So, honestly I'm not completely sure what to write for this Blog post... On that note I'll just go with what we continue to talk about in class literary vs commercial fiction, specifically characterization. I never really thought that there was that big of a difference between the two when it came to how the characters are developed. I have been enlightened by our reading though that there is.
Commercial fiction is based around wanting to tell a story, to entertain a reader, leaving little room for magnificently developed characters. Instead we are given static characters that are common, easily related to. This means that however fun the story is we are less than likely to remember any specifics about a character.
However, literary is the opposite, giving us ever changing characters that perpel the story and make us question the events that are going on.
I find this contrast interesting, especially as a writer. This had made me think about the things I write and what I focus more on, and honestly I feel I like playing with characters more. There is more that you can do with them, you can bend the situation to there will building around them. I like the idea of creating this individual with unique characteristics and ideas that when others read make them think. However my writing is not at all close to being literary or placed in a category with great literary writers, but I do aspire to har characters like theirs.
When you think about it, some literary writers weren't recognized during their lifetime. So don't worry about not being what everyone else considers a "great literary writer." Hopefully, should you pursue a career in literature/language, you will gain many fans. If that doesn't happen, then maybe about a hundred years from now, you'll set a new trend or writing style!
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right in how a lot of writers aren't recognized for their talents till after their life, this seems to go a lot for any type of "artist" as well. I've never really thought about my writing lasting at all, so it is something to hope for!
DeleteFrom having you in Creative Writing, even if you aren't a super "literary" writer, you're still really awesome at it!! I think being able to write that way takes a lot of practice and time; and there isn't anything wrong with being a commercial writer. Take J.K. Rowling: she's got mass respect from the majority of the world and makes a bunch of dough because of it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monty! Commercial writers do seem to still get a lot of respect, to the point that I wonder if they are not more widely read and discussed in average day to day life, verses literary writers just being revered and discussed in mostly academic circles.
DeleteOn another note, your writing pieces in CW have been awesome and I'm excited to hear more of them!