Defining the Genres

Defining the Elements of the Suspense Thriller Genre

Suspense, intrigue, daring escapes, adrenaline dosed sensations of extremely heightened apprehension, on the edge-of-your-seat heart pounding nervousness; these are all defining emotions that embody an ideal thrilling piece of literature. James Patterson, one of the most popular modern thriller genre writers today, once said “Always expect the unexpected.” This is what a thriller is all...

How to Define the Science Fiction Genre of Writing

The definition of science fiction has been, and remains to this day, an ill-defined genre littered with semi-real and futuristic themes that have advanced technology, alien beings, alternate universes, and metaphysical abilities.Generally, when an author writes a paper or novel that is considered science fiction it is usually based on plausible reality.  Many aspects of...

Defining the Elements of the Romance Fiction Genre

Romantic fiction is often defined as an exploration of love and a story that portrays a powerful relationship between two individual lovers. Many see romance as the gradual progression between two people from a state of familiarity, to an ultimate nirvana of love and sacrifice that draws two characters intimately together. This is the general...

What are the Elements of Horror and How to Define the Genre

Fictional horror is a complex and subtle art form that is not easily mastered. Defining this instrument of writing is an even greater entanglement of humanities senses, the mind, and what it is to be in a state of horror. Not all horror must be blatant in its portrayal, and can be even less effective...

The Characteristics of Historical Fiction and Defining the Genre

Historical fiction is one of the most powerful genres in writing. Not because it is in some way better than other forms writing, but because of its unique ability to manipulate peoples’ perception of what actually happened throughout the past. An author of notoriety can easily create new and fictitious “facts” in the minds of...

The Elements of a Fantasy Story and Defining this Genre

When People think of fantasy it often evokes images of dragons and wizards and adventures beyond the realms of possibility. Authors such as J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and H.P. Lovecraft embody the very essence of fantasy writing. Some of these authors combine elements of science fiction and horror, especially H.P. Lovecraft, but when one of...

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