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Creative Writing Genre Guide – The Many Genres of Writing in The Creative Arts

creative writing about genres

Written by Scott Wilson

genres of writing

Like the hiss of a jagged sword slicing past your ear or the roar of a spacecraft entering the atmosphere of a strange planet, genre echos through every piece of creative writing.

Whether or not the author chooses consciously to conform to an existing genre or decides to break new ground, genre will attach to whatever they create. Even so-called non-genre, or literary, fiction is itself a sort of genre. Genre is a tool that is used by:

  • Writers , to guide story and expectations
  • Critics , to categorize and analyze creative works
  • Publishers and Booksellers , to stock and market books to their target audiences
  • Readers , to find and read works that align with their aesthetic preferences

Understanding and mastering genre is not optional for creative writers. But it’s not easy, either.

How Genre Defines Your Creative Writing Work

creativity at laptop

Genre is a hot topic in the world of creative writing. You won’t get far in the average creative writing program before you get into some kind of argument over how to classify some piece of work.

That’s because genre is necessarily subjective. There is no centralized Genre Board that puts a stamp inside the front cover of each new book that is released. The American Literature Association does not maintain an official list of genres that authors are required to choose from among before beginning their next story.

The reality of a serious writer is a reality of many voices, some of them belonging to the writer, some of them belonging to the world of readers at large. ~ Aberjhani

Our literary genres today are simply social conventions, conventions that evolve over time with community expectations and tropes. It’s impossible to come up with a genre writing definition that will satisfy everyone. At the same time, genre is descriptive enough to be indispensable for readers and writers alike.

Genre is so difficult to get a grip on because it is effectively a kind of rolling consensus.

Genre is defined by the authors themselves, by critics who seek to interpret works, by readers deciding what they like to read, and by publishers looking to market those works.

And those definitions change all the time.

The Rapid Evolution of Genre in Writing

Take the ancient and well-established genre of fantasy, for example. Myth and legend may be the oldest genres of fiction, stretching back to our earliest recorded works. The Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf both fall into the realm of fantasy.

But fantasy has evolved as its readers and writers have.

Fantasy writing today is nothing like what it was prior to Tolkien’s tales of Middle Earth reaching and shaping the expectations of readers. Epic works like The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia set a standard for their writing genre, and subsequent tales are inevitably judged by those standards.

With the pace of publishing increasing rapidly and the ease of finding literature to taste getting easier and easier, genre is evolving at a lightning pace.

Writing Sub-Genres Have Become Ever More Niche With the Internet

fairytale warrior princess from story

That kind of specificity comes with very distinctive expectations, however. Niche works are often expected by readers to follow a very specific formula—hit a certain set of plot points, come in at a particular word-count, feature a distinctive type of characters. If you’re aiming for success in the Highlander romance niche, you had better have an evil Englishman somewhere in the story—and heaven help you if there’s not a shirtless man in a kilt on the cover.

While this kind of narrow, formulaic approach is seen as a constraint by some authors, it represents a kind of feedback loop that allows writers to reach very specific audiences. If you plan to make a career out of creative writing, understanding and selling to the market is door you’ll need to open. Genre expectations give you the key.

The genre of writing you pick for any given story you choose to tell will define how it is viewed and what readers expect before you even put down the first word. So understanding how genres in writing work and how to use them in your own pieces is a key part of being a creative writer today.

Picking a Writing Genre Can Be Empowering for Creative Writers

Understanding what genre is and how genres are defined is the only way that you can understand how your own work will be perceived. And developing that kind of knowledge allows your writing to grow and operate on multiple levels as your stories unfold. Genre offers subtext to your stories. Adding a new entry to the catalog of any particular genre expands what the field has to say.

The many types of genres in writing offer an avenue for every writer to explore and expand their craft.

Equally important for some writers is the sense of context that genre creates for their writing. Not only can it help shape creative works by offering standards to aim at, but it also provides a set of expectations that can be subverted to critical effect. For example, The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane would not have had the effect on readers that it did without a long tradition of glorious war stories from a genre that it mimicked, then up-ended with the hero’s cowardice.

