makes it easier to depict a location’s sights, sounds, and sensations in vivid detail so that readers are transported. 

CHARACTER RESEARCH

Performing this type of research can go a long way toward creating relatable, believable, and multidimensional characters. Whether you’re including a figure from history or inventing your own, it’s important to dive deep. It’s not just about developing complex backstories and clarifying their motivations — it’s about ensuring your characters make sense to readers. And, in the case of real people, you need to get your facts straight. 

SUBJECT MATTER RESEARCH

Another type of valuable research for fiction writers is subject matter. You should aim to learn about topics relevant to the plot or themes. For instance, you may explore a specific profession, hobby, or cultural practice one of your characters has. Understanding the intricacies of a subject can help you accurately depict the details that make your narrative come alive. 

TECHNICAL RESEARCH

Getting the facts right is crucial when your story involves science, technology, or legal matters. Researching technical aspects helps you understand the principles behind these concepts. Moreover, it aids you in creating a world that feels real and immersive to your readers. 

How to Do Research for a Fiction Book  

The approach to research for fiction writers can vary from one to the next. However, there are some ways to make the process easier and more effective. Below are some basic steps to guide your efforts. 

DEFINE YOUR RESEARCH GOALS

Before diving into research, define specific aspects of your story that require exploration. What don’t you already know? Maybe you need historical context for the time period in which your story is set. Or perhaps you need to work on a character's background. Whatever the case, outlining your goals beforehand ensures you stay focused.  

READ RELEVANT MATERIALS

This may seem obvious, but the best means of research for fiction writers usually involves reading. Start by browsing the Internet for relevant reading materials. Immerse yourself in books, articles, and other online resources related to your needs. 

USE OTHER FORMS OF MEDIA

Don’t be afraid to expand your research beyond traditional sources. For example, you can explore documentaries, podcasts, and films to gain diverse perspectives. Taking advantage of other forms of media can improve your understanding of the subject matter. 

NOTE QUESTIONS THAT ARISE

As you’re researching, keep a running list of questions that pop up in your mind. Whether you want to know more about a person briefly mentioned in a source or the equipment used for a specific task, jot it down. This will help guide further exploration and ensure a thorough investigation into all key aspects of your story. 

ENLIST THE HELP OF LIBRARIANS

If you hit a road block in your research or just need to go more in depth, the library is often your best bet. Librarians can be incredibly helpful for navigating catalogs, accessing archives, and finding obscure references. You can walk away with a wealth of information for your book. 

REACH OUT TO EXPERTS

Consulting experts is another great way to gather information. You can reach out to historians, people in specific professions, or even those present during a particular time. You can often get clarification and insights you won’t find elsewhere. 

Make sure to be respectful when making such requests. If you plan to conduct an informational interview , be prepared beforehand. And don’t forget to thank them for their time. 

GET FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE

Whenever possible, visit locations and engage in activities related to your story. Getting firsthand experience allows you to gather sensory details so you can craft better descriptions. Many authors go to great lengths for the sake of authenticity, and it usually results in a more compelling book. 

FACT-CHECK YOUR INFORMATION

Part of conducting research for fiction writers is fact-checking. You should verify the accuracy of the information you compiled. That way, you can ensure reliability and avoid inaccuracies that may undermine the credibility of your story.

TIP : Don’t skip this step! The last thing you want to do is run into legal issues like defamation . So, make sure to confirm the accuracy of your research, especially when it comes to real people.

ORGANIZE YOUR FINDINGS

Finally, develop a systematic approach to organizing your research findings. Depending on your preference, this may include digital tools or physical notebooks. Either way, you want to facilitate easy access and reference as you integrate them into your narrative.

Tips for Applying Research to Writing  

Once you understand the importance of research for fiction writers and how to do it, there’s the last step — applying that research to your writing. The good news is we’ve provided some practical tips below. By following these recommendations, you can make sure you’re using your research effectively. 

Integrate findings gradually. 

Avoid dumping all your research into the narrative at once. Instead, integrate it gradually throughout the writing process. If you’ve compiled a lot of information about certain people, places, and events, this should happen naturally. Still, it’s a good reminder to sprinkle details throughout your story for a greater effect. 

Strike a balance. 

Research adds depth to your writing, but too much can overwhelm readers. Be mindful not to weigh down the narrative with excessive details. You should provide enough information to create a vivid world and believable characters while leaving room for readers to imagine. 

Allow yourself some flexibility.

The thing about research for fiction writers is that it provides a foundation for your story. But don’t be afraid to take creative liberties when necessary. Use your imagination to fill in the gaps in records. You can enhance the feeling of a scene for readers while staying true to the essence of your research.  

Acknowledge research partners. 

If anyone helped you with your research (e.g., subject matter experts or research librarians), be sure to thank them in the acknowledgments section . Along with being an expected gesture, it gives credit where it’s due. Plus, it adds credibility to your work. 

Be transparent with readers.

If you’ve made changes to historical events for the sake of storytelling, consider including a note to readers explaining your choices. Transparency builds trust with your audience. Further, it allows them to appreciate the creative process behind your work.

Research for fiction writers is the cornerstone of good writing. Even when the work as a whole is a product of your own invention, there are probably aspects rooted in reality. In that case, you can create a stronger book by incorporating details that bring the story to life. So embrace research as part of your writing process moving forward. 

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Writing advice

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Fiction Genres: Every Genre & Sub-Genre (2022)

by Dalton Drake

Fiction genres are much debated and revised, but they’re crucial to providing logical order to the storytelling arts. We took it upon ourselves to compile the most comprehensive guide known to humankind.

Before we jump into some subtopics and explore the world of fiction genres in both detail and macro, feel free to use the table of contents below to quickly jump to a specific genre listing.

Rather a PDF to print so you can pin this baby to a wall? Feel free to click here to download .

Let’s jump in.

Genre Fiction vs Literary Fiction

Woman in peril, young adult romance, young adult thriller, young adult western, stream of consciousness, quiet horror, wuxia fantasy, young adult science fiction, speculative, overview: fiction genres.

Before we dive right in, let’s take a moment to review the concept of fiction genres. If this is all old news, feel free to skip ahead to the section of your choice.

How to Use This Guide to Genres of Fiction

Contrary to how it may appear, this is not a list of movie genres or a rundown of the myriad types of genres in literature. Instead, this is a guide to fiction genres. That means it’s all-encompassing: movies , TV , books , comics , games , and more.

Feel free to jump from genre to genre, save this page in your bookmarks for repeated reference, or simply read end-to-end. If we’ve forgotten a genre, please give us a heads up in the comments down below. 

This resource will be updated continually and considered a living document. So, we’d love for you, the reader, to take an active part in its creation and shape.

What Is A Genre of Fiction?

Many may feel like they have a good grasp of a genre of fiction, but there is actually a good deal of debate about this topic. Especially in academic circles.

For some, a genre of fiction is what others might consider a medium. For example, novels versus short stories. Others still consider a broader medium of creative writing as a whole to be a genre, such as prose versus poetry.

But for the vast majority of common folk and many academics, fiction genres are a category of narrative entertainment with similar themes, elements, and motifs. That’s how we’ll be using the term “genre” in this article.

Hybrid Genres of Fiction

We’ve all seen or read a work of fiction that’s hard to classify. Hybrid seems to be the only way to describe them collectively. Individually, we string together a series of genres to show the elements that blend together.

Generally, hyphens reign supreme in genre classification. It can seem like a never ending daisy chain of conjoined sub-genres and crossover genres. Looks ridiculous and, frankly, it is ridiculous. But that’s basically what we’re left with doing.

Here, for the most part, we’re foregoing hybrid genres. Meaning, we’re not separating them out and classifying them as a new whole. Instead, we’re defining each genre separately and leaving you, the reader, to place hyphens as you please.

There are exceptions, of course. Primarily when the hybrid genre has risen to the state of subgenre because of its prevalence in mainstream culture. Examples include supernatural romance.

In general, genre fiction (also known as commercial fiction) is what “sells.” It appeals to a wider audience because it’s created for entertainment value. Literary fiction, on the other hand, is generally created to convey a message or meaning. This is not to say that genre fiction cannot have a broader message or literary elements, or that literary fiction cannot be entertaining, but these are the broadest general terms that can be used to convey their meaning.

Commercial Fiction Genres

The first section is dedicated to commercial (genre) fiction. These are the titles that generally encompass the more entertaining aspects of fiction that tend to be consumed by the masses at large.

Adventure is an incredibly broad genre that encompasses elements of action and suspense. The protagonist is forced to go on a journey, often by chance encounters or problems beyond their control. Along the way, problems arise that prevent the protagonist from continuing the journey, and these must be dealt with using wit, skill, or force. Adventure can be mixed with practically any other genre to form a cohesive sub-genre.

Movies: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Treasure Island, Onward TV Shows: McGyver, Black Sails, Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure Literature: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, King Solomon’s Mines, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Games: Uncharted, Tomb Raider, Shadow of Colossus

As the name suggests, the children’s genre is made for the purpose of entertaining, and often educating children. Elements of this genre include morality, poetry, simplicity, and artwork. A work of children’s fiction must be understood or readable by children of ages 3 – 7.

Movies: Zootopia, Spirited Away, Jumanji TV Shows: Amazing Stories, Carmen Sandiego, Steven Universe Literature: Little Women, Charlotte’s Web, Aesop’s Fables Games: Minecraft, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Super Mario Odyssey

The classic genre is a bit strange as it isn’t a collection of similar themes and subject matter like the other genres. Instead, classics are works of fiction and non-fiction that define or contribute to other genres. Every genre has “classic” works that make up that genre’s substance.

Movies: Casablanca, Psycho, The Wizard of Oz TV Shows: Star Trek, The Golden Girls, The Simpsons Literature: Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, 1984 Games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda

The purpose of the comedy genre is mainly to entertain and offer levity. Comedy isn’t always humorous, though that is a staple of the more modern version of the genre. Classically, a “comedy” simply has a happy ending. Since then, the genre has expanded to include all manner of tropes, themes, and plot devices.

Movies:  Idiocracy, Blazing Saddles, Little Miss Sunshine TV Shows: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office, Arrested Development  Literature: As You Like It, The Conscious Lovers, The Importance of Being Earnest Games: South Park: The Stick of Truth, Jazzpunk, Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Historical fiction deals with historical events, and time periods either real or imagined. The genre strives to include specific details dealing with customs, manners, social conditions, and other details of the period it depicts. Historical fiction generally requires more research and creativity than some other genres due to its attention to detail and use of historical context respectively.

Movies:  1917, The Favourite, Schindler’s List TV Shows: Marco Polo, Downton Abbey, Outlander Literature: War and Peace, The Things They Carried, The Gettysburg Trilogy Games: Assassin’s Creed, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Call of Duty: WWII

Middle Grade

Middle grade is a genre that typically appeals to children ages 8 – 12. It is different from children’s fiction in that it typically relies on more mature themes (though decidedly less mature than young adult fiction) and focuses on the protagonist’s friends, family, and the immediate world around them.

Movies:  Holes, Inkheart, Freaky Friday TV Shows: The Magic School Bus, Heartland, Dear America Literature: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Fish in a Tree, George Games: Portal, Yaga, Broken Age

The mystery genre is a very broad category that includes elements of suspense, and intrigue. A classical mystery presents a problem with no clear answer, then proceeds to solve it over the course of the story. Ultimately this ends with revealing the source of the mystery. The ultimate goal of the mystery genre is to demystify an event or reveal truth. This category has multiple sub-genres.

Movies:  The Davinci Code, Memento, Primal Fear TV Shows: Dark, Psychopass, Murdoch Mysteries Literature: The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Woman in White Games: The Wolf Among Us, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, Disco Elysium

Amateur Sleuth

The amateur sleuth is a mystery subgenre that focuses around a protagonist that is usually an everyman with no connection to the police that regularly solves crimes, generally murders. This could also branch into other genres like children’s creative variations of the protagonist like “the kid detective.” Most importantly–they do not receive monetary compensation for their work.

Movies:  Frantic, The Lady Vanishes, Murder on the Blackboard TV Shows: Scooby-Doo, Castle, Grantchester Literature: Murder at the Vicarage, The Name of the Rose, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Games: Kathy Rain, Nancy Drew: Treasure in the Royal Tower, Painscreek Killings

Bumbling Detective

Another mystery sub-genre, this one focuses on comedy and a protagonist that is incompetant, inexperienced, or simply oblivious to the dangers they regularly put themselves into. They confusingly slog through their cases until they arrive at the correct conclusion without knowing how they got there.

Movies:  The Pink Panther, Get Smart, The Naked Gun TV Shows: Inspector Gadget, The Detectives, Year of the Rabbit Literature: The Manual of Detection, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries Games: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Sam & Max

This is a subgenre of mystery or crime fiction, and generally involves the main character or characters, usually a rag-tag group of criminals, becoming embroiled in a crime that they either have already pulled off, or are planning to pull off. Most caper stories involve humor, adventure, and cleverness on the part of the protagonists.

Movies:  Oceans 11, Topkapi, Baby Driver TV Shows: Leverage, Firefly, The A-Team Literature: The Hobbit, Six of Crows, The Great Train Robbery Games: Empire of Sin, Sly Cooper, Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine

Supernatural Romance

Also known as “Paranormal Romance,” this is a hybrid subgenre that combines romantic plots with elements of the supernatural. Typically the protagonist is embroiled in a relationship with a member of a supernatural group such as a werewolf, a vampire, an alien, or a ghost. The themes are almost always centered on romantic love. 

Movies:  Ghost, Stardust, Meet Joe Black TV Shows: Teen Wolf, True Blood, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer  Literature: A Discovery of Witches, Conversion, Twilight Games: Monsters of New Haven High, The Vampire House, The Wayhaven Chronicles

Child in Peril

This genre focuses on elements of action, adventure, horror, thriller, and others while using a child or a group of children as the protagonist(s). This genre most often involves supernatural or horror elements, but it is not a defining feature.

Movies:  The Witches, Stand By Me, The Goonies TV Shows: Stranger Things, Goosebumps, The Hardy Boys Literature: The Girl in the Red Hood, Lord of the Flies, M.T. Anderson’s Thrilling Tales Games: Little Nightmares, Costume Quest, EarthBound 

Also known as “Cozies” or “Cozy Mysteries” this genre most often focuses on an amature sleuth that solves mysteries in a small community where suspect lists are short because everyone knows everyone. Sex, profanity, and violence are prohibited. 

Movies:  Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase, Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Site Unseen: An Emma Fielding Mystery TV Shows: Murder She Wrote, Father Brown, Hamish Macbeth Literature: The Regatta Mystery, Elephants Can Remember, The Christie Curse Games: Nancy Drew (series), Eagle Eye Mysteries, Persona 4

This sub-genre of mysteries is focused on a protagonist, antagonist, or victim that is or was a chef or cook. 

Movies:  The Gourmet Detective (series) TV Shows: Murder, She Baked Literature: Too Many Cooks, Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe, Dying for Chocolate Games: (None)

Doctor Detective

This is a sub-genre of mystery that focuses on a protagonist that is in the medical field. The protagonist can be a doctor that solves medical mysteries, a detective that uses medical knowledge to solve crimes, or some combination of these elements with a twist.

Movies:  Pathology, Extreme Measures, Malice TV Shows: The Good Doctor, House M.D., Diagnosis: Murder Literature: The Silent Partner, Striving With Gods, Symptoms of Death Games: Emergency Room: Real Life Rescues, Trauma Center: New Blood

Furry Sleuth

A subgenre of mysteries that focuses on a protagonist that is an anthropomorphic animal, or solves crimes with the help of an animal. 

Movies: Sherlock Hound, Zootopia, Scooby Doo TV Shows: Scooby Doo, Cuticle Detective Inaba  Literature: Cat on the Edge, Sneaky Pie For President, The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers. Games: Blacksad: Under the Skin, Backbone, Detective Pikachu

Handicapped

This subgenre of mystery is categorized by a protagonist that is disabled that must overcome or use their disability to solve crimes.

Movies: Silver Bullet, The Bone Collector  TV Shows: Monk, Ironside Literature: Refusal, The Suspect Games: (None)

Hard-boiled

The subgenre of mystery focuses on a tough, gritty, cynical male protagonist that is a private investigator. These tales tend to be darker, or edgier than other mysteries.

