Women’s Fiction versus Romance versus Literary Fiction

Why must we define a book’s category? Because women, the major buyers of novels, want to know what to expect. That being said, here’s my problem: 

With my upcoming book,  Words for Patty Jo, I’ve switched genres. Is it Women's Fiction, Romance, or Literary Fiction? If so, what does that mean? 

 In Words for Patty Jo, David (the hero), and Patty Jo, (the heroine), share the stage; however, the focus is not on their romantic relationship. Their love story took place when they were young — seventeen and eighteen — but its emotional impact stayed with them. As for conflict, it’s there all right, but both Patty Jo and David have to discover their potential alone. So, the book is not strictly Romance. 

 Women’s Fiction is women-centred, and the stories emphasize personal growth and/or evolution. Change can come through the hero or heroine’s relationships with friends, or family, or work colleagues. A romantic relationship might be there, but it doesn’t necessarily come to fruition. Instead, it’s the main character’s journey that drives the story.

 In Words for Patty Jo, personal growth through trial and error is the dominant theme, but we follow David’s evolution as well as Patty Jo’s. David’s struggle to find his place in the world, to become more than what others expect him to be, is a driving force; so is Patty Jo’s determination not to be a victim. 

Therefore, if Women’s Fiction is always woman-centred, then Words for Patty Jo doesn’t fit perfectly into that category either. So now what? Is Words for Patty Jo Literary Fiction? 

 Literary Fiction uses elegant language; it explores identity and the human condition. Such books can contain social criticism, and they often challenge conventions.

 In Words for Patty Jo, there are several themes: what happens when we cross social boundaries; the complexities of love and loss; how our choices shape our destiny; the pressure placed on women — and men — to conform to traditional roles, and the consequences of resisting. But Words for Patty Jo is still a Romance, and it’s also Women’s Fiction. Can books slip between genres?

Coming soon: https://wildrosepress.com/product/words-for-patty-jo