Pure formless creativity and invention are wild and dangerous things. To develop a coherent story and a world that is true enough for readers to believe is a tricky business. Having a set of general rules to follow and expectations to meet brings focus.

Beyond that, the very act of channeling your imagination into a defined form and to tell your own story within those rules is a challenge that rewards the creative spirit. Finishing a novel can feel very much like clicking the last piece into place on a jigsaw puzzle. The picture on that puzzle is the genre. When everything lines up to match, your sense of satisfaction and accomplishment is immense.

Writing Genres Give Readers the Stories They Are Looking For

reading to children

Those stores, and the publishers who print novels and magazines, live and die by genre sales. Some publishers either specialize in or dedicate certain of their imprints to particular genres. Editors, illustrators, and agents may also specialize by genre. Critics, industry awards, and writing groups are often dedicated to different genres. Even creative writing programs offer specializations or concentrations in certain writing genres.

Ultimately, however, genre in writing persists and is needed for the reader. The evolution of genres in writing has largely been in the hands of publishers and book sellers, all seeking to match works with groups of readers who will find them appealing.

Genre in Writing May Be Determined in Different Ways

Genres in writing are not absolutes. Any given work can fall into many different genres depending on how the term is being applied. For example, the two big categories of writing are the genres of poetry and prose. Every work will fall into one of those, as well as others.

The most common ways of categorizing genre are:

  • By literary technique and style
  • By setting or character type

Each of these different genres of writing will share certain characteristics, but may diverge through other categories. For example, there are works that have a common science fiction theme, but use technique and style more common to literary fiction. The Handmaid’s Tale , by Margaret Atwood, is one example… set in a dystopian future, it nonetheless develops characters and explores deep themes common to other classic works of literature.

harry potter train

In addition to crossing genres, creative writing works also may fall into sub-genres. The most writing genres evolve branches over time. In fact, science fiction, one of the biggest and most popular genre examples in writing today, is simply a sub-genre of the larger category of speculative fiction.

Sub-Genres Sprout From Pop-Culture in Unexpected Ways to Offer Something Uniquely Tailored to Every Audience

steampunk

To give just one example of this process, consider the evolution of the genre of steampunk.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of cyberpunk, which already lies at the bottom of a long list of other sub-genres of fiction:

In addition, steampunk works almost all fall into the addition speculative fiction category of alternate history, since they imagine a historical era not as it was, but as it might have been. Some can be called Westerns; others are post-apocalyptic, taking another bite out of the dystopian genre apple.

The first proto-steampunk works were published in the ’70s and ‘80s by authors such as Tim Powers and James Blaylock, but it was 1990’s The Difference Engine , by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling that really kicked off steampunk as a genre—probably because Gibson and Sterling were also two of the prime movers in cyberpunk itself.

As steampunk caught on and became more popular, not only did newer works emerge to expand the genre (including its own sub-genres), but older novels that included or inspired the same elements were sometimes described as steampunk. Seminal works like H.G Wells’ The Time Machine and Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea are sometimes found in lists of steampunk works.

Why not just do away with genre, and consider each piece on its own merits? Ultimately, many scholars and creative writing professionals are able to do just that.

In the same way that a rock musician can understand, appreciate, and adapt techniques from the classical world, good writers recognize and respect good writing craft, regardless of genre.

But genre is also a part of artistic judgement. A creative work can be assessed by how well or poorly it conforms to the expectations of the genre it is aimed at.

How To Succeed as a Creative Writer in Different Types of Writing Genres

To be clear, you don’t need to pick a genre lane if you don’t want to. Iain Banks had no problem at all jumping back and forth between epic sci-fi novels, psychologically complex literary fiction, rollicking travelogues, and even poetry. All of it earned critical acclaim.

When J.K. Rowling decided she needed a break from fantasy, she picked up the pen name of Robert Galbraith and popped over into crime fiction instead.

But most creative writers aren’t made of the same stuff as Banks or Rowling. It may be that a particular genre is what inspires you to write in the first place. Perhaps it’s a fascination with the subject matter that draws you in to a particular kind of world. Or maybe it’s just a raw commercial calculation, playing to the market and what is most publishable.