Movies:  The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, Chinatown TV Shows: Spencer for Hire, Mike Hammer, Kamen Rider Double Literature: Farewell My Lovely, Put the Sepia On, Gun, With Occasional Music Games: L.A. Noir,Under a Killing Moon, Discworld Noir

The subgenre of mystery focuses on a tough, gritty, cynical female protagonist that is a private investigator. It is the feminine version of the hard-boiled subgenre.

Movies:  V.I. Warschawski TV Shows: Our Miss Brooks, Jessica Jones, Bones Literature: “A” is for Alibi, Hungover and Handcuffed, Asshole Yakuza Boyfriend  Games: A Case of Distrust, Detect Occult, Black Closet

A subgenre of mystery where the audience witnesses the crime at the beginning, and the plot centers around how the perpetrator will be caught.

Movies: Dial “M” For Murder, Oldboy, Knives Out TV Shows: Columbo, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Criminal Minds Literature: The Wishing Spell, Dr. Thorndyke, A Kiss Before Dying Games: Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy), The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

A subgenre of mystery that focuses on a protagonist that is a lawyer or court official that solves the case themselves while the police are baffled.

Movies:  A Few Good Men, Anatomy of Murder, Michael Clayton TV Shows: Perry Mason, Matlock, Ally McBeal Literature: The Lincoln Lawyer, Miracle Creek, Saving Max Games: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Locked Room

As the name implies, this subgenre of mystery revolves around the conundrum of a crime being committed with very few possible scenarios as to how it happened. Use of extreme perception and logic are used by the protagonist to solve these “impossible” crimes.

Movies: The Verdict, Under the Evil Sun, Shutter Island TV Shows: Jonathan Creek, Banaek, Murdoch Mysteries Literature: Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Light Fantastic, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul Games: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, Ghost Trick, Deadline

In this subgenre of mystery, the plot usually follows normal genre procedures, but the culprit is usually found to be some form of supernatural being or force such as a ghost, monster, or a vengeful spirit.

Movies:  The Facts in the Case of Mr. Hollow, The Changeling, Angel Heart TV Shows: The X Files, Supernatural, Twin Peaks Literature: Ghosts, The Woman in Black, Falling Angel Games: The Dark Pictures: Little Hope, Until Dawn, YIIK: A Postmodern RPG

Police Procedural

This is one of the broadest subgenres of mystery that is characterized by a detective, or team of detectives that must work together to identify and catch killers that are beyond normal means.

Movies:  The Blue Lamp, Detective Story, The Guilty TV Shows: Law & Order: SVU, Dragnet, Narcos Literature: Cop Craft, Rivers of London, 87th Precinct  Games: Blue Force, Police Quest, Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller

Private Detective

A subgenre of mystery focused on the protagonist that is a private detective. What separates this from hard boiled is the variance of setting, tone, and protagonist.

Movies:  Gone Baby Gone, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Shaft TV Shows: Magnum P.I., The Rockford Files, Psych Literature: The Purloined Letter, Shadow of a Broken Man, The Genesis Code Games: Dangonropa, Kona, Detective Grimoire 

Third World

In this subgenre of mysteries, the setting and characters are drawn from exotic, underused, and unfamiliar countries and cultures.

Movies: The Last Hour, Zero TV Shows: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, No Man’s Land Literature: Inspector Ghote, Wife of the Gods Games: (None)

As the name implies, this subgenre of mystery centers on the protagonist finding the culprit of a crime. Often the protagonist is a clever detective who was either present, or moves to the crime scene where there are already obvious suspects.

Movies: Clue, Gosford Park, Once Upon a Crime TV Shows: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Luther, Jonathan Creek Literature: And Then There Were None, Ten Little Indians, Wolf Lake Games: Caper in the Castro, L.A. Noir, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments

In this subgenre of mystery, the protagonist and the audience have access to the same clues throughout the story. This gives the audience the chance to solve the mystery before the protagonist.

Movies:  Hot Fuzz, The Last of Sheila, Murder by Death TV Shows: Jonathan Creek, Psyche, Sins for Father Knox  Literature: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Poet, The Caves of Steel Games: Heavy Rain, Super Solvers: Midnight, L.A. Noir

This subgenre’s plots revolve around a woman in danger from varied sources, and aren’t necessarily “mysteries” in the traditional sense, but may have elements of the mystery genre. This is much like Child in Peril .

Movies:  Opera, The Ladies Club, Eyes of Laura Mars TV Shows: Killer Instinct, Supernatural, CSI Literature: The Shining Girls, Girl in the Box, The Poisonwood Bible Games: Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Beyond Good and Evil, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

This is a broad genre that includes elements of many other genres, but the themes focus on love, attraction, romantic feelings, sex, idealism, fantasy, and emotional tension. Generally the plot revolves around the romantic relationship of two protagonists, and the ending is emotionally satisfying.

Movies:  Casablanca, Call Me by Your Name, Lost in Translation TV Shows: Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, Sex and the City Literature: Jane Eyre, The Notebook, Indego Games: Dream Daddy, Florence, Life is Strange: Before the Storm

Billionaires

In this subgenre of romance, the love interest is very wealthy, either from family money, or from some kind of well-known business enterprise. Commonly, but not essentially, the protagonist is poor.

Movies:  Crazy Rich Asians, Maid in Manhattan, Pretty in Pink TV Shows: Jane the Virgin, Destiny Love, Inocente de ti Literature: Bared to You, Beautiful Bastard, In Flight Games: Fall in Love: My Billionaire Boss, Love Story Games: Kissed by a Billionaire

Contemporary Romance

Contemporary romance is the largest subgenre of romance wherein the social moors of the time in which the work is created are impressed upon the audience. This generally means that the work as a whole reflects the times in which the author lived.

Movies:  Love Actually, The Big Stick, Brokeback Mountain TV Shows: Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Desperate Housewives Literature: September Ends, The Bronze Horseman, Broken Homes Gardens Games: The Uncharted Series, Dream Daddy, Florence

Fantasy Romance

Fantasy romance is essentially a romantic plot that is set in a fantastical world, or that incorporates fantastical elements into its plot, and setting.

Movies:  The Princess Bride, What Dreams May Come, Stardust TV Shows: Once Upon a Time, Merlin, Misfits Literature: Stormsong, The Wicked Fox, Silver in the Wood Games: Final Fantasy X, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Arcana

Gothic Romance

This is a subgenre of romance that incorporates elements of fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance, but its themes and settings tend to be darker. The typical gothic romance revolves around conflict and mystery.

Movies:  Crimson Peak, Let the Right One In, The Woman in Black TV Shows: Penny Dreadful, Anne With an E, Arang and the Magistrate Literature: July Thunder, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca Games: Ravenherst, Doki Doki Literature Club, Gray Matter

Historical Romance

This subgenre of romance is characterized by its history-based context, and attention to detail when describing the setting, characters, and social constructs of the time period in question. Many of the best pieces of historical romance were once considered contemporary romance until they aged out of the category.

Movies: Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, The Favourite TV Shows: The Tudors, Poldark, Victoria Literature: Jane Eyre, Slightly Married, The Bride Games: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, The Lady’s Choice, Attentat 1942

Holidays Romance

In this subgenre of romance, the story takes place during a holiday–especially Christmas. The protagonist is usually a female with kids, and the romantic interest is usually a man who has had some tragedy in his life. Through the story, the two end up together just in time for the holidays.

Movies: Christmas With A View, Snow Bride, A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish TV Shows: Santa’s Squad (TV Movie), Naughty & Nice (TV Movie), A Holiday Romance (TV Movie) Literature: One Day in December, Holidate, Wrapped Up in You Games: (None)

Inspirational Romance

Inspirational romance is a subgenre focused around faith, generally the Christian faith. The protagonist is usually a person of faith, or is looking for their faith. The author may also use faith as a plot device.

Movies: I Still Believe, Fireproof, Forever My Girl TV Shows: When Calls the Heart, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Finding Love in Quarantine Literature: Redeeming Love, A Passion Most Pure, The Negotiator Games: Adam’s Venture, That Dragon: Cancer

Military Romance

A subgenre of romance in which the hero or heroine are active duty or former military. If the protagonist is not part of the military, then the story takes place during a war, or in or around a military base.

Movies: Cold Mountain, Pearl Harbor, Atonement TV Shows: Army Wives, The Night Shift, The Last Ship Literature: Fighting Redemption, Vivid, Making Faces Games: Gears of War, Xenogears

Paranormal Romance

This subgenre of both romance fiction and speculative fiction focuses on romantic love and includes elements of fantasy, science fiction, or horror that go beyond normal understanding.

Movies: A Ghost Story, Beauty and the Beast, The Love Witch TV Shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, A Gifted Man, Pushing Daisies Literature: A Queer Trade, A Discovery of Witches, Bitter Spirits Games: My Magical Divorce Bureau, Demonheart, Rose of Winter

Regency Romance

This subgenre is not merely historical romance, but focuses on a specific period of time between 1811 – 1820 (The British Regency period), and has its own rules such as courtly manners, intelligent dialogue, and very little, if any, explicit sexual dialogue or depictions thereof. 

Movies: Bright Star, The Courage to Love, Beloved Sisters TV Shows: War & Peace, Reign, Mr. Sunshine Literature: Sense & Sensibility, Midsummer Moon, For All Eternity Games: Regency Love

Romantic Suspense

This subgenre of romance incorporates elements of mystery and thriller genres. 

Movies: Siberia, Rebecca, Basic Instinct TV Shows: The Protector, Vagabond, The Innocents Literature: Nine Coaches Waiting, The Fearless King, Hush Games: Kill or Love, Happy Valentine’s Day

Science Fiction Romance

This subgenre uses elements of science fiction and fantasy to convey its plot that focuses on romantic love. 

Movies: The Shape of Water, Alita: Battle Angel, Passengers TV Shows: Dr. Who, Sword Art Online, My Love From Another Star Literature: Grimspace, Bolt, Finders Keepers Games: Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, To the Moon

Sports Romance

This romance subgenre focuses on a protagonist that is either in professional sports, was in professional sports, or has a job related to the field. Alternatively, the love interest of the narrative is or was in professional sports, or has a job in the field.

Movies: Love & Basketball, Bend it Like Beckham, Jerry Maguire TV Shows: Friday Night Lights, One Tree Hill, Make It or Break It Literature: Furia, The Right Player, The Bromance Book Club Games: Aokana – Four Rhythms Across the Blue, Date Night Bowling

Time Travel Romance

This subgenre of romance relies on some element of time travel to support or drive its narrative, usually the protagonist or the love interest has been transported through time, and the main conflict arises when they must decide whether or not to stay in the current time, or return to their own. While it can be classified as sci-fi and/or supernatural, this subgenre has become popular and enumerated enough to gain its own subgenre.

Movies: Somewhere in Time, Your Name, When We First Met TV Shows: Outlander, Dr. Who, The King: Eternal Monarch Literature: The Dancer From Atlantis, Love and Gravity, A Knight in Shining Armor Games: Steins;Gate, Last Day of June, Area X 

Western Romance

This subgenre of romance incorporates setting elements of the “old west.” In particular, the American Frontier. Though often set in historical periods, this subgenre is not restricted to history, also including contemporary romance that prominently feature cowboy culture. This genre is also known as “cowboy romance.”

Movies:  The Misfits, Down in the Valley, Quigley Down Under TV Shows: Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, When Calls the Heart, The Young Riders Literature: Mackenzie’s Mountain, Bane, A Promise of Roses Games: Red Dead Redemption (Series)

This subgenre of romance features a teenage protagonist, a central love story, and an emotionally satisfying ending. The content of this genre is geared toward readers aged 12 – 18, and varies in depictions of sex, use of violence, gore, and profanity based on its intended target audience.

Movies:  10 Things I Hate About You, The Fault in Our Stars, A Walk to Remember TV Shows: Riverdale, Dawson’s Creek, Freaks and Geeks Literature: Fire, The Upside of Unrequited, American Panda Games: There is No Game: Wrong Dimension, Gone Home, Emily is Away Too

A genre of fiction that is categorized by eliciting emotions of suspense, anxiety, excitement, surprise, and anticipation. Thrillers often rely upon villains that a protagonist must overcome, and utilize plot devices such as red herrings, unreliable narrators, and cliff-hangers to achieve their desired emotional responses.

Movies:  Misery, The Last House on the Left, Dressed To Kill TV Shows: 24, Thriller, Mirzapur Literature: The Magus, The Secret History, I Let You Go Games: Evan’s Remains, The Occupation, The Inner Friend

This subgenre of thriller incorporates elements of action in order to advance the plot. 

Movies: Tenet, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, Project Power TV Shows: Chuck, Alias, Mission Impossible Literature: Killing Floor, The Bourne Identity, Patriot Games Games: Sleeping Dogs, Heavy Rain, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

In this subgenre of thriller, the protagonists are usually amature detectives or journalists who find some kind of inconsistency, and, as they investigate, they uncover a conspiracy that exposes powerful people. 

Movies:  Flashpoint, The Capture, Edge of Darkness TV Shows: Burn Notice, Kidnapped, The Prisoner Literature: The Grotto’s Secret: A Historical Conspiracy, The DaVinci Code, The Manchurian Candidate Games: Assassin’s Creed II, Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst, XIII

In this subgenre of thriller, the plot revolves around a crime that must be stopped, or a criminal that must be apprehended by law enforcement, military, or some kind of vigilante.

Movies:  21 Bridges, Joker, The Mule TV Shows: Prison Break, Breaking Bad, Fargo Literature: The Missing American, The Majesties, The Moonstone Games: A Way Out, True Crime: Streets of LA, Hitman (Series)

In this subgenre of thriller, the plot revolves around a dangerous natural (or man-made) disaster such as a volcano, a flood, a tornado, a virus, or a nuclear event.

Movies:  Armageddon, The Wandering Earth, 2012 TV Shows: 10.5: Apocalypse, The Colony, Chernobyl  Literature: American War, Issac’s Storm, The Worst Hard Time Games: Disaster Report, Left Alive, Disaster: Day of Crisis

Also known as “spy fiction,” espionage thrillers incorporate elements of action and adventure with a plot that revolves around secrets, spies, and intelligence agencies.

Movies:  Atomic Blonde, Spectre: 007, Kingsmen: The Secret Service TV Shows: Homeland, The Bureau, Nikita Literature: The Scarlet Pimpernel, No Cloak, No Dagger, American Spy Games: Perfect Dark, Dishonored, Alpha Protocol

In this subgenre of thriller, the plot revolves around terrible murders or other crimes that must be solved by the use of forensic technology by a single investigator or a team of interdisciplinary operatives before the situation worsens. 

Movies:  Hannibal, Cut Off, Chasing Ghosts TV Shows: CSI: Miami, Quincey M.E., Stranger Literature: Body of Evidence, Bones are Forever, The Midwife Murders Games: L.A. Noir, CSI: Deadly Intent, Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Historical Thriller

In this subgenre of thriller, the plot has all the elements one would expect from the thriller genre, but the setting is in an earlier time period.

Movies: Braveheart, Titanic, The Patriot TV Shows: Marco Polo, Medici, Taboo Literature: The Terror, Child 44, The Count of Monte Cristo Games: Ghost of Tsushima, Call of Duty: WWII, A Plague Tale: Innocence

Legal Thriller

This subgenre of thriller revolves around a lawyer or legal team that seeks to protect their client from the antagonist’s legal team through utilization and study of the legal system. This can also spread outside of the courtroom with elements of action.

Movies:  Michael Clayton, High Crimes, The Rainmaker TV Shows: Law & Order: SVU, For Life, How to Get Away With Murder Literature: Anatomy of a Murder, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Covenant With Death Games: Ace Attorney (Series), Bohemian Killing, Aviary Attorney

Medical Thriller

This subgenre deals with the sinister side of medicine, plots may involve medically-minded antagonists who use their skills for murder, or deadly viruses that wreak havoc on a population, or protagonists that deal with medical mysteries.

Movies:  The Lazarus Effect, Pathology, Repo: The Genetic Opera TV Shows: Ratched, Third Watch, Code Black Literature: Mutant, Mind Catcher, The Surgeon  Games: Plague Inc: Evolved, Outlast, Town of Light

Military Thriller

This subgenre of thriller focuses on military objective or techology-based plots that are often global in scale. The protagonist is generally a part of the military, or former military.

