What’s in a Name?

For women’s fiction writers and readers, today is a special one - it’s Women’s Fiction Day! And it feels like a particularly noteworthy one for me. Though I’ve long been a fan of so many books in the women’s fiction genre, today I’m celebrating this milestone sitting with such joy and pride that I’ve contributed one of my own.

As a reader of women’s fiction, I thought I knew what the genre was. Yet, as with so many aspects of publishing SUMMER TRIANGLE, I’ve been made aware of a previously unknown complexity. I now recognize the confusion - and even, dare I say, controversy - attached to the genre.

So, I wanted to expound on my understanding of a genre as nuanced as its writers and readers. I want to acknowledge the ambiguity of women’s fiction, while also highlighting exactly why I’ve come to love the genre’s title - and why I feel privileged to have contributed my work to it.

First, let’s clear up some common misunderstandings, shall we? Women’s fiction isn’t only about female characters, nor does the novel have to be written by a woman to be included. Viola Shipman, a pen name of the talented writer, Wade Rouse, is an excellent example of a compelling women’s fiction writer who happens to be a man. MALIBU RISING by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an example of a book written about male and female characters, which would fall into this genre - often also colloquially known as “book club fiction.”

But for some, the idea of separating women’s fiction from general fiction reeks of misogyny. Jennifer Weiner, in a 2020 Goodreads essay, explained her wariness toward excessive labeling: “Fast-paced, diverting books that are by or for men are called thrillers or mysteries or sometimes just plain old books, while ladies get every kind of label, from chick lit to women’s fiction to upmarket women’s fiction to domestic fiction to, well, beach books.”

Weiner has also acknowledged the usefulness of a narrower label, though: “I know that the term gives publishers and, more importantly, booksellers and readers, a quick and easy shorthand with which to refer to books that feature smart, funny, struggling, relatable female protagonists.”

Here, Weiner makes an important point: with a narrower label, industry professionals can more directly market books toward a particular demographic. Also, readers can more easily find books befitting their taste. But that’s not why I find the term valuable.

Women’s fiction, unlike the romance or a thriller or a mystery genres, is primarily concerned with interiority. These novels prioritize characters’ emotional arcs and highlight the complexities of their relationships. While these novels explore the experiences of male and female characters, there will always be a woman present - and she will be seen in vivid color.

Considering that women throughout history have often had to suppress their emotions, their language, and their opinions, the offering of a gender-specific genre feels quietly revolutionary. In many parts of the world, “women’s fiction” does not exist. Limited literary options, as with any tightly regulated art form, are often a symptom of government and cultural control. I couldn’t agree more that the world will be a better place when we have less need for labels. But before we reach gender parity, the success of the women’s fiction genre demonstrates that its characters are compelling, its writers are talented - and that its readers have the spending power to warrant specificity.

Also, I recognize that in writing SUMMER TRIANGLE, I’ve stood on the shoulders of so many incredible writers who have contributed to this genre. They blazed a path for me - and many of them know exactly what I went through writing early in the morning, during naptime, and after my little ones went to sleep. They know well this hidden grind. Whenever my process felt hopeless, I distracted myself by reading one of their stunning books. Their power of their writing - and often, the journey of their characters - always resonated with me. They nudged me to keep going.

Whatever we call this genre, its novels have always had my heart. Their writers and readers deserve this day of celebration. If you enjoy SUMMER TRIANGLE, I’d encourage you to delve into more novels in this genre. I think you’ll find the stories within as powerful and distinct as, well, women.