In any case, deciding the genre or genres you are interested in writing in is only one part of the process. Each genre has its own unique path to success.

The Many Genres of Writing in English Literature

To help you get started, we’ve got a whole list of writing genre guides that take you step-by-step through the process of becoming a successful writer in that field.

antique library

Literary Fiction

Literary fiction is the non-genre genre of creative writing. It includes works that are too non-traditional to fit cleanly in existing genres or that focuses on characterization and exploration of deep truths over conventional plot or narrative structures. Much of the pantheon of great novels and works that are used in teaching creative writing fall into the literary fiction genre.

Fantasy authors excel in creating imaginary worlds where fantastic creatures roam, magic and the supernatural shape character’s lives, and medieval settings call classic mythology to mind. Fantasy is one of the oldest of genres in both Eastern and Western writing traditions, and its popularity continues to ensure steady careers for well-trained fantasy writers.

There is a fascination with the macabre and surreal that keeps horror novels on the top-seller lists year after year. From Anne Rice to Stephen King, some of the most commercially successful modern authors have chosen this genre. And with classics from Shelley and Poe as part of the enduring tradition of literature, a career in horror offers creative writers a shot at both fortune and fame.

creative writing about genres

Mystery, or crime, fiction embraces a whole spectrum of entertaining works from Agatha Christie’s classic detective novels to the hard-boiled works of Dennis Lehane. Writers who have the talent to deliver an intricate plot and keep readers engaged with a steady stream of clues, but still make the reveal and resolution a rewarding surprise, have a bright future in the mystery genre.

The Western genre is both relatively new and distinctively American in nature. Following in the footsteps of Louis L’Amour and Max Brand is no easy task, but there is plenty of life in the humble Western, as works by Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry have shown. Western writers may or may not need a ten-gallon hat, but the definitely need story-telling skills and a strong set of research skills.

Young Adult

Young adult works often combine other genres into stories that deal particularly with the interests and concerns of teenagers. Whether it’s a mix of fantasy and school, like Harry Potter , or pure works that explore contemporary problems and challenges like the classic The Outsiders , young adult novels can shape the perspectives and growth of a generation. Young adult writers have to develop not only a knack for telling stories cleanly and understandably, but also for tapping into the zeitgeist of their target audience. 

creative writing about genres

Science Fiction (Sci Fi)

Science fiction uses the prism of technology and time to explore both exciting theoretical science and social mores and consequences of humanity today. Science fiction is a genre that has a robust demand and strong traditions. Although it can be tough to break into sci-fi, studying creative writing offers the kind of analytical tools and techniques that can make it happen.

Short Story

The genre of short story is one rooted in length rather than subject. A short story can be told in almost any of the other genres listed here, but it is a form that requires its own set of skills and sensibilities. Creative writing degrees are one of the best places for writers to polish up their ability to deliver the crisp, clear, meaningful prose that is needed to build a successful short story.

Making people laugh is a rare skill in any kind of artistic endeavor. Comedic writing has a long and honorable history in the world of dramatic literature, serving as one of the first genres recognized by the Greeks. Comedy often crosses other genre boundaries, with tendrils in horror, science fiction, and crime. But pure comedies in the form of satire and parody serve important roles in social commentary as well as entertainment.

Historical Fiction

Writing historical fiction comes with a set of guard rails that play directly to the strengths of creative writers: research offers a glimpse of the world as it once was, and imagination fills out the humanity of those times. While the historical setting can be one grounded firmly in reality, like Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed Wolf Hall , it can also serve as a portal to the fantastical, as in Susanna Clarke’s incredible Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell .

Writing Forward

14 Types of Creative Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Apr 6, 2021 | Creative Writing | 20 comments

types of creative writing

Which types of creative writing have you tried?

When we talk about creative writing, fiction and poetry often take the spotlight, but there are many other types of creative writing that we can explore.

Most writers develop a preference for one form (and genre) above all others. This can be a good thing, because you can specialize in your form and genre and become quite proficient. However, occasionally working with other types of writing is beneficial. It prevents your work from becoming stale and overladen with form- or genre-specific clichés, and it’s a good way to acquire a variety of techniques that are uncommon in your preferred form and genre but that can be used to enhance it.