Movies:  Tears of the Sun, Full Metal Jacket, Black Hawk Down TV Shows: American Odyssey, The Brave, Strike Back Literature: The Hunt for Red October, Sub-Sahara, The Third Age Games: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Battlefield, Wolfenstein: The New Order

Mystery Thriller

In this subgenre, the plot centers on a mystery that must be solved over the other elements that make up a general thriller. The mystery is often, but not always, an internal puzzle the protagonist must work out for themselves rather than a crime.

Movies:  Rear Window, Memento, The Body TV Shows: Lost, Tiny Pretty Things, Utopia Literature: Truly Devious, The Woman in the Window, Then She Was Gone Games: Max Payne, Telling Lies, Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders

Paranormal Thriller

This subgenre of thriller incorporates elements of horror. Rather than dread and disgust, paranormal thrillers evoke fight or flight responses through action and imagery.

Movies: The Sixth Sense,  TV Shows: The Twilight Zone,  Literature: The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Shining, Interview With a Vampire Games: Fading Visage, Death of Rose, Dogman

Political Thriller

This subgenre features a plot set against the backdrop of a political power struggle. They usually involve corruption, organized crime, terrorism, or warfare as plot devices. Some are based on actual historical events.

Movies:  The Interpreter, All the President’s Men, The Man Who Knew Too Much TV Shows: House of Cards, Designated Survivor, Bodyguard Literature: The Three Musketeers, The Secret Agent, The Day of the Jackal Games: Floor 13: Deep State, Save Koch

Psychological Thriller

This subgenre is closely related to and sometimes overlaps with the psychological horror genre, but rather than focusing on primal fears and frightening scenarios, psychological thrillers create a sense of “dissolving reality.”

Movies:  The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Black Swan, Jacob’s Ladder TV Shows: Black Mirror, Damages, Death Note Literature: The Favorite Daughter, We’ll Never Be Apart, Doctor Sleep Games: Get Even, Silent Hill, Those Who Remain, Lockheart Indigo

Religious Thriller

This subgenre focuses on a mystery, conspiracy, or quest that involves religious artifacts, secrets, or fanaticism. The antagonists of religious thrillers are often zealots or supernatural beings from religious texts. 

Movies:  Mother!, The Ninth Gate, The Wicker Man  TV Shows: Messiah, A Handmaid’s Tale, The Exorcist Literature: Sanctus, The Sword of Moses, The DaVinci Code Games: BioShock, Blasphemous, Gray Dawn

Swashbuckler

This subgenre combines elements of adventure and thriller. These works are often characterised by heroic protagonists and honorable villains (though this is not always the case). Swashbuckler fiction nearly always incorporates sword fighting, heroic stunts, and romance. 

Movies:  Pirates of the Caribbean, The Princess Bride, Cutthroat Island TV Shows: Zorro, Queen of Swords, The Adventures of Robin Hood Literature: Treasure Island, Scaramouche, Shadow of the Conqueror  Games: Tales of Monkey Island, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Hero-U Rogue to Redemption

Technothriller

This is a hybrid genre that incorporates elements of thrillers, sci-fi, espionage, and/or military genres. In general, techno thrillers are detail-oriented action/adventure works set in the contemporary world. 

Movies:  Patriot Games, Swordfish, Jurassic Park TV Shows: Person of Interest, Biohackers, Mr. Robot Literature: Dark Matter, A Vision of Fire, Bandwidth Games: Born Punk, VirtuaVerse, Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma 

In this subgenre of thriller, the protagonist is a teenager with agency that must solve their own problems, often involving paranormal, psychological, or criminal terror. Special attention is given to the “feeling” of the story rather than the actual plot.

Movies: I Know What You Did Last Summer, House at the End of the Street, Unfriended TV Shows: Riverdale, Twisted, 13 Reasons Why, The Secret Circle Literature: Down a Dark Hall, Panic, The Doubt Factory Games: Detention, The Last of Us, Rule of Rose

A broad genre that generally means any fiction set in the late 19th and early 20th century in the Western United States, also known as “The Old West.” The plots usually revolve around a protagonist that is a cowboy, or a gunfighter. Recurring elements of this genre include conflict with Native Americans, bandits, “law men,” arid or desert landscapes, small towns, ranches, and other staples of “Old West” culture.

Movies:  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Red River, Unforgiven TV Shows: The Son, Wynonna Earp, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Literature: The Ox-Bow Incident, Lonesome Dove, The Gunsmith Games: Luckslinger, 12 is Better than 6, Where the Water Tastes Like Wine 

Bounty Hunters

In this type of western, the plot revolves around a protagonist or gang that hunts outlaws for monetary gain. 

Movies:  Santee, The Hateful Eight, Seraphim Falls TV Shows: Trigun, Tate, Wanted Dead or Alive Literature: Yuma Prison Cashout, Epitaph, Firestick Games: Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, Red Dead Redemption, Wild Guns

Cattle Drive

A subgenre of western fiction where the plot centers around a cattle drive–the act of moving cattle from one place to another, usually for sale.

Movies:  Open Range, Red River, Cattle Empire TV Shows: Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive, Rawhide, Cattle Drive Literature: Silverhills, Of Peaks and Prairies, The Trail Driver: A Western Story Games: Railway Empire, Cowboy Life Simulator

Children’s

A subgenre of Westerns that is aimed at an audience of ages 3 – 7. Plots are simplistic and centered around heroic, cowboy protagonists.

Movies:  An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Home on the Range, Horse Crazy TV Shows: The Rifleman, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid Literature: By the Great Horn Spoon!, Spirit Riding Free, The Gingerbread Cowboy Games: Cowboy Toddler, Disney Infinity: The Lone Ranger

A subgenre of western fiction set during the California gold rush during the first half of the 19th century.

Movies:  The Spoilers, The Call of the Wild, There Will Be Blood TV Shows: Klondike, Deadwood, White Fang Literature: Calico Palace, This Golden Valley, Walk on Earth a Stranger Games: 1849, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West

Gunfighters

This subgenre of western fiction revolves around a protagonist that is a lawman, outlaw, cowboy, shooting exibitionist, or a mercenary that makes their living by utilizing a firearm.

Movies:  Forsaken, Gallow Walkers, Tombstone TV Shows: Guns of Paradise, Gunslinger, Westworld Literature: Shane, Legend of a Gunfighter, Anything for Billy Games: Gun, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Darkwatch: Curse of the West

This subgenre of westerns is set during a period of mass land acquisition. Generally the setting is either The Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 or the Land Run of 1893.

Movies:  Far and Away, Cimarron, Tumbleweeds TV Shows: (None) Literature: Emma’s Folly, Dreams to Dust: A Tale of the Oklahoma Land Rush, Beautiful Land: A Story of the Oklahoma Land Rush Games: (None)

This subgenre of westerns focuses on a protagonist that is a part of law-enforcement; generally a sheriff of a town, a Texas Ranger, or a U.S. Marshall.

Movies:  Hang ‘em High, Lawless, Appaloosa TV Shows: Lawman, Gunsmoke, Longmire Literature: Righteous Kill, The Evil Breed, The Lawman Games: The Gunstringer, Outlaws

Mountain Men

This subgenre of western focuses on a protagonist that is a “mountain man,” someone who lives off the land. 

Movies:  The Revenant, Jeremiah Johnson, The Mountain Men TV Shows: Daniel Boone, Mountain Men Literature: The Big Sky, Buffalo Palace, Mountain Man Games: Outlaws of the Old West, Mountain Man: A New Beginning

This subgenre of western fiction centers around a protagonist or group of protagonists that are ostracized or marginalized individuals; fugitives, exiles, or those opposed to the notion of “law and order.”

Movies:   True History of the Kelly Gang, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Young Guns TV Shows: Godless, Alias Smith and Jones, Outsiders Literature: The Outlaw Josey Wales, Way of the Outlaw, To Hell on a Fast Horse Games: Desperados III, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood

Prairie Settlement

This subgenre of western fiction centers on a protagonist or a family of protagonists usually set against the backdrop of the Great Plains region of the United States. Common themes of this genre are family, romance, and man against nature.

Movies:  Love Comes Softly, Little Women, Love’s Abiding Joy TV Shows: Little House on the Prairie, Ponderosa Literature: Little House in Brookfield, One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dedd, Jubilee Trail Games: Chico, Depraved, Heat: Homestead

This subgenre of westerns focuses on a protagonist who was wronged, and seeks justice by their own means.

Movies:  The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained, The Quick and the Dead TV Shows: Have Gun – Will Travel, The Outcasts, The Tall Man  Literature: The Hell Bent Kid, True Grit, The Cold Dish: A Longmire Mystery Games: Red Dead Revolver, Wild Guns, Hard West

Wagon Train

A subgenre of westerns characterized by a journey from one destination to another by way of covered wagons. The protagonist is either part of the wagon train or becomes part of it after an event or payment.

Movies:  The Donner Party, The Way West, Meek’s Cutoff TV Shows: Wagon Train, Rawhide, Laramie Literature: Land of the Shining Mountains, Passage West, The Lost Wagon Train Games: Oregon Trail (Series), Outlaws of the Old West

This subgenre of westerns features a teenage protagonist, and content suitable for ages 12 – 18. This subgenre tends to mix themes and genres more than more adult-oriented westerns, and can be set during the past, present, future, alternate timeline, or alternate reality.

Movies:  Death in the Saddle, The Dark Tower, Young Guns TV Shows: McLeod’s Daughters, The Young Riders Literature: Year of the Horse, Space Cowboy, The Devil’s Paintbox Games: (None)

Literary Fiction Genres/Styles

These are styles for “literary fiction.” Literary fiction is distinguished by its character-driven plots, elevated writing style, exploration of subtleties in language, theme, and symbolism.

Post-Modern

Postmodern literature is characterized by its use of metafiction (written in a way that reminds the reader that they are reading something that is fiction), unreliable narrator, self-referential dialogue, self-aware protagonists, and intertextuality (the ability for one work to refer to another.) While there are many other techniques and styles that fit under the broad umbrella that is “postmodernism,” these give the most generalized example of the style.

Movies:  Bladerunner, Pulp-Fiction, American Beauty TV Shows: Family Guy, The Simpsons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Literature: Breakfast of Champions, Catch-22, Gravity’s Rainbow Games: Bioshock: Infinite, Spec Ops: The Line, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

This style of literary fiction is characterized by using inner-monologue in a continuous “stream” or paragraph to convey the thoughts of a narrator or character. The thoughts of a character are associated with their actions, and are portrayed in the form of a monologue that addresses the character itself. This is unlike traditional monologue or soliloquy that addresses the audience. 

Movies:  Mirror, The Tree of Life, Synecdoche New York TV Shows: Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Eric Andre Show, Scrubs  Literature: Ulysses, Mrs. Dalloway, The British Museum is Falling Down Games: Undertale, SOMA, Dear Esther

Speculative Fiction Genres

Speculative fiction is a very broad category encompassing supernatural, futuristic, or other imagined elements that exist outside the realm of realism.

This is a broad genre that generally evokes feelings of shock, fear, and disgust. It is intended to frighten the reader or bring about feelings of loathing and dread.

Movies:  Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th TV Shows: American Horror Story, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Slasher Literature: IT, House of Leaves, Dracula Games: Until Dawn, Silent Hill, Resident Evil

Body Horror

This subgenre of horror utilizes disturbing depictions of the human body in various ways. Aberrant sex, mutations, mutilation, zombification, extreme violence/destruction, disease, and unnatural movment are all expressions of body horror.

Movies:  The Fly, The Thing, Eraserhead TV Shows: Parasyte: The Maxim, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story: Freakshow Literature: Books of Blood, Shiver, The Cipher Games: Bioshock, Resident Evil 4, Clive Barker’s Jericho, Inside

Creepy Kids

This subgenre utilizes underlying fear of children to unnerve the audience. Precocious speech, psychopathic behavior, and feigned innocence are all hallmarks of a “creepy child.” 

Movies:  Children of the Corn, Brighburn, Goodnight Mommy  TV Shows: The Haunting Hour, Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark Literature: Such Small Hands, The Butcher Boy, We Have Always Lived in the Castle Games: Fatal Frame, Silent Hill, Clock Tower, Lucious

Extreme Horror

This subgenre of horror is violent, gory, and often sexually explicit or exploitative. It is also known in literary circles as “splatterpunk,” while in cinema it has come to be known as “torture porn.” 

Movies:  Hostel, Martyrs, The Human Centipede, Saw (series) TV Shows: Wolf Creek, The Purge, Gantz Literature: The Woods are Dark, Battle Royale,This Symbiotic Fascination  Games: Resident Evil 7, Condemned: Criminal Origins, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan

This subgenre of horror focuses on a single location, usually a house or a mansion, that is pervaded by a spirit or spirits.

Movies:  Paranormal Activity, The Conjuring, Poltergeist TV Shows: American Horror Story: Murder House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Ghostwatch  Literature: The Shining, House of Leaves, The Grip of It Games: Paranormal, P.T., Anatomy

Lovecraftian

This subgenre of horror is focused on a fear of the unknowable based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, his Cthulu mythos, and other works that have since been absorbed into it. Unknowable, unidentifiable, and non-euclidean, are all words used to describe this type of horror. Nihilism and cosmicism are common themes.

Movies:  The Cabin in the Woods, The Color of Space,  TV Shows: Lovecraft Country, True Detective, The Outer Limits Literature: In the Mouth of Madness, The Ballad of Black Tom, Hammers on Bone Games: Bloodborne, The Sinking City, Pathologic

This subgenre of horror is characterized by the source of horror being created by human hands. This could be intentional, or a mistake. Often this overlaps with the science fiction or fantasy genres. Rogue A.I., Science Gone Wrong, Nuclear Fallout, Pollution, are all examples of man-made horror.

Movies: Tusk, Splice, Terminator TV Shows: Jekyll, Elfen Lied, NEXT Literature: Frankenstein, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, Blood Music Games: Outlast, Metro (series), Galerians

This subgenre of horror focuses on beasts, creatures, and “the monster within.” The plot usually revolves around the protagonists falling victim to, and then attempting to destroy the monster in question. 

Movies:  A Quiet Place, Wildling, Animal TV Shows: October Faction, Supernatural, The Mist Literature: The Fisherman, The Day of the Triffids, Relic Games: Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Hunt: Showdown, Darkwood

This subgenre of horror deals with the esoteric and magickal (with a “k”) that exists outside the realm of religion. Occult Horror is almost always supernatural in that the strange or inexplicable elements are treated as “real” for the purposes of the plot.

Movies:  The Blair Witch Project, Apostle, Hereditary TV Shows: American Horror Story: Coven, Penny Dreadful, Twin Peaks Literature: The Damnation Game, The Burn Palace, The Ruins Games: The Dark Occult, Don’t Knock Twice, Outlast 2

Psychic Abilities

This subgenre of horror focuses on a protagonist or an antagonist that utilizes telepathy, telekinesis, mind control, or some other form of mind-driven power to create tension or perpetrate horrific acts.

Movies:  Carrie, The Fury, Evil Eye TV Shows: The Others, The Dead Zone, Midnight Texas Literature: Firestarter, Doctor Sleep, Carrion Comfort Games: The Medium, Galerians

Psychological Horror

This subgenre of horror focuses on mental, emotional, and psychological states to frighten, disturb, or unsettle its audience. This frequently overlaps with psychological thrillers, and often uses mystery elements and characters with unstable, unreliable, or disturbed psychological states to enhance the suspense, drama, action, and paranoia of the setting and plot and to provide an overall unpleasant, unsettling, or distressing atmosphere.

Movies:  Possum, Green Room, Funny Games TV Shows: American Horror Story: Asylum, Hannibal, Bates Motel Literature: Whoever Fights Monsters, Misery, The Deep Games: Silent Hill, Layers of Fear, Alan Wake, Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice

Slasher Horror

In this subgenre of horror, the plot centers on a group of protagonists that are murdered by another person, often with bladed weapons. This genre is often lumped in with extreme horror, but tropes associated with the genre such as trauma triggering the killer, a pattern or anniversary date, and “the final girl” establish it as its own separate category. 

Movies:  Candy Man, Child’s Play, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV Shows: Slasher, Scream, Scream Queens Literature: The Killing Kind, The Kult, The Lost Games: Friday the 13th: The Game, Dead by Daylight, Clock Tower 3

Supernatural Horror

This subgenre of horror combines with elements of supernatural movies such as spirits, demons, humanoid monsters, and depictions of the afterlife. This subgenre is very broad and could include most horror with supernatural elements.

