Novel Genres
There are genres - types of novels - that writers work “within”.
Here are some of the most popular genres of novels and some examples of each:
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Romance: Romance novels focus on the romantic relationship between two or more characters, usually with a happy ending. They often have subgenres such as historical romance, paranormal romance, or contemporary romance. Some examples of romance novels are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, and The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
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Fantasy: Fantasy novels feature elements of magic, mythology, or the supernatural in an imaginary world or a version of our own world. They often have subgenres such as high fantasy, low fantasy, urban fantasy, or dark fantasy. Some examples of fantasy novels are The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
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Science Fiction: Science fiction novels explore the effects of science, technology, or innovation on society, culture, or individuals. They often have subgenres such as hard science fiction, soft science fiction, dystopian science fiction, or cyberpunk. Some examples of science fiction novels are 1984 by George Orwell, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, and The Martian by Andy Weir.
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Mystery: Mystery novels involve a crime, a puzzle, or a secret that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a detective. They often have subgenres such as cozy mystery, detective fiction, or thriller. Some examples of mystery novels are Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
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Historical Fiction: Historical fiction novels are set in a specific time period in the past and often include real historical events or figures. They often have subgenres such as historical romance, historical fantasy, or historical mystery. Some examples of historical fiction novels are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.
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Westerns: Novels set in the western United States, traditionally in the 19th Century, and involving cowboy, pioneer, and/or Native American lifestyles, for instance: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.
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Young Adult: Young adult fiction, or “YA fiction”, is a category of fiction written for, published for, or marketed to readers around the ages of 13 to 18. YA fiction can cover various genres and themes, such as fantasy, romance, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, and more. YA fiction usually features an adolescent as the main character, who faces the challenges of growing up, such as relationships, identity, and personal problems. YA fiction is also known as coming-of-age fiction, as it shows how the protagonist matures and learns from their experiences. Popular examples: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.