Types of Creative Writing

Free writing: Open a notebook or an electronic document and just start writing. Allow strange words and images to find their way to the page. Anything goes! Also called stream-of-consciousness writing, free writing is the pinnacle of creative writing.

Journals: A journal is any written log. You could keep a gratitude journal, a memory journal, a dream journal, or a goals journal. Many writers keep idea journals or all-purpose omni-journals that can be used for everything from daily free writes to brainstorming and project planning.

Diaries: A diary is a type of journal in which you write about your daily life. Some diaries are written in letter format (“Dear Diary…”). If you ever want to write a memoir, then it’s a good idea to start keeping a diary.

Letters: Because the ability to communicate effectively is increasingly valuable, letter writing is a useful skill. There is a long tradition of publishing letters, so take extra care with those emails you’re shooting off to friends, family, and business associates. Hot tip: one way to get published if you don’t have a lot of clips and credits is to write letters to the editor of a news publication.

Memoir: A genre of creative nonfiction , memoirs are books that contain personal accounts (or stories) that focus on specific experiences. For example, one might write a travel memoir.

Essays. Essays are often associated with academic writing, but there are many types of essays, including personal essays, descriptive essays, and persuasive essays, all of which can be quite creative (and not especially academic).

Journalism: Some forms of journalism are more creative than others. Traditionally, journalism was objective reporting on facts, people, and events. Today, journalists often infuse their writing with opinion and storytelling to make their pieces more compelling or convincing.

Poetry: Poetry is a popular but under-appreciated type of writing, and it’s easily the most artistic form of writing. You can write form poetry, free-form poetry, and prose poetry.

Song Lyrics: Song lyrics combine the craft of writing with the artistry of music. Composing lyrics is similar to writing poetry, and this is an ideal type of writing for anyone who can play a musical instrument.

Scripts: Hit the screen or the stage by writing scripts for film, television, theater, or video games. Beware: film is a director’s medium, not a writer’s medium, but movies have the potential to reach a non-reading audience.

Storytelling: Storytelling is the most popular form of creative writing and is found in the realms of both fiction and nonfiction writing. Popular forms of fiction include flash fiction, short stories, novellas, and full-length novels; and there are tons of genres to choose from. True stories, which are usually firsthand or secondhand accounts of real people and events, can be found in essays, diaries, memoirs, speeches, and more. Storytelling is a tremendously valuable skill, as it can be found in all other forms of writing, from poetry to speech writing.

Speeches: Whether persuasive, inspirational, or informative, speech writing can lead to interesting career opportunities in almost any field or industry. Also, speech-writing skills will come in handy if you’re ever asked to write and deliver a speech at an important event, such as a graduation, wedding, or award ceremony.

Vignettes: A  vignette is defined as “a brief evocative description, account, or episode.” Vignettes can be poems, stories, descriptions, personal accounts…anything goes really. The key is that a vignette is extremely short — just a quick snippet.

Honorable Mention: Blogs. A blog is not a type of writing; it’s a publishing platform — a piece of technology that displays web-based content on an electronic device. A blog can be used to publish any type of writing. Most blogs feature articles and essays, but you can also find blogs that contain diaries or journals, poetry, fiction, journalism, and more.

Which of these types of creative writing have you tried? Are there any forms of writing on this list that you’d like to experiment with? Can you think of any other types of creative writing to add to this list? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment, and keep writing.

Ready Set Write a Guide to Creative Writing

20 Comments

Saralee Dinelli

What is “flash” writing or stories.

Melissa Donovan

Flash fiction refers to super short stories, a few hundred words or fewer.

Elena Cadag

its very helpful especially to those students like me who wasn’t capable or good in doing a creative writing

I’m glad you found this post helpful, Elena.

Tracy Lukes

I also found this to be very helpful, especially because I don’t do very well at writing.

Thanks for letting me know you found this helpful. Like anything else, writing improves with practice.

Bintang

Thank you Melissa. It’s very helpful!

You’re welcome!