Movies:  Eli, Insidious, Let the Right One In TV Shows: Hemlock Grove, The Returned, Stranger Things Literature: Hell House, Pet Cemetery, Dead of Night  Games: Phasmophobia, Prey, SCP-Containment Breach

See Supernatural Romance under Fantasy

This subgenre of horror uses subtlety and suspense to create terror rather than an abundance of overt frightening imagery. Movies: Midsommar, Under the Skin, Rosemary’s Baby, It Follows TV Shows: Castle Rock, The Third Day, Black Mirror Literature: Nightscript, The Green Man, The Black Carousel Games: Doki Doki Literature Club, Theresia, My Father’s Long Long Legs

Fantasy is a broad genre that consists of magical and supernatural elements that do not exist in the real world. This can be the presence of magic, supernatural or mythical creatures, variances in the laws of physics, or the presence of preternatural gods.

Movies:  Labyrinth, The Chronicles of Narnia, Life of Pi TV Shows: Cursed, The Order, The Umbrella Academy Literature: The Name of the Wind, The Color of Magic, Watership Down Games: Warcraft (series), Divinity (series), Outward

Contemporary

Contemporary fantasy incorporates fantasy elements into a setting that is appropriate for the time period being created. It is one of the largest subgenres of fantasy and is best known for its sub-genre “urban fantasy.”

Movies: Underworld, Bridge to Terbithia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory TV Shows: Witches of East End, Being Human, Hex Literature: American Gods, The Dresden Files (series), A Wrinkle in Time Games: Vampyr, Devil May Cry (DMC), Disco Elysium

Dark Fantasy

This subgenre of fantasy combines elements of horror, with an oppressive atmosphere, graphic violence, and mature themes to create a “gritty” feeling fantasy that is grounded, and often brutal.

Movies:  Legend, Pan’s Labyrinth,  The Crow TV Shows: Berserk, Game of Thrones, The Chilling Tales of Sabrina Literature: The Black Company, The Dark Tower, Prince of Thorns Games: Demon’s Souls, Darkest Dungeon, Grim Dawn

This subgenre of fantasy features succinct stories featuring animals, legendary creatures, inanimate objects, and forces of nature that confer a moral, or lesson at the end. A fable differs from a “parable” in that parables do not use fantastical elements to convey their stories.

Movies:  Where the Wild Things Are, Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish TV Shows: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, The Charmings Literature: The Alchemist, Aesop’s Fables, The Little Prince Games: Fable (series), Dragon’s Dogma, The Last Guardian

This subgenre of fantasy is generally intended for children and involves fantastical or enchanting characters, a simple story structure, and generally has a happy ending.

Movies:  Shrek, Cinderella, Hook TV Shows: Faerie Tale Theatre, The 10th Kingdom, Once Upon a Time Literature: The Juniper Tree, The Snow Queen, Haroun and the Sea of Stories Games: Cinders, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, Moonlighter

Fantasy of Manners

This subgenre of fiction is characterized by traditional romances, low magic, high plot complexity, and low violence. The focus of the plot is generally on the characters and their politics. The setting is a fantastical place with a strict hierarchical structure, and its conflicts are within a family or society rather than an opposing force. A typical fantasy of manners tale will involve a romantic adventure that turns on some point of social conduct or intrigue. Some works that are  considered “fantasy of manners” could be also considered historical fiction were it not for their almost entirely fictional settings.

Note: This is a fairly new genre, and as such its definition is still being debated upon by the community. The examples below are the closest we could find to provide examples. The literary examples are spot on, and we encourage you to read those if you’re interested in the genre. Movies, film, and games have yet to catch on to the trend.

Movies:  The Exterminating Angel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Shamer’s Daughter TV Shows: Camelot, Faith (Shinui), Ja Myung Go Literature: Swordspoint, A Natural History of Dragons,The Goblin Emperor Games: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Suikoden II, The Witcher II: Assassins of Kings

Heroic Fantasy

This subgenre of fantasy is centered on the adventures of a single heroic character or group of characters that are perceived as the underdogs in their conflicts. This is the most important distinction between heroic fantasy and “sword & sorcery.” The protagonist isn’t weighed down by a lot of flaws, and their actions come from a desire to do good.

Movies: The Last Unicorn, Willow, The Black Cauldron TV Shows: Legend of the Seeker, Dungeons & Dragons, The Owl House Literature: The Lord of the Rings, The Kingkiller Chronicles, The Wheel of Time Games: The Legend of Zelda (series), Chrono Trigger, Kingdom Hearts

High Fantasy

Sometimes called “epic fantasy,” high fantasy is a border subgenre with stories set in a magical environment that has its own rules and physical laws. This subgenre’s plots and themes have a grand scale and typically center on a single, well-developed hero or a band of heroes. Though High fantasy is a subgenre in itself, most fantasy works fall into either “High” or “Low” fantasy, and then into smaller subgenres.

Movies:    TV Shows: Record of Lodoss War, The Dragon Prince, Camelot Literature: Mistborn (series), The Earthsea Cycle, The Stormlight Archives Games: Pillars of Eternity, Baldur’s Gate III, The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt

Low Fantasy

Set in the real world, low fantasy includes unexpected magical elements that surprise ordinary characters. An alternative definition, common in role-playing games, rests on the story and characters being more realistic and less mythic in scope. The former definition applies to the majority of works.

Movies:  The Borrowers, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Constantine TV Shows: Good Omens, True Blood, Deus Salve O Rei (God Save the King), Game of Thrones Literature: That Hideous Strength, Tuck Everlasting, The Bone Clocks,  Games: Valkyria Chronicles (series), Risen, Darklands

Magical Realism

While similar to low fantasy, magical realism paints a realistic world, and then adds magical elements to make a point about the world. Most importantly, the characters do not acknowledge the magic as strange, or out of place.

Movies:  The Fall, Bright, Christopher Robin TV Shows: Pushing Daisies, Strange Girl in a Strange Land, Northern Exposure Literature: One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Midnight’s Children Games: Kentucky Route Zero, What Remains Of Edith Finch, The Darkness

This subgenre of fantasy focuses on themes common to myths, and digs into the milieu. The names and powers of the gods, and the mythical or supernatural creatures that inhabit the fantasy world vary in some way from their more traditional counterparts. Elements of legend and folklore may be included, although they are just as likely to be completely original as to hearken back to some familiar mythical figures.

Movies: Clash of the Titans, Princess Mononoke, Beowulf TV Shows: American Gods, Blood of Zeus, Merlin Literature: Mists of Avalon, The Silmarillion, The Red Pyramid Games: God of War, Darksiders (series), Too Human

This fantasy subgenre combines romantic themes with fantasy elements like vampires, werewolves, shifters, faeries, and zombies. Many contemporary fantasy series blur the line between urban fantasy stories, coming-of-age tales, and paranormal romances.

Movies:  Stardust, Twilight, Warm Bodies TV Shows: Beautiful Creatures, Dream Knight, Phantom of the Theatre Literature: Halfway to the Grave, Dark Lover, Interview With a Vampire Games: Dark Nights with Poe and Munro, The Last Act, Tell a Demon

This highly specific subgenre combines the Victorian science and technology of the Industrial Revolution with contemporary takes on robots and machines. As such, steampunk fantasy is, at once, alternate history, science fantasy, and a modern fantasy—although the specifics vary with specific works. 

Movies: Mortal Engines, Hugo, April and the Extraordinary World TV Shows: Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal, Carnival Row, Steamboy Literature: Soulless, Deepgate Codex (series), The Difference Engine Games: Thief (series), Torchlight II, Frostpunk

Also known as comic fantasy or comic book fantasy, this is a subgenre of fantasy in which the hero acquires special abilities through scientific means, such as exposure to radiation, the protagonists’ powers. In more fantastical superhero stories, the powers are supernatural. Many superhero stories are set in a low fantasy world—one that’s quite similar to our own world.

Movies:  Man of Steel, The Avengers, Spawn TV Shows: Smallville, Titans, The Umbrella Academy, Cloak and Dagger Literature: Watchmen, Soon I Will Be Invincible, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay Games: Crackdown, Saints Row IV, Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Sword & Sorcery

A subset of high fantasy, this subgenre focuses on sword-wielding heroes as well as magic or witchcraft. Events occur in a world where magic is prevalent and modern technology is non-existent. The setting may be entirely fictitious in nature or based upon earth with some additions. Characters in S&S stories are, in general, morally ambiguous.

Movies:  Conan the Barbarian, Dragonslayer, Ladyhawke TV Shows: Wizards and Warriors, JourneyQuest, Roar Literature: Elric Of Melinbone, The Axe and the Throne, The Broken Sword Games: The Banner Saga, Dragon Age (series), The Witcher (Series)

Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy is a genre in which fantastical characters and concepts are placed in a real world urban setting. Often in the present day. Urban fantasy stories often draw from noir and gritty police procedurals. They also may incorporate fantastical elements and supernatural creatures. These could involve zombies, vampires, druids, demons, wizardry, witchcraft, and other such fantasy tropes.

Movies:  Bright, Highlander, Hellboy TV Shows: Fate/Stay Night, What We Do in the Shadows, The Rook Literature: Borderland, City of Bones, Fire & Heist Games: Vampire: The Masquerade, Persona (series), Remnant: From the Ashes

This subgenre is rooted in Chinese culture. It involves elements of fantasy interspersed with martial arts. 

Movies: Seven Swords, Forbidden Kingdom, The Legend of Zu TV Shows: The Flame’s Daughter, Ice Fantasy, Ever Night Literature: Jade City, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Across the Nightingale Floor Games: Jade Empire, Gujian 3,  Xuan Yuan Sword: The Gate of Firmament

Science Fiction

This very broad genre of speculative fiction is based on imagined future science or technological advances and major social or environmental changes, frequently portraying space or time travel and life on other planets.

Movies:  Transformers, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Star Trek TV Shows: Farscape, Stargate: Atlantis, Torchwood Literature: The Blazing World, Foundation, The Stars My Destination Games: Portal, Eve Online, Doom

This subgenre of science fiction deals with extraterrestrial experiences, alien life, and weapons from other planets.

Movies:  Arrival, Signs, E.T. The Extraterrestrial TV Shows: Falling Skies, Nightflyer, Colony Literature: War of the Worlds, A Princess of Mars, The Left Hand of Darkness Games: Destroy All Humans, Quake, Pikmin

Alternative History

This subgenre of science fiction focuses on stories in which one or more historical events occur differently. These stories usually contain “what if” scenarios at crucial points in history and present outcomes other than those in the historical record. The stories are conjectural but are sometimes based on fact.

Movies:  Red Dawn, Never Let Me Go, Yesterday TV Shows: The Man in the High Castle, The Plot Against America, For All Mankind Literature: Fatherland, Bring the Jubilee, The Years of Rice and Salt Games: Resistance: Fall of Man, The Order 1886, We Happy Few

Alternate/Parallel Universe

In this subgenre of science fiction, the story is set in a “universe” or “parallel dimension” that is not the real world in this time. This might also refer to a parallel universe within a fictional universe.

Movies:  Source Code, The One, The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension TV Shows: Westworld, Fringe, Sense 8 Literature: The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Future of Another Timeline, The Light Brigade Games: Chrono Cross, Neir, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic

Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction are subgenres of science fiction that are set in a time period where the earth as we know it is coming to an end. Post-apocalyptic novels almost always take place in the future, although some describe the end of past civilizations that no longer exist.

Movies:  Mad Max: Fury Road, World War Z, I Am Legend TV Shows: The Rain, The 3%, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Literature: The Stand, The Road, Station Eleven Games: Fallout 4, Wasteland 2, Days Gone

In this subgenre of science fiction, the focus is on biotechnology. It is derived from cyberpunk, but focuses on the implications of biotechnology rather than information technology. Biopunk is concerned with synthetic biology.

Movies:  Repo Men, Antiviral, eXistenZ TV Shows: Dark Angel, Orphan Black, ReGenesis Literature: The Ware Tetralogy, Brave New World, The Windup Girl Games: Prototype, Killing Floor, Terranigma

Colonization

This subgenre of science fiction is about colonies on other worlds. This also includes colonies set up in artificial environments on orbital satellites. Humans may start a colony for various reasons such as: overpopulation on Earth, the Earth becomes uninhabitable, pure exploration and discovery, search and acquisition of resources, threat of human extinction, or some other reason.

Movies:  Alien: Covenant, Titan A.E., The Martian TV Shows: Lost in Space, Oasis, Earth 2 Literature: The Word for World is Forest, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, Dark Eden Games: Aven Colony, Planet Colonization, Oxygen Not Included

This subgenre of science fiction is set in a dystopian futuristic world that tends to have a lower standard of living for the majority and high tech for all. Advanced technological and scientific achievements such as artificial intelligence and cybernetics are juxtaposed with a breakdown or radical change in the social order.

Movies:  Bladerunner 2049, Mute, The Matrix TV Shows: Ghost in the Shell, Dark Angel, Hotel Artemis Literature: Neuromancer, Snowcrash, Mona Lisa Overdrive Games: Cyberpunk 2077, Shadowrun: Dragonfall, Perfect Dark

Dying Earth

In this subgenre of science fiction, the focus is on the far future at either the end of life on Earth or the end of time, when the laws of the universe themselves fail. Themes of world-weariness, innocence, idealism, entropy, exhaustion/depletion of many or all resources, and the hope of renewal dominate.

Movies:  Water World, Mad Max: Road Warrior, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind TV Shows: Defiance, Terra Nova Literature: Hothouse, The Pastel City, As the Curtain Falls Games: Death Stranding, NieR: Automata, Phantom Dust

This subgenre of science fiction offers a bleak vision of the future. Dystopias are societies in cataclysmic decline, with characters who battle environmental ruin, technological control, and government oppression. Dystopian stories challenge the audience to think differently about current social and political climates, and in some instances can even inspire action.

Movies:  Idiocracy, Snowpiercer, Equilibrium TV Shows: The Handmaid’s Tale, Into the Badlands, The 100 Literature: Fahrenheit 451, 1984, The Hunger Games (series) Games: Papers Please, Not Tonight, Black The Fall

Galactic Empire

This subgenre of science fiction deals with a galaxy-wide society that is ruled by a single governing entity known as a “galactic empire.” Characterization of galactic empires can vary wildly from malevolent forces attacking sympathetic victims to apathetic bureaucracies to more reasonable entities focused on social progress, and anywhere in between.

Movies:  Dune, Captain Marvel, The Last Starfighter TV Shows: She-Ra and the Princess of Power, Andromeda, Stargate SG-1 Literature: Flesh and Gold, The Lightship Chronicles, The Foundation Games: Warhammer 40k, Rogue Galaxy, Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight

Generation Ship

The setting or plot for this subgenre of science fiction revolves around a ship, or other mode of transportation that is a self-sustaining community made to house humans until they reach their intended destination. This usually involves a dying earth scenario where the occupants of the hsip are meant to colonize another world after living on the ship for many generations.

Movies:  Interstellar, WALL-E, Battle for Terra TV Shows: Ascension, The Starlost, Earth Star Voyager Literature: Aurora, Darkness Beyond the Stars, Riding the Torch Games: Phantasy Star III, Marathon, Homeworld

Hard Science Fiction

This subgenre of science fiction is characterized by concern for scientific accuracy and logic. Hard science fiction exists inside the realm of scientific possibility. That is, anything that occurs in the story is not outside the known physical laws of the universe.

Movies:  Gattaca, Apollo 18, Ex Machina TV Shows: Men into Space, ReGenisis, Star Cops Literature: Brave New World, The Mars Trilogy, Murasaki Games: Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Eliza, Localhost

Immortality

This sub-genre is about eternal life, existing for an infinite amount of time, immortality. Science Fiction presents immortality as either a blessing and full of limitless opportunity, or as a curse–the end of change and full of restlessness and stagnation. Regardless of outlook, a story about immortality includes both freedom from aging and rejuvenation because immortality is undesirable without both.

Movies: The Man From Earth, Blade of the Immortal, The Fountain TV Shows: The Highlander, The Old Guard, Immortals Literature: Holy Fire, The Eden Cycle, The Hollow Lands Games: Lost Odyssey, Immortal: Unchained, The Turing Test

Lost Worlds

This subgenre of science fiction involves the discovery of an unknown world out of time, place, or both.

