Why are authors afraid of the science fiction label?
Dragonsworn Send a noteboard - 30/11/2009 05:41:35 PM
Hope this has not been posted on before.
I came across this article about authors, who according to sci-fi fans clearly write science fiction, who don't want to be associated with this particular genre.
Is a good novel a good novel whatever it is about and so shouldn't be labeled at all?
Are these authors afraid of being associated with the sci-fi and fantasy label because it might be considered to be less good literature because it may be mostly read by teenagers and nerdy people?
Pride and Prejudice and Rendezvous with Rama are novels from different genres, but aren't they really about giving us different themes or are there literary and linguistic differences that can't be bridged.
Is sci-fi defined through the use of alien technology and aliens, monsters and the like? And is romantic drama defined by romantic entanglements and loads of kissing and hugging?
What are your thoughts?
I came across this article about authors, who according to sci-fi fans clearly write science fiction, who don't want to be associated with this particular genre.
Is a good novel a good novel whatever it is about and so shouldn't be labeled at all?
Are these authors afraid of being associated with the sci-fi and fantasy label because it might be considered to be less good literature because it may be mostly read by teenagers and nerdy people?
Pride and Prejudice and Rendezvous with Rama are novels from different genres, but aren't they really about giving us different themes or are there literary and linguistic differences that can't be bridged.
Is sci-fi defined through the use of alien technology and aliens, monsters and the like? And is romantic drama defined by romantic entanglements and loads of kissing and hugging?
What are your thoughts?
"I didn't have much to say to anybody but kept to myself and my books. With my eyes closed, I would touch a familiar book and draw it's fragrance deep inside me. This was enough to make me happy."
— Haruki Murakami (Norwegian Wood
— Haruki Murakami (Norwegian Wood
Why are authors afraid of the science fiction label?
- 30/11/2009 05:41:35 PM
1330 Views
I think this may be true of genres in general
- 30/11/2009 07:01:50 PM
680 Views
Did you borrow my signature pic or did you get it from the web, as well 
? *NM*
- 01/12/2009 11:51:20 PM
270 Views
? *NM*
- 01/12/2009 11:51:20 PM
270 Views
Because too many people will not even try a book that is labeled Science Fiction. Too intimidating?
- 01/12/2009 01:18:26 AM
662 Views
most people think Star Trek or Star Wars when they think SciFi
- 03/12/2009 05:28:05 PM
626 Views
all genre labels are deep, dark, thorny pigeonhole that authors can't get out of.
- 01/12/2009 05:54:48 PM
632 Views
Basically what temeraire said- "genre" has a stigma, no matter how unfair it may be
- 01/12/2009 07:43:50 PM
662 Views
Because genres tend to market towards one particular group of people
- 02/12/2009 04:38:00 AM
602 Views
Because 90% of what is written in the Scifi/fantasy genre is escapism crap
- 03/12/2009 05:26:59 PM
632 Views
But 90% of what is written outside the Scifi/fantasy genre is escapism crap as well.
- 03/12/2009 05:29:20 PM
664 Views
I will reiterate: 92.689% of statistics used in an argument are made up on the spot
- 03/12/2009 05:39:36 PM
645 Views
- 03/12/2009 05:39:36 PM
645 Views
I am not sure that is true
- 03/12/2009 06:23:04 PM
642 Views
True, but why bring Jane Austen conventions into the conversation? *NM*
- 06/12/2009 06:24:18 PM
264 Views
*NM*
- 06/12/2009 06:24:18 PM
264 Views