Patricia Alderman

Over all good list. Yes blogs can be publishing platforms but only if something is written first. I read what you wrote on a blog.

Zeeshan Ashraf

Thanks a lot Good job

Marie Rangel

Are these types of creaitve writing the same or different if I need to teach children’s creative writing? Can you recommend a website to teach these?

Hi Marie. Thanks for your question. I’ve come across many websites for teaching children’s creative writing. I recommend a search on Google, which will lead you to a ton of resources.

donte

these are very helpful when it comes to getting in college or essays or just to improve my writing

Thanks, Donte. I’m glad you found this helpful.

Jeremiah W Thomas

Free writing really helps me get going. For some reason my prose are much better when I am not beholden to an overall plot or narrative with specific defined characters. I like to free writer “excerpts” on theprose.com. It allows me to practice writing and receive feedback at the same time. I am also trying to blog about writing my first novel, both for writing practice and to keep myself accountable. It really helps!

I feel the same way. Free writing is always a fun and creative experience for me.

Martha Ekim Ligogo

Was trying to give an inservice on writing skills and the different types of writing.

Your wok here really helped. Thanks.

You’re welcome.

Hi, Melissa can you assist me ? I’m trying to improve my writing skills as quickly as possible. Plz send me some more tips and trick to improve my writing and communication skills.

You are welcome to peruse this website, which is packed with tips for improving your writing. I’d recommend focusing on the categories Better Writing and Writing Tips for writing improvement. You can also subscribe to get new articles send directly to your email. Thanks!

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10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You’ll Love)

A lot falls under the term ‘creative writing’: poetry, short fiction, plays, novels, personal essays, and songs, to name just a few. By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is , it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

To that end, we’ve collected a non-exhaustive list of works across multiple formats that have inspired the writers here at Reedsy. With 20 different works to explore, we hope they will inspire you, too. 

People have been writing creatively for almost as long as we have been able to hold pens. Just think of long-form epic poems like The Odyssey or, later, the Cantar de Mio Cid — some of the earliest recorded writings of their kind. 

Poetry is also a great place to start if you want to dip your own pen into the inkwell of creative writing. It can be as short or long as you want (you don’t have to write an epic of Homeric proportions), encourages you to build your observation skills, and often speaks from a single point of view . 

Here are a few examples:

“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

The ruins of pillars and walls with the broken statue of a man in the center set against a bright blue sky.

This classic poem by Romantic poet Percy Shelley (also known as Mary Shelley’s husband) is all about legacy. What do we leave behind? How will we be remembered? The great king Ozymandias built himself a massive statue, proclaiming his might, but the irony is that his statue doesn’t survive the ravages of time. By framing this poem as told to him by a “traveller from an antique land,” Shelley effectively turns this into a story. Along with the careful use of juxtaposition to create irony, this poem accomplishes a lot in just a few lines. 

“Trying to Raise the Dead” by Dorianne Laux

 A direction. An object. My love, it needs a place to rest. Say anything. I’m listening. I’m ready to believe. Even lies, I don’t care.

Poetry is cherished for its ability to evoke strong emotions from the reader using very few words which is exactly what Dorianne Laux does in “ Trying to Raise the Dead .” With vivid imagery that underscores the painful yearning of the narrator, she transports us to a private nighttime scene as the narrator sneaks away from a party to pray to someone they’ve lost. We ache for their loss and how badly they want their lost loved one to acknowledge them in some way. It’s truly a masterclass on how writing can be used to portray emotions. 

If you find yourself inspired to try out some poetry — and maybe even get it published — check out these poetry layouts that can elevate your verse!

Song Lyrics

Poetry’s closely related cousin, song lyrics are another great way to flex your creative writing muscles. You not only have to find the perfect rhyme scheme but also match it to the rhythm of the music. This can be a great challenge for an experienced poet or the musically inclined. 