Movies:  Jurassic Park III, The Valley of Gwangi, Kong: Skull Island TV Shows: The Lost World, Land of the Lost, Dinotopia Literature: Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Moon Pool, The Land That Time Forgot Games: Lost Planet, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Xenogears

Military Science Fiction

In this subgenre of science fiction, the use of science fiction technology is used mainly for weapons and military purposes. Generally, the protagonists are members of a military organization involved in a war in outer space or on a different planet or planets.

Movies:  Edge of Tomorrow, Starship Troopers, Independence Day TV Shows: Macross, Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse Literature: The Forever War, Ender’s Game, Valiant Dust Games: Halo (series), Earth Defense Force (series), Contra

Mind Transfer

This subgenre of science fiction involves the transference of a mind into another body, a computer, a mechanical object, or an alien body. The mind may be transferred in various ways: via computer, some kind of psi power, the ability of an alien, physical brain transplantation, or by some other means.

Movies:  Transfer, Black Box, Avatar TV Shows: Altered Carbon, A Feladat, Femte generationen  Literature: The World of Null-A, Kiln People, I Will Fear No Evil Games: Assassin’s Creed, Transistor, Warframe

Mundane Science Fiction

This subgenre of science fiction is typically characterized by its setting on Earth or within the Solar System; a lack of interstellar travel, intergalactic travel or human contact with extraterrestrials; and a believable use of technology and science as it exists at the time the story is written or a plausible extension of existing technology.

Movies:  Children of Men, Moon, Her TV Shows: Osmosis, Years and Years, Moonbase 3 Literature: The Second Sleep, Titan, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Games: RimWorld, Outpost, Children of the Dead Earth

Mythic Science Fiction

This subgenre of science fiction is rooted in, or drawn from fables, mythology, folklore, or fairy tales. The story may retell the myth entirely or draw from the tropes, themes, and symbolism of the myth.

Movies:  Splash, Troll Hunter, Time Bandits TV Shows: Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side, Stargate: Atlantis, The Librarians Literature: Rendezvous with Rama, Queen of Air and Darkness, Watch the North Wind Rise Games: Too Human, Destiny 2,  Assassins Creed: Odyssey

This subgenre of science fiction describes a world where nanites are widely in use and nanotechnologies are the predominant technological forces in society. This is a very new genre that falls somewhere in the middle of cyberpunk and biopunk. Unlike cyberpunk which focuses on “high-tech, low-life,” nanopunk can have either a pessimistic outlook on nanotechnology, or an optimistic one.

Movies: Transcendence, Osmosis Jones, The Day the Earth Stood Still TV Shows: Generator Rex, Big Hero 6: The Series, Altered Carbon Literature: Queen City Jazz, The Diamond Age, Nanopunk  Games: Crysis, Anarchy Online, Deus Ex

Robots/A.I.

This subgenre of science fiction deals with robotics, mechanization, artificial intelligence, and the physical, ethical, or existential dilemmas that might arise from each. 

Movies: A.I., Terminator, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Chappie TV Shows: Westworld, Humans, Knight Rider Literature: Crier’s War, The Lifecycle of Software Objects, Midnight Robber Games: The Talos Principle, Nier: Automata, Detroit: Become Human

Science Fantasy

This subgenre blends tropes and fantastical elements from the fantasy genre with science fiction. A work of science fantasy can include both dragons and robots, magic swords and aliens.

Movies:  Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, TRON, Transformers (Series) TV Shows: Babylon 5, Power Rangers (Series), Tin Man Literature: Apprentice Adept, Artemis Fowl, The Dark Tower (Series) Games: Final Fantasy (VII, VIII, X, XIII), Asura’s Wrath, ELEX

Science Horror

This subgenre combines elements of horror with elements of science fiction, often revolving around subjects that include but are not limited to alien invasions, mad scientists, and/or experiments gone wrong.

Movies:  Mimic, The Thing, 28 Days Later TV Shows: Helix, Sapphire and Steel, Black Mirror Literature: Amina, The Island of Doctor Moreau, The Tommyknockers Games: Dead Space (series), SOMA, Alien: Isolation

Soft Science Fiction

Soft science fiction of either type is often more concerned with character and speculative societies, rather than speculative science or engineering. It explores the “soft” sciences, and especially the social sciences (for example, anthropology, sociology, or psychology), rather than engineering or the “hard” sciences (for example, physics, astronomy, or chemistry).

It is not scientifically accurate or plausible; the opposite of hard science fiction.

Movies:  Predator, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Pacific Rim TV Shows: Farscape, Firefly, Dark Matter Literature: The Languages of Pao, Dune, The Last Policeman Games: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Starcraft (series), Half-Life

Space Exploration

This subgenre of science fiction revolves around stories of visiting other worlds, investigating strange phenomena, and generally exploring the vastness of space.

Movies:  Ad Astra, Lucy in the Sky, Prospect TV Shows: Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Orville, Away Literature: We Are Legion (We Are Bob), Revelation Space, Gateway Games: Outer Wilds, Kerbal Space Program, No Man’s Sky

Space Opera

This subgenre of science fiction emphasizes space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles, chivalric romance, and risk-taking.

Movies:  Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Jupiter Ascending, Star Wars: A New Hope TV Shows: Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Literature: Hyperion Cantos (series), Fire Upon the Deep, Vorkosigan Saga (series) Games: Mass Effect 3, Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope, Zone of Enders

This subgenre of science fiction centers around the adventures of a protagonist, or protagonists working as secret agents or spies. The plot usually revolves around defeating a rival superpower or singular enemy bent on world domination, world destruction, obtaining futuristic weapons, or something else. Settings vary from outright fantasy, such as outer space or under the sea, to real but exotic locations. Spy-Fi does not necessarily present espionage as it is practiced in reality but rather glamorizes spy-craft through its focus on high-tech equipment, agencies, and organizations with nearly limitless resources and incredibly high-stakes adventures.

Movies:  Quantum of Solace, Tenet, Face-Off TV Shows: Kingsmen, Mission Impossible, The Avengers (British) Literature: The Baroness, Crown of Slaves, The Bourne Identity Games: Global Agenda, Alpha Protocol, Invisible Inc.

Steampunk 

(Also see Steampunk, Fantasy) Steampunk is a retro-futuristic subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. It borrows elements of many different genres, notably fantasy, horror, alternative history, and other speculative fiction.

Movies:  Wild Wild West, Howl’s Moving Castle, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen TV Shows: The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne, Carnival Row, His Dark Materials Literature: Rising Steam,  Games: Final Fantasy IX, Thief (series), Code Name S.T.E.A.M.

Time Travel

This subgenre of science fiction focuses on stories in which travelling to the past or future is possible. Paradoxes are a common trope of time travel stories, and often the protagonist or protagonists must make decisions based on knowledge gleaned from both ends of their timeline.

Movies:  A Promise of Time Travel, Primer, Looper TV Shows: Dr. Who, 12 Monkeys, Travelers Literature: The Time Machine, A Sound of Thunder, Life The Universe and Everything Games: Chrono Trigger, Quantum Break, Singularity

In this subgenre of science fiction, advancement of scientific knowledge transforms society into a utopia. The plot usually revolves around the protagonist or protagonists who gain knowledge that shifts their perspectives. Most utopian sci-fi works also include dystopian elements in order to create conflict that drives the plot.

Movies: Tomorrowland, Gandahar, Logan’s Run TV Shows: Star Trek, Utopia Planitia,  Utopia Falls Literature: The Giver, Looking Backward, The Sunken World Games: Watch Dogs, Mirror’s Edge, Bioshock: Infinite 

This subgenre of science fiction focuses on a teenage protagonist, and the material contained within is easily understood and digested by ages 12 to 18. 

Movies:  Maze Runner (series), Weird Science, Attack the Block TV Shows: Star-Crossed, The Tomorrow People, Roswell Literature: Cinder, Divergent, The 5th Wave Games: The Longest Journey, .hack//Infection, The Last of Us

This genre falls between speculative fiction and mainstream fiction. While some slipstream works employ elements of science fiction or fantasy, not all do. The common unifying factor of these works is some degree of the surreal, the not-entirely-real, or the markedly anti-real. The three basic characteristics of a slipstream narrative are: it disrupts the principle of realism, it is not a traditional fantasy story, and it is a postmodern narrative. As an emerging genre, slipstream has been described as non-realistic fiction with a postmodern sensibility. It is meant to evoke a sense of “otherness” or cognitive dissonance in the audience.

Movies: Slipstream, The Ninth Configuration, Time Bandits TV Shows: Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Signal, The Booth at the End Literature: Ice, Feeling Very Strange: The Slipstream Anthology, The Cyberiad Games: The Stanley Parable, Antichamber, Superliminal

Speculative Fiction is a bit of a catch all or umbrella genre. All fantasy and science fiction can be termed speculative fiction. However, speculative can also describe a story that uses science fiction elements or fantasy elements or elements of both. 

Movies: Star Wars, Donnie Darko, The Lobster TV Shows: The Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, The Handmaid’s Tale, Adventure Time Literature: The Story Of Your Life, Station Eleven, Red Clocks Games: BioShock, Horizon Zero Dawn, Sid Meier’s Civilization

Bibliography

While no means an exhaustive list of all sources used for this guide–many of which are pulled from their own original sources and analysis of the text–here are the primary citations we used.

Ashland University Library Guides ( Link )  Arapahoe Libraries ( Link )  The Artifice ( Link ) Awayandaway.com (S.C. Barrus’s Blog) ( Link )  Book-genres.com ( Link )  Biopunkland ( Link ) Best Sci Fi Books ( Link ) BookRiot ( Link 1 , Link 2 ) Goodreads.com ( Link )  IMDB ( Link ) Industrial Scripts ( Link ) LiteraryDevices.net ( Link )  LiteraryTerms.net ( Link )  Masterclass.com ( Link )  Toledo Library ( Link )  TVTropes ( Link ) WriteOnSisters ( Link )  Writer’s Digest ( Link ) 

Dalton (Dalza) Drake is a novelist, cosplayer, and 4th degree blackbelt from Texas. Instagram: @sword_gaijin | YouTube: Dalza Gaming

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I am about to submit a story to a literary agent and was feeling unsure about specifying its genre. I found your classifications very helpful, particularly where you give examples for comparison although I suggest having more than three in each category would be helpful.

What genre would be of childhood tragedies

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October 4, 2013

Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy

The types of books we read may affect how we relate to others

By Julianne Chiaet

How important is reading fiction in socializing school children? Researchers at The New School in New York City have found evidence that literary fiction improves a reader’s capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling.

Emanuele Castano, a social psychologist, along with PhD candidate David Kidd conducted five studies in which they divided a varying number of participants (ranging from 86 to 356) and gave them different reading assignments: excerpts from genre (or popular) fiction, literary fiction, nonfiction or nothing. After they finished the excerpts the participants took a test that measured their ability to infer and understand other people’s thoughts and emotions. The researchers found, to their surprise, a significant difference between the literary- and genre-fiction readers.

When study participants read non-fiction or nothing, their results were unimpressive. When they read excerpts of genre fiction, such as Danielle Steel’s The Sins of the Mother , their test results were dually insignificant. However, when they read literary fiction, such as The Round House by Louise Erdrich, their test results improved markedly—and, by implication, so did their capacity for empathy. The study was published October 4 in Science .

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The results are consistent with what literary criticism has to say about the two genres—and indeed, this may be the first empirical evidence linking literary and psychological theories of fiction. Popular fiction tends to portray situations that are otherworldly and follow a formula to take readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and exciting experiences. Although the settings and situations are grand, the characters are internally consistent and predictable, which tends to affirm the reader’s expectations of others. It stands to reason that popular fiction does not expand the capacity to empathize.

Literary fiction, by contrast, focuses more on the psychology of characters and their relationships. “Often those characters’ minds are depicted vaguely, without many details, and we’re forced to fill in the gaps to understand their intentions and motivations,” Kidd says. This genre prompts the reader to imagine the characters’ introspective dialogues. This psychological awareness carries over into the real world, which is full of complicated individuals whose inner lives are usually difficult to fathom. Although literary fiction tends to be more realistic than popular fiction, the characters disrupt reader expectations, undermining prejudices and stereotypes. They support and teach us values about social behavior, such as the importance of understanding those who are different from ourselves.

The results suggest that reading fiction is a valuable socializing influence. The study data couldinform debates over how much fiction should be included in educational curricula and whether reading programs should be implemented in prisons, where reading literary fiction might improve inmates’ social functioning and empathy. Castano also hopes the finding will encourage autistic people to engage in more literary fiction, in the hope it could improve their ability to empathize without the side effects of medication.

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Types of novels: a guide to fiction and its categories.

By Emma-Claire Wilson

Writing your first novel can be a slightly daunting task. There are a million reference books out there, with advice on how to plot, how to develop characters, and even how to edit…

But, before you even consider these points, the first thing you need to think about is what kind of book you want to write.

Maybe, even before this, you need to ask yourself, what kind of novels are out there? 

In this article, I hope to clarify for you, what different types of books are out there, so you can decide what area of the fiction world you want to focus on .  

Do you want to write romantic epistolary novels? Or maybe you’re more interested in horror novels, or speculative fiction?

There are so many areas of prose fiction that writers can explore, but understanding the different types of novels that are out there first, is fundamental.  

What Is A Novel?

This might seem like the most basic question, but it is so important to understand what a novel is before you attempt to write one for the first time.  

A novel, by definition, is a work of fiction.

Generally, fiction novels sit between 50,000 and 120,000 words depending on the genre. 

Novels can be broadly split into 3 main categories, with sub-categories in each to drill down into taste.

Those three categories are genre fiction, literary fiction, and mainstream fiction.  

What Is Genre Fiction?

Genre fiction (also often referred to as popular fiction), unlike literary fiction, describes fiction that is written with the intent of fitting into a specific literary genre.

Most writers agree that there are nine main subgenres within genre fiction.

These include horror, mystery/crime, romance, science fiction, thriller/suspense, westerns, historical, young adult, and fantasy.

Although there are many more subcategories, most genre fiction will fit into one of these categories. 

Examples Of Genre Fiction

To make it even easier to spot and define genre fiction, I have listed examples below of a few recognisable novels in each genre.  

Horror Fiction Examples

Horror fiction definition:.

The main focus of horror novels is to create feelings of fear, dread, terror and sometimes repulsion in its audience.

Novels in this genre should leave readers feeling these specific emotions.  

• It by Stephen King 
• Dracula by Bram Stoker 
• Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris 

Mystery/Crime Fiction Examples

Mystery/crime fiction definition:.

Mystery, crime, and murder mystery fiction novels are works of fiction that use narratives that centre on criminal acts, the investigation by either amateur or professional experts, and the resolution of that crime or mystery.  

• Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney 
• Dream Town by David Baldacci 
• The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves 

Romance Fiction Examples  

Romance definition:.

Romance fiction generally refers to novels that primarily focus on the relationship and romantic love between two, or more, people.

A romance novel will typically have a ‘Happy Ever After’ or, at the very least, an emotionally satisfying ending. 

• The Notebook  by Nicholas Sparks 
• The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 
• Me Before You by JoJo Moyes 

Science Fiction Examples

Sci-fi definition:.

Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction which typically deals with imaginative or futuristic concepts.

Science fiction novels will, more often than not, deal with ideas of advanced technology, scientific advancement, space exploration or time travel to mention just a few.  

• War of the Worlds by H.G.Wells 
• Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne 
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins 

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Examples

Thriller/suspense definition:.

Thriller and suspense genres are often linked and both are genres that follow similar rules.

In general, these novel genres use fast-paced plots to affect the readers, and situations that evoke emotions such as anxiety, surprise, excitement and anticipation.

These genres of fiction are entirely dependent on the emotion you leave the reader with, rather than the structure you use to tell the story.

Suspense and thriller novels tend to be stories that rely heavily on plot and plot twists.  

• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins 
• Verity by Colleen Hoover 
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

Western Fiction Examples

Western fiction definition:.

Western fiction is a genre of literature set in the American “Old West” frontier and is generally set in the 19th or early 20th century.

This area of fiction is plot-driven and will generally combine aspects of crime, redemption and justice.  

