antryg
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Chick Lit Rant - 08/26/2006
I read Laurel Osterkamp's article, Chick Lit: Which Comes First, The Chick Or The Lit? , waited a few days and then read it again. After reading it twice, I've come to the conclusion that I need to rant about it.
It's not that it isn't well written because it was a good article. It tries to define a particular genre of writing which is becoming increasingly popular. It then presents many fact and gives several insights into the genre and how to write within the framework of it. Even if you aren't interested in that topic type, the lessons presented are applicable in other genres of writing as well.
So what's the problem? My problem comes from the defensive manner in which the information is imparted. After reading the article I felt as if the Holy Grail of writing genres was under attack and the faithful must be rallied to defend it.
It's a genre. Some people will like it some won't. Since it is a genre aimed towards women, with womens interests in mind, why make it the reason to start sexual warfare. It isn't a cause of us and them, it is the realization of differences. It's good marketing as well as writing. Define your audience and write for them. Don't write in English and then publish and distribute in the jungles of Thailand. You won't get a good response.
"Chick lit isn't taken seriously. Chick lit. is demeaned." Well, yeah. My book "Jesus was a Black Man" was demeaned and ridiculed at the Klan Rallies where I tried to sell it. What do you expect? Don't set up an us versus them situation. Instead focus on your audience. Do a good job and sometimes those who scoff become fans and the demographic grows.
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