To see how music can add something extra to your poetry, check out these two examples:

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

 You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well, really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah 

Metaphors are commonplace in almost every kind of creative writing, but will often take center stage in shorter works like poetry and songs. At the slightest mention, they invite the listener to bring their emotional or cultural experience to the piece, allowing the writer to express more with fewer words while also giving it a deeper meaning. If a whole song is couched in metaphor, you might even be able to find multiple meanings to it, like in Leonard Cohen’s “ Hallelujah .” While Cohen’s Biblical references create a song that, on the surface, seems like it’s about a struggle with religion, the ambiguity of the lyrics has allowed it to be seen as a song about a complicated romantic relationship. 

“I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie

 ​​If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

A red neon

You can think of song lyrics as poetry set to music. They manage to do many of the same things their literary counterparts do — including tugging on your heartstrings. Death Cab for Cutie’s incredibly popular indie rock ballad is about the singer’s deep devotion to his lover. While some might find the song a bit too dark and macabre, its melancholy tune and poignant lyrics remind us that love can endure beyond death.

Plays and Screenplays

From the short form of poetry, we move into the world of drama — also known as the play. This form is as old as the poem, stretching back to the works of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles, who adapted the myths of their day into dramatic form. The stage play (and the more modern screenplay) gives the words on the page a literal human voice, bringing life to a story and its characters entirely through dialogue. 

Interested to see what that looks like? Take a look at these examples:

All My Sons by Arthur Miller

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.” 

Creative Writing Examples | Photo of the Old Vic production of All My Sons by Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller acts as a bridge between the classic and the new, creating 20th century tragedies that take place in living rooms and backyard instead of royal courts, so we had to include his breakout hit on this list. Set in the backyard of an all-American family in the summer of 1946, this tragedy manages to communicate family tensions in an unimaginable scale, building up to an intense climax reminiscent of classical drama. 

💡 Read more about Arthur Miller and classical influences in our breakdown of Freytag’s pyramid . 

“Everything is Fine” by Michael Schur ( The Good Place )

“Well, then this system sucks. What...one in a million gets to live in paradise and everyone else is tortured for eternity? Come on! I mean, I wasn't freaking Gandhi, but I was okay. I was a medium person. I should get to spend eternity in a medium place! Like Cincinnati. Everyone who wasn't perfect but wasn't terrible should get to spend eternity in Cincinnati.” 

A screenplay, especially a TV pilot, is like a mini-play, but with the extra job of convincing an audience that they want to watch a hundred more episodes of the show. Blending moral philosophy with comedy, The Good Place is a fun hang-out show set in the afterlife that asks some big questions about what it means to be good. 

It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, an incredibly imperfect woman from Arizona who wakes up in ‘The Good Place’ and realizes that there’s been a cosmic mixup. Determined not to lose her place in paradise, she recruits her “soulmate,” a former ethics professor, to teach her philosophy with the hope that she can learn to be a good person and keep up her charade of being an upstanding citizen. The pilot does a superb job of setting up the stakes, the story, and the characters, while smuggling in deep philosophical ideas.

Personal essays

Our first foray into nonfiction on this list is the personal essay. As its name suggests, these stories are in some way autobiographical — concerned with the author’s life and experiences. But don’t be fooled by the realistic component. These essays can take any shape or form, from comics to diary entries to recipes and anything else you can imagine. Typically zeroing in on a single issue, they allow you to explore your life and prove that the personal can be universal.

Here are a couple of fantastic examples:

“On Selling Your First Novel After 11 Years” by Min Jin Lee (Literary Hub)

There was so much to learn and practice, but I began to see the prose in verse and the verse in prose. Patterns surfaced in poems, stories, and plays. There was music in sentences and paragraphs. I could hear the silences in a sentence. All this schooling was like getting x-ray vision and animal-like hearing. 

Stacks of multicolored hardcover books.

This deeply honest personal essay by Pachinko author Min Jin Lee is an account of her eleven-year struggle to publish her first novel . Like all good writing, it is intensely focused on personal emotional details. While grounded in the specifics of the author's personal journey, it embodies an experience that is absolutely universal: that of difficulty and adversity met by eventual success. 

“A Cyclist on the English Landscape” by Roff Smith (New York Times)

These images, though, aren’t meant to be about me. They’re meant to represent a cyclist on the landscape, anybody — you, perhaps. 