• The Revenant by Michael Punke 
• No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy 
• The Son by Philip Meyer 

Historical Fiction Examples

Historical fiction definition:.

Historical novels are set in another time and place, either real (they’re often based on historical events) or imagined, but during a culturally recognisable time.

Generally, most writers of historical novels will leap back at least fifty years to take their readers outside of the events they are currently experiencing and use setting to make readers feel they are living in another time and place.

Research is key and setting is vital in this genre.  

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 
• Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel 
• The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier 

Young Adult Fiction Examples

Ya definition:.

Young adult fiction is a genre of literature written primarily for audiences between the ages of 12 and 18.

However, although these novels are written to target adolescents, more than half of YA readers are adults.

Novels in this genre tend to be written from the viewpoint of young people, generally tend to be fast-paced, and cover a wide area of subjects that young adults might be facing.  

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 
• One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus 

Fantasy Fiction Examples

Fantasy definition:.

Fantasy fiction is a genre categorised in general by its inclusion of magical elements.

It is a genre of speculative fiction that typically includes fictional universes, and most fantasy novels are inspired by mythology, folklore, or traditions.

Setting and deep characterisation are vital in this genre. 

• A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin 
• The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett 
• The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien 

What Is Literary Fiction?

Literary fiction , unlike genre fiction, is fiction that puts an emphasis on style, character and theme over plot.

Although the definition of literary fiction can change and warp year on year, there are some fundamental aspects that remain the same.

Works of fiction that are classed as literary fiction generally contain the following: 

• Character (rather than plot) driven 
• Exploration of deeper themes 
• Exploration of social, political, or emotional situations 
• Potential ambiguous ending/not necessarily a ‘Happy Ever After’ 
• No strict adherence to a structured plot 
• No strict adherence to standard formatting or prose style 

Examples Of Literary Fiction

Below, you can find three separate examples of literary fiction: 

The Goldfinch By Donna Tart

Theo Decker is the son of a devoted mother and a reckless, absent father. He survives an accident that otherwise tears his life apart. He is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend.  

The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through present-day America. Combining unforgettably vivid characters and thrilling suspense, it is a beautiful, addictive, sweeping story of loss and obsession, of survival and self-invention, of the deepest mysteries of love, identity and fate. 

This novel, published in 2013, won the Pulitzer Prize and was described by Stephen King as being ‘a smartly written novel that connects with the heart as well as the mind.’ It is character driven and delves into difficult topics. 

The House Of Fortune By Jessie Burton

The House of Fortune is the long-awaited sequel to Jessie Burton’s bestseller The Miniaturist .

It has been described as a glorious, sweeping story of fate and ambition, secrets and dreams, and one young woman’s determination to rule her own destiny. 

Just like her debut, The Miniaturist , this fabulous sequel is beautifully crafted, the characters, their lives and the settings leap from the page and drive the book forward. It’s a perfect example of exquisitely written literary fiction.  

Maps Of Our Spectacular Bodies By Maddie Mortimer

When a sudden diagnosis upends Lia’s world, the boundaries between her past and her present begin to collapse. Deeply buried secrets stir awake.

As the voice prowling in Lia takes hold of her story, and the landscape around becomes indistinguishable from the one within, Lia and her family are faced with some of the hardest questions of all: how can we move on from the events that have shaped us, when our bodies harbour everything? And what does it mean to die with grace, when you’re simply not ready to let go? 

This entrancing novel is moving, heartbreaking and beautiful all at once. The language, formatting, and subjects discussed not only make this a stunning example of literary fiction, but are also the reasons this debut has been longlisted for this year’s Booker Prize.

What Is Mainstream Fiction?

Much like literary fiction, mainstream fiction consists of novels that can’t be easily identified into a specific genre. Unlike genre fiction, which clearly sets out what you can expect from the novel, mainstream fiction can, and often does, cross book genres.  

Unlike genre fiction, mainstream fiction can be slightly harder to sell, doesn’t always have a clear audience and is generally sold on the back of author recognition and a dedicated audience.  

Mainstream fiction generally follows a linear structure, more often than not has a happy ending (or at least a satisfying one), and readers don’t have to work hard to understand the story.

Like literary fiction, mainstream fiction delves deeper into characterisation and may touch on philosophical issues, but unlike literary fiction, it does still focus heavily on plot and story .  

Examples Of Mainstream Fiction

It can be hard to tell the difference between mainstream fiction and literary fiction, but below you can see some examples of the most popular mainstream fiction on the market. 

Big Little Lies By Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is a novel that explores complex relationships, difficult topics and sensitive issues, wrapped up in a story that could be described as a crime, thriller, psychological thriller or even domestic thriller. It is a complex story that relies heavily on characterisation, but plot and story are integral.

It is the perfect example of mainstream fiction and those who are already a fan of Moriarty’s work instantly know what to expect from this author’s books. They may not fit neatly in one genre, but they hit all expectations and leave the reader satisfied at the end.  

The Lovely Bones By Alice Seabold

Again, this novel is intense in its exploration of grief; it’s complex in its characterisation and explores themes that set this book apart.

The plot of the book isn’t complex, but it is complete and the reader is left satisfied, but the genre of the book is not instantly clear. It sweeps between genres and picks up readers in multiple guises.  

Other authors who fit well into the mainstream fiction category are Maeve Binchy, John Irving, Dan Brown, Ian McEwan and Nora Roberts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 9 types of fiction  .

Within fiction, there are many different subcategories that can help determine story type and therefore the audience these novels are marketed to.  

These subcategories are: 

• Science fiction 
• Mystery/crime fiction 
• Historical fiction 
• Thriller/suspense fiction 
• Young adult fiction 
• Romance fiction 
• Horror fiction 
• Fantasy fiction
• Western fiction 

What Is The Most Popular Novel Genre?

Well, that is one of the most difficult questions to answer – why? Because depending on who you talk to, and which data sets you look at, you may discover a different answer.  

During the pandemic, we saw a surge in reading and a change in reading habits. Depending on the state of the world, readers reach for different stimuli.  

Romance, both contemporary and historical, are always incredibly popular and for many years, romance fiction has not dropped out of the top five bestselling genres.

However, crime and thriller books are forever competing for the top spots, with the likes of Lee Child, Gillian Flynn, and Colleen Hoover topping the charts consistently.  

Fiction Genres

As you can see, there are so many areas of the writing world that you can indulge in, and so many subgenres of fiction to explore. With so many different types of novels out there, all you have to do is decide which one fits your style the most and then dive right in.

Always remember, there is no wrong way to write, and no right genre to start with… all you need to focus on, is getting those words onto the page and out into the world. 

About the author

Emma-Claire Wilson is an author of book club fiction. Born in Scotland, she travelled the world as the child of military parents. Finally, she settled in Southern Spain with her husband, daughters, and rescue dog, Pip. Emma-Claire works as a journalist for English language magazines and newspapers in Spain and in 2015 launched The Glass House Online Magazine. When not writing emotional book club fiction, you can find her by the sea dreaming up new stories, or wrapped in a blanket with a book in her hand. See more on her author website or Twitter .

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Last updated on Apr 21, 2021

Nonfiction: 24 Genres and Types of Fact-Based Books

Many readers think of nonfiction as a genre in itself. But take a look through your local bookstore and you’ll see dozens of sections devoted to fact-based books, while fiction titles are sorted into just a few broadly defined genres like ‘Fantasy/Sci-Fi’ and ‘General Fiction’!

To give nonfiction books the recognition they deserve and help authors choose the right category for their work, here’s a list of the 24 most common genres of nonfiction along with their identifying features. 

Expository nonfiction

Expository nonfiction aims to inform the reader about its subject —  providing an explanation for it, be it a historical event, natural phenomenon, fashion trend, or anything else. 

1. History 

History books are not to be mistaken with textbooks. Rather than cherry-picking details to be memorized about a person, an event, or an era, these nonfiction titles are more like cross-sections in time. They provide readers with as much of the social and political contexts of events as possible with the use of rich primary and secondary sources, so as to better understand their causes and their legacies. 

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond Tapping into geological, agricultural, and biological evidence, Diamond challenges perception of genetic differences and contextualizes the history of human development using various external, environmental conditions.

Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II, 1941-1944 by Anna Reid The Eastern Front of WWII is not as well-discussed as the Western one, though it's just as important. To balance the viewpoints out a little, Anna Reid explores life in Leningrad (now St Petersburg) during one of the longest, costliest, and deadliest military blockades in history. 

2. Philosophy 

This is where the big questions get asked. While ‘philosophy’ conjures up the image of impenetrable books written by Nietzche and Confucius for the enjoyment of beard-stroking academics, that isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of this genre! Contemporary authors have taken care to make their writings more accessible without sacrificing depth of analysis.

Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy by Simon Blackburn An introduction to life’s grandest topics (ethics, freedom, self — all that jazz) as told through the prism of history’s greatest philosophers. Suitable for curious readers who don’t know their Aristotles from their Kants.

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson The author smuggles in a history of the great philosopher king by presenting it as a self-help guide. By showing his readers how Marcus Aurelius’s beliefs can apply to modern life, Robertson appeals to readers who wouldn’t otherwise pick up a copy of Meditations from the library.

A Grammar of the Multitude by Paolo Virno See how philosophy has evolved in today’s international world through Paolo Virno's perspective. He advocates for the understanding of people as "multitudes" (courtesy of Dutch Enlightenment thinker, Spinoza). It's recommended that readers go into this book with some previous knowledge on classic philosophical paradigms. 

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3. Religion and Spirituality

Books about religion and spirituality can take many forms. Some are theory-based, some are written from personal experience, and some are structured like a self-help book, with the end goal of helping readers find their spiritual home. Oftentimes, each book focuses on a particular belief system — there are even Christian publishers who are solely dedicated to publishing books about their religion. 

📚 Examples 

Waking the Buddha by Clark Strand An interesting cross between a historical research and a personal spiritual exploration, this book details the rise and continued influence of the Soka Gakkai, an international Buddhist organization that works towards egalitarianism and social justice.

The Power of Now by Ekchert Tolle This self-help-style book brings readers closer to spiritual enlightenment by acknowledging how our mind focuses on the past and the future rather than the present. It's the first step on the path toward mindful connection with the joys of the moment. 

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Science books, or  “Science & Maths” books — as Amazon would categorize them — can get quite technical. Most of the time, they’re reporting on scientists’ academic research. And so, science books tend to be well-organized and follow academic conventions like referencing and indexing . But while they sound dry, the intriguing questions that they address can always be presented in ways that keep readers coming. In any case, readers can always choose to scan over the complex mathematical proofs, or authors can put all that into the appendix.  

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking See the concept of time through the logical and characteristically witty eyes of this world-renowned scientist. It doesn’t make for the breeziest read, but it will give readers a very in-depth understanding of this arbitrary but ever-present concept. 

Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith Neil deGrasse Tyson takes readers on a tour of the universe's transformations through the years, introducing concepts of moons’ orbits and expanding stars along they way. All of this is a sturdy stepping stone to the complex realm of cosmology. 

5. Popular Science 

Is this type of nonfiction just academic science books but repackaged for laypeople? Why yes indeed. Popular science books take complex research and processes and get rid of most of the jargon, so that your average Joe can pick them up and learn something new about our universe. They’re almost like Vox videos, but that you read instead of watch. 

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson Bill Bryson isn’t a scientist or an anthropologist, but he’s brought together knowledge from various disciplines to create this digestible, comprehensive exploration of the universe and the human race. 

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson Tyson’s expertise as a science communicator shines through with this armchair-expert version of astrophysics, which he claims can be read on noisy buses and trains without much headache. 

6. Politics and Social Sciences 

With the ongoing social and political tumult across the world, there has been a rise in both the reading and writing of this kind of book. Some political and social science books are based more on anecdotal evidence, others are on par with academic papers in terms of depth of research. Either way, they usually pick out a specific feature or structure in society to analyze with a critical eye. 

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson Discover why some nations are stuck in poverty traps with these economists. Using empirical data, they compellingly demonstrate the importance of inclusive institutions in fostering growth. Their writing continues to inspire development theories and strategies worldwide.  

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge It started with a blog post which the author wrote to express her frustration toward the domination of white people in discussions about racism. It became a tour-de-force work on the experiences and realities of deep-rooted racial discrimination in society. 

A book of essays is a collection of themed pieces of writing written by an author, or multiple authors, who often has some sort of authority on or personal experience with the subject matter. While they sound incredibly serious, they don’t require as much research as the types of nonfiction we’ve mentioned above. They’re often quite introspective and personal, like op-ed pieces or magazine articles. In fact, many essay books are made up of articles that were previously published in newspapers or magazines.

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin A collection of articles published in Harper’s Magazine , Partisan Review , and The New Leader , in which Baldwin discusses representations of Black people in the media, as well as his experiences as a Black man in Europe. 

The Good Immigrant , edited by Nikesh Shukla 21 writers of color come together to talk about their lives in the UK, and how they're sometimes made to question their sense of belonging despite being born and raised there. 

8. Self-Help 

Out of all the non-fiction genres out there, this is probably the most popular one. The name itself is explanatory: a self-help book provides you with some guidance and actions through which you can solve personal problems. Self-help books can be research-based, or they can be reflective — like an extended blog post. Note, though, that while the latter kind may read somewhat like a memoir in style, if you choose to write a self-help book , you must explicitly advise the reader. 

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell What makes a person successful? Gladwell argues that it’s hardly just luck — even prodigies aren’t guaranteed recognition. Pulling from various examples and sociological studies, he identifies several factors, beyond genetics, that anyone can optimize to boost their chances. 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson Sometimes what you need is for someone to give it to you straight. That’s when conversational, hilarious, blog-style books like this become handy. Mark Manson’s self-help book is all about accepting what you’re given and not allowing expectations ruin your happiness. 

9. Business and Economics 

While this a broad category that may include volumes with a journalistic flavor, business books tend to be guides to entrepreneurship and management. It’s a medium for those who've had experience in the workplace or the market to share their tips and tricks (and also a good tool for authors to bag guest-speaking events). In this sense, this kind of book is like self-help, but specifically for entrepreneurs and business managers. 

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Master the art of financial management through real-life case studies and a four-principle system with which can be applied to any business. It's straightfoward and has enough examples to demonstrate its success. 

The Big Short by Michael Lewis Lewis makes the mess of the financial crisis of 2008 that little bit easier to wrap your head around in this darkly humorous book. He follows the stories of ordinary people who fell victim to the American financial sector, revealing the precariousness of this ever-expanding industry. 

10. Health and Wellness

There's no shortage of health and wellness books out there — what do we care about if not a long and healthy life, right? These books cover many different topics, from diets to sleeping habits, from stress management to dealing with anxiety. Most are written by researchers and doctors, who have the technical knowhow to offer sound insight and advice. 

Lifespan by David Sinclair Drawing from his knowledge as a geneticist, Sinclair gives readers the scoop on the ever-popular topic of aging. He assures us that for a long, healthy, and happy life, we should enjoy our chocolate and wine (in moderation, of course).

This Is Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo Food provides more than just nutrients for sustenance and growth — what you eat also impacts your mood and mental health. Dr. Uma Naidoo is a psychiatrist, nutritionist, and a professional chef, so you can trust she knows what she’s talking about. 

11. Crafts and Hobbies 

Once upon a time, before Google became the omniscient engine that held the answer to all our questions, people relied on craft books to teach them how to pick up a new hobby. Origami, crochet, calligraphy, gardening — you name it, there’s a book about it. Nowadays, books like these appeal to the audience not solely because of the skills but also the author. Authors are usually someone with an online presence and authority when it comes to the craft, and their book's tone and interior design usually reflect a bit of their personality. 

By Hand by Nicole Miyuki Santo Beautifully designed with plenty of samples with which readers could practice their own calligraphy, Santo’s guide is a meditative exercise book. It’s also a great avenue for her followers on Instagram to come closer to her art by practicing it themselves.  

Alterknit Stitch by Andrea Rangel For knitters who have already nailed down the basics and want to experiment with new patterns, this is the book to get. It demonstrates ways to have fun with this cozy hobby by defying the conventions of knitting. 

12. Travel Guides

Again, the internet seems to have taken over from books when it comes to helping travelers and tourists discover new places. Still, travel guides are a lot more comprehensive, keeping everything you might need to know about budgeting, languages, places to visit (or avoid), and much more, in one place. Ebooks are the perfect format for these guides — they’re easy for travelers to refer to on the go, and they’re not as costly to update to include the latest information. 