Roff Smith’s gorgeous photo essay for the NYT is a testament to the power of creatively combining visuals with text. Here, photographs of Smith atop a bike are far from simply ornamental. They’re integral to the ruminative mood of the essay, as essential as the writing. Though Smith places his work at the crosscurrents of various aesthetic influences (such as the painter Edward Hopper), what stands out the most in this taciturn, thoughtful piece of writing is his use of the second person to address the reader directly. Suddenly, the writer steps out of the body of the essay and makes eye contact with the reader. The reader is now part of the story as a second character, finally entering the picture.

Short Fiction

The short story is the happy medium of fiction writing. These bite-sized narratives can be devoured in a single sitting and still leave you reeling. Sometimes viewed as a stepping stone to novel writing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Short story writing is an art all its own. The limited length means every word counts and there’s no better way to see that than with these two examples:

“An MFA Story” by Paul Dalla Rosa (Electric Literature)

At Starbucks, I remembered a reading Zhen had given, a reading organized by the program’s faculty. I had not wanted to go but did. In the bar, he read, "I wrote this in a Starbucks in Shanghai. On the bank of the Huangpu." It wasn’t an aside or introduction. It was two lines of the poem. I was in a Starbucks and I wasn’t writing any poems. I wasn’t writing anything. 

Creative Writing Examples | Photograph of New York City street.

This short story is a delightfully metafictional tale about the struggles of being a writer in New York. From paying the bills to facing criticism in a writing workshop and envying more productive writers, Paul Dalla Rosa’s story is a clever satire of the tribulations involved in the writing profession, and all the contradictions embodied by systemic creativity (as famously laid out in Mark McGurl’s The Program Era ). What’s more, this story is an excellent example of something that often happens in creative writing: a writer casting light on the private thoughts or moments of doubt we don’t admit to or openly talk about. 

“Flowering Walrus” by Scott Skinner (Reedsy)

I tell him they’d been there a month at least, and he looks concerned. He has my tongue on a tissue paper and is gripping its sides with his pointer and thumb. My tongue has never spent much time outside of my mouth, and I imagine it as a walrus basking in the rays of the dental light. My walrus is not well. 

A winner of Reedsy’s weekly Prompts writing contest, ‘ Flowering Walrus ’ is a story that balances the trivial and the serious well. In the pauses between its excellent, natural dialogue , the story manages to scatter the fear and sadness of bad medical news, as the protagonist hides his worries from his wife and daughter. Rich in subtext, these silences grow and resonate with the readers.

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How to Craft a Killer Short Story

From pacing to character development, master the elements of short fiction.

Perhaps the thing that first comes to mind when talking about creative writing, novels are a form of fiction that many people know and love but writers sometimes find intimidating. The good news is that novels are nothing but one word put after another, like any other piece of writing, but expanded and put into a flowing narrative. Piece of cake, right?

To get an idea of the format’s breadth of scope, take a look at these two (very different) satirical novels: 

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age, or nationality — all simply store workers. 

Creative Writing Examples | Book cover of Convenience Store Woman

Keiko, a thirty-six-year-old convenience store employee, finds comfort and happiness in the strict, uneventful routine of the shop’s daily operations. A funny, satirical, but simultaneously unnerving examination of the social structures we take for granted, Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman is deeply original and lingers with the reader long after they’ve put it down.

Erasure by Percival Everett

The hard, gritty truth of the matter is that I hardly ever think about race. Those times when I did think about it a lot I did so because of my guilt for not thinking about it.  

Erasure is a truly accomplished satire of the publishing industry’s tendency to essentialize African American authors and their writing. Everett’s protagonist is a writer whose work doesn’t fit with what publishers expect from him — work that describes the “African American experience” — so he writes a parody novel about life in the ghetto. The publishers go crazy for it and, to the protagonist’s horror, it becomes the next big thing. This sophisticated novel is both ironic and tender, leaving its readers with much food for thought.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is pretty broad: it applies to anything that does not claim to be fictional (although the rise of autofiction has definitely blurred the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction). It encompasses everything from personal essays and memoirs to humor writing, and they range in length from blog posts to full-length books. The defining characteristic of this massive genre is that it takes the world or the author’s experience and turns it into a narrative that a reader can follow along with.