The Lonely Planet series This collection has been growing since the 1970s, and it now holds plenty of books with various focuses. There are guides solely on helpful phrases in foreign languages, and then there are regional, country-level, and city guides, all made with contributions from locals. 

The Time Out series While also written by locals, these books focus only on cities (mainly in Europe and the US). As with the magazine of the same name, the content of the books is all about local haunts and hidden shops that tourists may not be aware of. 

13. Cookbooks

Cookbooks make up another type of nonfiction that’s evermore popular, and not just because we’re cooking more and more at home nowadays. They’re increasingly beautiful, and to write a cookbook is to have a vision in mind about what kind of mouth-watering photos (or illustrations!) it would offer alongside easy-to-follow instructions. They also tend to have cohesive themes, i.e. desserts for vegans, at-home experimental fine-dining, or worldly culinary adventures from your kitchen.

In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen Grandmothers from eight different Eastern African countries show readers both hearth and heart through the familial stories associated with their food. Beyond the loving taste of traditional homecooked dishes, readers will also get to learn about life in the villages of Africa. 

Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi Israeli-English chef Yotam Ottolenghi is the owner of several branches of restaurants, bakeries and food shops in London, but you can get a taste of his cuisine with this collection of 130 Middle Eastern recipes that can be made within 30 minutes. Who says simple cooking couldn't be adventurous?

Midnight Chicken: & Other Recipes Worth Living For by Ella Risbridger A slightly different take on cookbooks, Midnight Chicken is a manifesto for an joyful life, built on homemade food. Her recipes are simple and homely, just like the illustrations of her book, so that anyone can make them even after a long and tiring day.

14. Parenting and Family 

Parenting is anything but easy, and since Supernanny is not always on air, a little help from experts and those who've had experience dealing with children is the next best thing. From understanding with the psychology of young minds to finding the best environments and ways to nurture them, parenting books with sound academic backing provide useful insights and advice to help readers become better guardians and caregivers. 

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Laura Markham Based on the latest research on brain development and clinical tests, Markham emphasizes the importance of the emotional connection between parent and child in development. When parents understand their own emotions, they can raise their children with empathy, set healthy boundaries, and communicate with clarity. 

Unequal Childhoods by Annette Lareau Beyond the home, there's a complex world which parents don’t have control of. Annette Lareau sociologically examines the social and political contexts in which children would be exposed to (if they live in America) and how childrearing can be affected by it.

15. Children’s Nonfiction 

 Explaining the world to children, even on a limited scale, can be incredibly difficult, as it’s hard to keep their attention. Luckily, a bit of assistance from an illustrator can do wonders. As a result, many children’s nonfiction books are in the style of picture books and chapter books. Topics covered include short historical accounts and biographies, or stories that explain scientific phenomena and how they are studied. For a more detailed breakdown of children’s nonfiction, check out editor Melissa Stewart’s system of classification .

The Little Leaders series by Vashti Harrison Read about exceptional men and women of various ethnic backgrounds throughout history, and enjoy their adorable portraits in this series. There’s hardly a better way to help children embrace differences than through nonfiction books about diversity such as this.

There Are Bugs Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup Open young minds up to the natural world through this colorful elementary guide to the insect world. Answering questions about where insects live or how they find and store food with engaging drawings, it’s a great educational tool for parents and teachers. 

16. Educational Guides 

Many educational guides as the YA version of nonfiction books. These are targeted at final-year high-schoolers and young college students, with the aim providing them some guidance as they reach that strange age where independence is desperately craved but also a bit scary. Unlike popular YA fiction , this is still definitely a niche, yet, as rising study-with-me YouTubers would show you, there is potential for growth. Other than that, there are also learning guides for older audiences as well. 

The Uni-Verse by Jack Edwards Sharing his experience in preparing for and being at university, Edwards hopes to ensure readers that they, too, could emerge from univeristy happy and successful. From how to take lecture notes to how to get along with your roommates, this guide is full of helpful advice for anyone who’s feeling a bit overwhelmed. 

Beginners by Tom Vanderbilt Education doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom, as Tom Vanderbilt shows us in this call-to-action for life-long learning. As testament to the value of learning as an adult, he tells the stories behind his journey with five skills: playing chess, singing, surfing, drawing, and juggling. 

17. Textbooks 

We’ve all had our fair share of poring over these books: each comprehensively puts together information about a specific subject (and sometimes even the subject of teaching itself). The content of textbooks also include questions that stimulate learners, encouraging them to reflect on certain matters. As they are meant to accompany a curriculum, textbooks have to be written with a good overarching grasp of the subject and solid understanding of pedagogy. Given all this work, textbook writers deserve more appreciation than they get!

Oxford’s Very Short Introduction series by Oxford University Press This popular series offers a short and concise introduction to just about every topic out there. Breaking big concepts and lesson outcomes into bitesize definitions, they make great overviews or quick refreshers before an exam.

Letting Go of Literary Whiteness by Carlin Borsheim-Black and Sophia Tatiana Sarigianides This textbook is made not for students but for teachers. Based on experiences and examples from their own classrooms, the authors supply advice, and real-life scenarios in which they apply, on how to be anti-racist in schools. 

18. Language Books 

Language books can be general guides as to how to learn any language, or they can go into the nitty-gritty of a particular language. Some of them aren’t even about learning to use and communicate in a language; instead, they take a dive into the origins and inner workings of these complex systems. Regardless, because of the complexity of the subject, these nonfiction titles require expert knowledge from the part of the author. 

Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher Linguist Guy Deutscher (a perfect name for the profession) makes the case for the connection between language and culture in this volume, opening up a whole new perspective on language learning beyond the practicalities. 

How to Speak Any Language Fluently by Alex Rawlings This book does what it says on the tin: it gives you the tools to pick up any language you want. Rawling's advice is as fun as it is helpful, so everyone can learn their language of choice with extra enjoyment! 

Many of them are memoirs of comedians and talk show hosts, others are written by celebrated essayists and journalists. The celebrity profiles of authors in the genre explains humorous nonfiction's popularity. While form may vary, most of these titles are penned as social commentaries that candidly talk about issues that are often overlooked.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell A witty exploration of the legacies of presidential assassinations in America, which notes how they’ve been used for political and commercial purposes that ridiculously undermine their historical importance. It’s history and politics, but with a healthy dose of sharp humor. 

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh Bill Gates says it’s “funny as hell” , and that’s all the advertising it needs. Taking the unconventional form of meme-worthy comic strips accompanied by texts to provide context, Brosh’s memoir is a candid reflection on both hilarious and bleak moments she's been through. 

20. Arts Books

The arts section is a fun mix — to name a few, there are photography collections, art catalogues, books on theory and critique, and volumes that teach artistic endeavors. With nuggets of wisdom from industry experts and often great attention paid to design details these books really are like pieces of artwork themselves. 

The World of Art series by Thames & Hudson This collection offers a variety of art styles and their hallmark pieces from across time and space. You could pick any one of them and feast your eyes on not only the art itself, but the wonderful interior design — courtesy of Adam Hay .

Women Artists by Flavia Frigeri In a now seminal feminist art history text written in the 70s, Linda Nochlin raised a provocative question: “Why have there been no great women artists?” Well, this addition to the Art Essentials series answers the question by showcasing 50 women artists throughout history, proving that the problem lies not in the lack of female artists, but in the failure to give them the recognition they deserve. 

Narrative nonfiction 

While narrative nonfiction books are still factual, they're written in the style of a story. As such a book's chapters have a flow — a story structure , if you will — rather than being systematically organized by topic. 

21. Memoirs and autobiographies

Memoirs and autobiographies are books about the writer’s life. The former covers a shorter time period, focusing on a particularly noteworthy moment, such as experience in a certain industry, or an unconventional childhood. It’s thus often written by younger authors. The latter follows a longer timeline, going through a whole life, like a personal history. As such, while anyone, with or without a public presence, can put together a memoir , autobiographies are always penned by well-known figures. Autobiographies are also often used by politicians and activists to share their journey and views.

Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung by Min Kym Prodigal violinist Min Kym was the youngest pupil at the Purcell School of Music, though her life wasn't a bed of roses. While struggling with the theft of a 17th-century Stradivarius in her possession (which made national headlines in the UK in 2010), she came to realize with incredible clarity that she had lost much more on the journey to meet the expectations of her teachers, her parents, and the world. And all of it was beautifully recorded in this memoir. 

A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa Masaji Ishikawa's life in Japan is just like any ordinary person’s life, but to have gotten there, he’d undergone the challenges of escaping the totalitarian state of North Korea. His experience with this totalitarian state and his subsequent escape makes for a memoir readers can't put down. 

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela The man at the heart of one of the biggest, most publicised international movement against racial discrimination and for political freedom shares his journey from being an activist to his 27 years in prison in this autobiography. 

22. Biographies

Take note, biographies are different from auto biographies in a very crucial way, even though both are basically life stories. While autobiographies are written by authors about themselves , biographies are written by an author about somebody else . If the subject is alive, their consent should be acquired for ethical purposes (though this isn’t always done). A biography could also be penned long after its subject’s death, presented as a history book that’s focused solely on the life and circumstances of one person. Many of these have gone on to inspire award-winning movies and musicals.

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow Ron Chernow is truly the master of biographies, and any of his titles would be a great example of his brilliance as a writer and researcher. This Pulitzer Prize winner on America’s founding father is recommended for its nuanced portrait of a legendary figure. Chernow took four years to research and an additional two to complete the manuscript — it was no easy project!

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar Perhaps more famous for its movie adaptation starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, Sylvia Nasar’s biography provides a window into the turbulent life of schizophrenic mathematician and economist John Nash. While it challenged ethical practices by not consulting with Nash even though he was alive, the book was still very well-received. 

23. Travel Literature 

Some call them travelogues, others call them travel memoirs — either way, travel literature books straddle the line between informing on the many cultures of the world and self-reflection. Books that fall into this genre are usually quite poetic and insightful (unlike practical travel guides). They’re all about personal journeys that are meditative and eye-opening, and can be about a specific place or a series of places. 

Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bike by Dervla Murphy In 1963, Dervla Murphy kept a daily diary of her trek “across frozen Europe and through Persia and Afghanistan, over the Himalayas to Pakistan and into India.” After the trip, she published the diary and invited readers to join her on this remarkable feat, whether from their couch or as they start their own journey.

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Focusing on the place and not the journey, Bill Bryson documents his “farewell tour” of the UK as he prepared to return to America after almost two decades of living across the pond. Mixing cultural insights with a healthy dose of humor, he wraps his travel notes in social commentary to both satirize and praise the idiosyncrasies of the British. 

24. Journalism

Follow investigative journalists as they uncover ugly truths. Other than doing justice by in-depth and sometimes even dangerous investigations, this type of nonfiction also enthralls readers with the twists and turns of real events and details of actual underground operations, conspiracies, and court dramas, to name a few. 

All the President’s Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein Journalists Woodward and Bernstein's reports in The Washington Post won them a Pulitzer Prize and led to President Nixon’s impeachment. In this book, they recollect the process behind their famous exposé on Watergate.

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow On his trail to investigate Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual assaults, Farrow discovered a systematic mechanism which favors offenders with big pockets and silences the voice of victims. His book is thus an exposé on the journalism industry itself.

Voilà! Those are 24 of the most popular types of nonfiction along with some typical exmaples. And keep in mind that as more and more titles get released, the genres will expand beyond this list. It goes to show how expansive this side of the publishing world can be. If you’re writing , publishing, or marketing a nonfiction book , hopefully this list has clarified the purpose, styles, and formats of each genre so that you can find the perfect fit for your own work.

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Orientalism in the victorian era.

• Valerie Kennedy Valerie Kennedy Bilkent University
• https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.013.226
• Published online: 22 August 2017

Orientalism in the Victorian era has origins in three aspects of 18th-century European and British culture: first, the fascination with The Arabian Nights (translated into French by Antoine Galland in 1704), which was one of the first works to have purveyed to Western Europe the image of the Orient as a place of wonders, wealth, mystery, intrigue, romance, and danger; second, the Romantic visions of the Orient as represented in the works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley, George Gordon, Lord Byron, and other Romantics as well as in Thomas Moore’s Lalla Rookh ; and third, the domestication of opium addiction in Thomas de Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium Eater .

Victorian Orientalism was all pervasive: it is prominent in fiction by William Thackeray, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Joseph Conrad, and Rudyard Kipling, but is also to be found in works by Benjamin Disraeli, George Eliot, Oscar Wilde, and Robert Louis Stevenson, among others. In poetry Edward Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyat is a key text, but many works by Alfred Tennyson and Robert Browning also show the influence of Orientalist tropes and ideas. In theater it is one of the constant strands of much popular drama and other forms of popular entertainment like panoramas and pageants, while travel writing from Charles Kingsley to Richard Burton, James Anthony Froude, and Mary Kingsley shows a wide variety of types of Orientalist figures and concepts, as do many works of both popular and children’s literature. Underlying and uniting all these diverse manifestations of Victorian Orientalism is the imperialist philosophy articulated by writers as different as Thomas Carlyle, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx, supported by writings of anthropologists and race theorists such as James Cowles Pritchard and Robert Knox.

Toward the end of the Victorian era, the image of the opium addict and the Chinese opium den in the East End of London or in the Orient itself becomes a prominent trope in fiction by Dickens, Wilde, and Kipling, and can be seen to lead to the proliferation of Oriental villains in popular fiction of the early 20th century by such writers as M. P. Shiel, Guy Boothby, and Sax Rohmer, whose Dr. Fu Manchu becomes the archetypal version of such figures.

• imperialism
• stereotypes
• Orientalism

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• Small Business

These 5 Business Types Have the Highest Odds of Success in 2024

Updated June 24, 2024 - First published on June 23, 2024

By: Dana George

• No business is guaranteed success, but some are in a better position than others to survive.
• Look for a business that people will care about in 10 years.
• The ideal business marries your passion with a practical idea.

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Starting a business is a huge undertaking. Anyone who goes into business would like assurances that theirs will be a huge success. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, no matter what type of business a person starts. 

1. Technology businesses

Why they're likely to succeed: Despite recent layoffs, the tech sector will continue to grow. Rapid advancements fuel the need for professionals who can do everything -- from teaching others how to make the most of their technology to teaching professionals how to make repairs.

Business ideas

• Artificial intelligence (AI) expert: If you have a deep knowledge of AI and have always wanted to develop AI-driven products or services, now may be your time as more businesses open their wallets to invest in AI.
• Software as a Service (SaaS) professional: The introduction of AI has not cooled the need for those who can provide software solutions for businesses and individuals.
• Technology consultant: A consulting business would allow you to charge companies for your tech expertise. The good news is that technology is not going anywhere, and once you get it established, your business is likely to be around for decades.
• Cybersecurity expert: Now that nearly all businesses count on technology to keep their businesses up and running, there's a greater need for experts who can help protect digital assets and corporate privacy.

2. Janitorial services

Why they're likely to succeed: For hundreds of years, there's been a demand for people who can efficiently clean a building or residence. The cleaning equipment may be different, but a top-notch cleaning company can easily fill their business bank account with cash. 

• Home cleaning expert: Given the number of people who don't have time to clean their homes, a dependable home cleaning expert could scale their small business rather quickly. Fortunately, it doesn't take much capital to start a home cleaning service.
• Business cleaning professional: Offices will always need to be cleaned, and businesses will always be on the lookout for cleaning professionals they can trust to get the job done. While start-up costs may be a bit higher for those who choose to clean businesses, it's still inexpensive compared to other types of businesses.

3. Renewable energy experts

Why they're likely to succeed: The Earth is heating up, and everything, from weather patterns to air turbulence, has been impacted. In response to the warming planet, the global focus has shifted to creating renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints.

• Environmental consultant: An environmental consultant provides businesses with a step-by-step plan to reduce their operations' environmental impact. If your background is in environmental science, you may have the expertise needed to help guide businesses as they do their part to fight global warming and waste.
• Solar and wind energy sales: Any business that helps provide clean energy alternatives has a good chance of success, especially after it has earned a reputation for providing energy alternatives that fit a customer's needs and budget.

4. Pet care services

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• Pet walker: Pet walkers allow pet owners to work without worrying about whether the dogs are getting the exercise they need. On average, pet walkers earn $20 for a 30-minute walk, and it's an entirely scalable business. That may mean walking several dogs at one time or continually taking on new clients.
• Pet groomer: While everyone wants their pets to look their best, not everyone has the talent to groom them. That's where a good pet groomer is worth their weight in gold. Building a long list of faithful clients is possible, whether you're an experienced groomer or plan to be trained.
• Pet trainers: If you always have well-behaved animals at home and you know how to make your training techniques work for others, your expertise is a skill plenty of frustrated pet owners would be happy to pay for.

5. Online businesses

Why they're likely to succeed: The shift toward online shopping and learning means you have a larger pool of potential customers than ever.  

• E-commerce business owner: E-commerce business owners operate entirely online. You're responsible for everything, from purchasing inventory to marketing and shipping.
• Dropship business owner: When you dropship, you advertise products owned by other companies. You set a high enough price to make a profit, make the sale, and collect the money. You then pay the dropshipping company the asking price for the product and give it the customer's mailing address. If you want happy customers, though, you'll need to dedicate yourself to only working with drop shippers who guarantee fast shipping.
• Online tutoring: Whether your special skill is speaking Norwegian or advanced mathematics, there are people willing to pay you to tutor them or their children. Like the Zoom video meetings conducted during the pandemic, your classroom is totally online. 

Often, a business's success comes down to customer demand and satisfaction. To fill customer demand, research the business you're considering to ensure customers need your goods or services. If you want a business to thrive, focus on making your customers so happy with your service that they'll recommend you to others. 

Finally, the magic ingredient that helps any business succeed is passion. If you're passionate about what you do, it's sure to show. 

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Dana is a full-time personal finance writer, with more than two decades of experience. Her focus is on helping readers feel less alone as they navigate their personal finances and offering actionable insights.

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Why Cross-Functional Collaboration Stalls, and How to Fix It

• Sharon Cantor Ceurvorst,
• Kristina LaRocca-Cerrone,
• Aparajita Mazumdar,

Research shows that 78% of leaders report “collaboration drag” — too many meetings, too much peer feedback, and too much time spent getting buy-in from stakeholders.

Gartner research shows 78% of organizational leaders report experiencing “collaboration drag” — too many meetings, too much peer feedback, unclear decision-making authority, and too much time spent getting buy-in from stakeholders. This problem is compounded by the fact that companies are running as many as five types of complex initiatives at the same time — each of which could involve five to eight corporate functions and 20 to 35 team members. The sheer breadth of resource commitments across such a range of initiatives creates a basic, pervasive background complexity. To better equip teams to meet the demands of this complexity, Gartner recommends the following strategies: 1) Extend executive alignment practices down to tactical levels; 2) Develop employee strategic and interpersonal skills; and 3) Look for collaboration drag within functions or teams.

Corporate growth is the ultimate team sport, relying on multiple functions’ data, technology, and expertise. This is especially true as technology innovation and AI introduce new revenue streams and business models, which require significant cross-functional collaboration to get off the ground.

• SC Sharon Cantor Ceurvorst is vice president of research in the Gartner marketing practice , finding new ways of solving B2B and B2C strategic marketing challenges. She sets annual research agendas and harnesses the collective expertise of marketing analysts and research methodologists to generate actionable insights.
• KL Kristina LaRocca-Cerrone is senior director of advisory in the Gartner marketing practice , overseeing Gartner’s coverage of marketing leadership and strategy, cross-functional collaboration, proving the value of marketing, and marketing innovation and transformation.
• AM Aparajita Mazumdar is senior research principal in the Gartner marketing practice , co-leading the research agenda for marketing technology.  Her research focuses primarily on marketing strategy and technology topics such as cross-functional collaboration and marketing technology utilization.
• AN Anja Naski is senior research specialist in the Gartner marketing practice . She edits the Gartner CMO Quarterly journal, highlighting the latest insights on critical challenges facing CMOs. Her research covers topics related to marketing operations, CMO leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

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Securing women’s lives: examining system interactions and perpetrator risk in intimate femicide sentencing judgments over a decade in Australia.

In Australia, at least one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. According to Destroy the Joint, this equated to the killing of at least 57 women in 2022 and at least 64 women in 2023 allegedly as a result of men’s violence. At the time of finalising this report, an unusually high number of killings allegedly by men’s violence in the first four months of 2024 in Australia has reignited national attention over the need to better address women’s risk of fatal violence (see, inter alia, AAP, 2024; Priestley, 2024; Tuohy, 2024).

Intimate partner homicides are recognised as the most preventable type of homicide because it is assumed that histories of abuse can provide clear indicators of risk (see, inter alia, Bugeja et al., 2013; Dearden & Jones, 2008; Virueda & Payne, 2010). While intimate partner homicides are monitored and examined in Australia via the work of the Australian Institute of Criminology and state-based death review teams, there is no fully funded, multi-systems approach to the prevention of men’s lethal violence against women (McPhedran & Baker, 2012). As in Australia, international efforts to review and count such deaths are carried out in different ways and are often fraught with difficulties (see, inter alia, Walklate et al., 2020; Dawson & Vega, 2023).

In Australia and comparable international jurisdictions, a range of provisions, measures, laws and programs are designed to assess and address the risk of intimate partner violence. These include civil orders alongside programs that provide increased levels of protection and monitoring for women deemed at high risk of repeat victimisation. These instruments include the development of various risk assessment and management frameworks (Walklate et al., 2020). While magistrates, police and specialist support services use these instruments to identify and respond to risk (Boxall et al., 2015; Robinson & Moloney, 2010; Wakefield & Taylor, 2015), there is evidence that these approaches are limited by their conceptualisations of risk and in their scale of implementation and inconsistency in application.

This project sought to contribute new evidence to inform the further development of whole-of-systems preventive approaches to repeat violence and intimate femicide. Specifically, the project aimed to build evidence based on the following touchpoints:

• Places where an intervention between the initial emergence of family violence and the fatal outcomes had occurred.
• What could potentially be known about those points of intervention.
• If/how the pathway from intervention to safety could be better supported.

This report presents findings from the collection of over 250 intimate femicide sentencing judgments and the in-depth analyses of 235 of these. These judgements were used, in part, to identify potential points of intervention that might have provided an opportunity to prevent such killings. Sentencing judgments typically include narrative accounts from a judge, who describes how and where the crime took place as well as the circumstances that led to it.

This project builds current understandings of the potential points of intervention prior to the killing of women by their male intimate partners. In doing so, this project has contributed to building understanding of who perpetrates intimate femicide.

Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project (1701000706)

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A Hitler-promoting antisemite spoke twice at Trump’s Miami resort alongside Eric and Lara Trump

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign also featured extremist commentator Christiane Northrup in a video

Written by Eric Hananoki

Published 06/26/24 9:42 AM EDT

Extremist commentator Christiane Northrup has promoted a pro-Nazi film that denies the Holocaust, encouraged people to check out the infamous antisemitic tract Protocols of the Elders of Zion , and repeatedly pushed the conspiracy theory that a secretive mafia is hiding behind Jewish identity to control world events. Still, Northrup has spoken twice at Trump’s Miami resort alongside Eric and Lara Trump and been featured in a Robert F. Kennedy Jr. campaign video. 

Northrup is a former OBGYN who initially gained fame as a self-help author who was praised by Oprah Winfrey. Since then, as The Washington Post reported in May 2022, Northrup has claimed COVID-19 “was part of a plot involving Deep State brainwashing and treacherous depopulation schemes” and she “encouraged fans to check out QAnon, called the Centers for Disease Control a ‘covid death cult,’ and described the vaccines as crimes against humanity.” 

Northrup is listed as a “featured” speaker on the pro-Trump ReAwaken America Tour . She, along with Eric and Lara Trump — now the co-chair of the Republican National Committee — appeared on the tour’s stops at Trump Doral in Miami, Florida, in May and October 2023.

A poster for the tour’s next stop in Selma, North Carolina, in October lists Northrup, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump as scheduled speakers. 

The tour has become a magnet for Hitler-promoting antisemites. Including Northrup, Media Matters has now identified at least five speakers who have shared antisemitic and pro-Hitler material . 

Aside from appearing on the ReAwaken America Tour, Northrup also has connections to Kennedy’s presidential campaign. At a launch event, the campaign featured Northrup in a video titled “‘The Experiment’ | Running on Truth | Episode 1” that referred to her as a “world-renowned physician and bestselling author.” Northrup said in the video: “This is a time to bring America back together. We have been torn apart, and if anyone can bring it back together, it's the Kennedys.” (The Kennedy family, minus RFK Jr., has been extremely critical of RFK Jr.’s campaign.) 

The Bangor Daily News reported in August that Northrup had donated money to the campaign.

Northrup has also repeatedly appeared on programs hosted by Children’s Health Defense — the conspiratorial group founded by Kennedy — and spoke at a 2021 anti-vaccine rally that was headlined by Kennedy. 

Additionally, Kennedy’s book The Real Anthony Fauci touts a blurb from Northrup on its Skyhorse Publishing page . (Skyhorse is run by Kennedy ally Tony Lyons .) 

Northrup has offered praise of both Trump and Kennedy. In May, for instance, Northrup said  that she “can’t prove it" but her "opinion is that Trump and RFK Jr. are working together somehow behind the scenes to take down this entire satanic agenda.” 

In the past several years, Northrup has promoted pro-Hitler and virulently antisemitic propaganda. 

The pro-Nazi film Europa: The Last Battle

In December 2021 , Northrup shared a link to the film Europa:The Last Battle on her Telegram account. The film is pro-Nazi propaganda that portrays Jewish people as the real villains of World War II and Hitler as someone who “ensured racial security for the people,” battled against supposed Jewish subversion, and who actually wanted peace. It also features rampant Holocaust denial. 

Here are sample quotes from the more than 12-hours long film: 

• “Hitler's radical program restored German economic independence, ensured racial security for the people, and diverted the nation's wealth from banking cardinals to the ordinary people. Meanwhile, the rest of the world, still ruled under the Rothschild cabal, was still in recession.” 
• “What politically correct historians fail to mention — or deliberately cover up — is the fact that Hitler actually made several documented attempts in an effort to avoid World War II.”
• “A growing movement of brave scientists, historians, engineers, journalists, and other free speech activists have investigated the official, politically correct Holocaust story and found it to be exaggerated and even false.” 
• “In 1933, when international Jewry had declared war upon Germany, they formally established themselves as an enemy of Germany, which according to international law, gave Germany the legal right to disarm and intern the German Jews. After the repeated attempts of subversion, murders, and terror against the German people, the Jews had made themselves into enemies of the German nation. The National Socialists logically considered Jews as a direct threat to national security.” 

In February 2022 , Northrup also shared a Bitchute clip from Europa: The Last Battle and wrote: “The Bolshevik Revolution. Substitute the word Jew in here with Khazarian. These are not the Hebrews of the Bible.” The clip is virulently antisemitic and states near the beginning: “The fact that we will never learn in school is that communism actually was a Jewish totalitarian ideology invented by Jews, funded by Jewish bankers, and economically manifested by Jewish Bolsheviks.” 

Protocols of the Elders of Zion

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum states that “the Protocols of the Elders of Zion is the most notorious and widely distributed antisemitic publication of modern times. Its lies about Jews, which have been repeatedly discredited, continue to circulate today, especially on the internet. The individuals and groups who have used the Protocols are all linked by a common purpose: to spread hatred of Jews.” 

Northrup shouted out the antisemitic text during an August 2022 interview as the “playbook” of people she opposes. She stated while talking about vaccinations: “Oh my goodness, the virtue signaling. You know, ‘I am doing this to save you.’ Whenever you hear that, that's just outright Marxism. That's how it works. You find out their playbook, you might, it's still on YouTube. I think the Protocols of Zion. And they say all over it, by the way, ‘This has been debunked.’” 

The Khazarian mafia conspiracy theory

As Media Matters previously documented , the antisemitic Khazarian mafia conspiracy theory essentially claims that a group of fake Jewish people (the “Khazarian mafia”) stole Jewish identity centuries ago and now hides behind Judaism to control world affairs. 

Northrup has promoted videos about the Khazarian mafia. In February 2024 , she shared a Rumble video with the title: “Khazarian Mafia: SATANISTS - CANNIBALS, ADRENOCHROME and The God Eaters PART 1 of 2.” 

In December 2023 , she shared a Rumble video with the title: “KHAZARIAN MAFIA Pt IV [RED SIREN EMOJI] The SYNAGOGUE of SATAN [RED SIREN EMOJI] Is Real, DEMONIC ATTACKS, EXORCISMS & God’s Jubilee.” 

In November 2022 , she shared an article promoting the conspiracy theory that the Khazarian mafia was behind the assasination of John F. Kennedy, the uncle of RFK Jr. The piece Northrup linked to claimed that “the Khazarian Mafia had no choice (in their utterly warped collective minds) but to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. And, because of his extremely serious transgressions against the Khazarian Klan, his brutal murder was used as a shocking example to all future heads of state who even thought about leaving the Khazarian-created global reservation.” 

In August 2022 , she made an audio clip claiming that the Khazarian mafia "infiltrated the Jewish nation.” 

In December 2021 , she promoted an article — since removed — that included the false claim that the Khazarian Mafia “financed the Dominion and Smartmatic voting machines used to steal the election from Trump.”

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Press Release

ARPA-E Announces $11.5 Million to Support 23 Early-Career Innovators Accelerating Transformative Energy Technologies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) announced approximately $11.5 million in funding through its new Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy 2024 (IGNIITE 2024) program focused on early-career scientists and engineers converting disruptive ideas into impactful energy technologies. Each IGNIITE 2024 selectee will receive approximately $500,000 to advance research projects at universities, national laboratories, and in the private sector that will span the full spectrum of energy applications, including advanced energy storage systems, fusion reactor technology, carbon-negative concrete alternatives, power electronics for grid reliability, critical material recovery, energy-efficient water desalination, plastic depolymerization, and more. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is supported by IGNIITE 2024 through its focus on advancing critical research and development that underpins U.S. leadership in energy innovation and global decarbonization.

“We need an infusion of unconventional ideas from the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs, and technologists to tackle energy challenges of today,” said ARPA-E Director Evelyn N. Wang . “As an engineer who benefited from support early on in my career, I know how instrumental resourcing and expert guidance is to successful innovation. By supporting this cohort of early-career innovators, I am confident that we are one step closer to a sustainable clean energy future.”

The following 23 individuals selected through IGNIITE 2024 are all set to receive approximately $500,000 to support their research efforts:

• Michael Woods, Battelle Energy Alliance (Idaho National Laboratory) (Idaho Falls, ID)
• Adam Uliana, ChemFinity Technologies (Brooklyn, NY)
• Liang Feng, Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Justin Panich, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley, CA)
• Lydia Rachbauer, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley, CA)
• Woongkul Lee, Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
• Jinxing Li, Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
• Nelson James, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, CO)
• Katrina Knauer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, CO)
• Paul Meyer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, CO)
• Andrew Westover, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Guang Yang, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Rain Mariano, Peregrine Hydrogen (Santa Cruz, CA)
• Fudong Han, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY)
• Craig Cahillane, Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
• Zhongyang Wang, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
• Jessica Boles, University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
• Xizheng Wang, University of California, Irvine (Irvine, CA)
• Yangying Zhu, University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
• Jun Wang, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Lincoln, NE)
• Julie Rorrer, University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
• Sebastian Kube, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI)
• Luca Mastropasqua, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI)

You can access project descriptions outlining the research these innovators will explore on ARPA-E’s website.

IGNIITE 2024 selectees will be honored on July 9, 2024 at the National Academies in Washington, D.C. The National Academies is crucial to the history of ARPA-E. In 2005, leaders from both parties in Congress asked the National Academies to "identify the most urgent challenges the U.S. faces in maintaining leadership in key areas of science and technology," as well as specific steps policymakers could take to help the U.S. compete, prosper, and stay secure in the 21st Century. The report recommended that Congress establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) modeled after the successful Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Now, 15 years into ARPA-E’s mission to secure U.S. technological leadership, the individuals set to be honored on July 9 underscore the Agency’s commitment to fostering American innovation by empowering the next generation of innovators to succeed.

You can learn more about IGNIITE 2024 here .

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