Here, we want to focus on novel-length works that dig deep into their respective topics. While very different, these two examples truly show the breadth and depth of possibility of creative nonfiction:

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Men’s bodies litter my family history. The pain of the women they left behind pulls them from the beyond, makes them appear as ghosts. In death, they transcend the circumstances of this place that I love and hate all at once and become supernatural. 

Writer Jesmyn Ward recounts the deaths of five men from her rural Mississippi community in as many years. In her award-winning memoir , she delves into the lives of the friends and family she lost and tries to find some sense among the tragedy. Working backwards across five years, she questions why this had to happen over and over again, and slowly unveils the long history of racism and poverty that rules rural Black communities. Moving and emotionally raw, Men We Reaped is an indictment of a cruel system and the story of a woman's grief and rage as she tries to navigate it.

Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker

He believed that wine could reshape someone’s life. That’s why he preferred buying bottles to splurging on sweaters. Sweaters were things. Bottles of wine, said Morgan, “are ways that my humanity will be changed.” 

In this work of immersive journalism , Bianca Bosker leaves behind her life as a tech journalist to explore the world of wine. Becoming a “cork dork” takes her everywhere from New York’s most refined restaurants to science labs while she learns what it takes to be a sommelier and a true wine obsessive. This funny and entertaining trip through the past and present of wine-making and tasting is sure to leave you better informed and wishing you, too, could leave your life behind for one devoted to wine. 

Illustrated Narratives (Comics, graphic novels)

Once relegated to the “funny pages”, the past forty years of comics history have proven it to be a serious medium. Comics have transformed from the early days of Jack Kirby’s superheroes into a medium where almost every genre is represented. Humorous one-shots in the Sunday papers stand alongside illustrated memoirs, horror, fantasy, and just about anything else you can imagine. This type of visual storytelling lets the writer and artist get creative with perspective, tone, and so much more. For two very different, though equally entertaining, examples, check these out:

Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine and valleys of frustration and failure." 

A Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. A little blond boy Calvin makes multiple silly faces in school photos. In the last panel, his father says, "That's our son. *Sigh*" His mother then says, "The pictures will remind of more than we want to remember."

This beloved comic strip follows Calvin, a rambunctious six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger/imaginary friend, Hobbes. They get into all kinds of hijinks at school and at home, and muse on the world in the way only a six-year-old and an anthropomorphic tiger can. As laugh-out-loud funny as it is, Calvin & Hobbes ’ popularity persists as much for its whimsy as its use of humor to comment on life, childhood, adulthood, and everything in between. 

From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell 

"I shall tell you where we are. We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell." 

Comics aren't just the realm of superheroes and one-joke strips, as Alan Moore proves in this serialized graphic novel released between 1989 and 1998. A meticulously researched alternative history of Victorian London’s Ripper killings, this macabre story pulls no punches. Fact and fiction blend into a world where the Royal Family is involved in a dark conspiracy and Freemasons lurk on the sidelines. It’s a surreal mad-cap adventure that’s unsettling in the best way possible. 

Video Games and RPGs

Probably the least expected entry on this list, we thought that video games and RPGs also deserved a mention — and some well-earned recognition for the intricate storytelling that goes into creating them. 

Essentially gamified adventure stories, without attention to plot, characters, and a narrative arc, these games would lose a lot of their charm, so let’s look at two examples where the creative writing really shines through: 

80 Days by inkle studios

"It was a triumph of invention over nature, and will almost certainly disappear into the dust once more in the next fifty years." 

A video game screenshot of 80 days. In the center is a city with mechanical legs. It's titled "The Moving City." In the lower right hand corner is a profile of man with a speech balloon that says, "A starched collar, very good indeed."

Named Time Magazine ’s game of the year in 2014, this narrative adventure is based on Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. The player is cast as the novel’s narrator, Passpartout, and tasked with circumnavigating the globe in service of their employer, Phileas Fogg. Set in an alternate steampunk Victorian era, the game uses its globe-trotting to comment on the colonialist fantasies inherent in the original novel and its time period. On a storytelling level, the choose-your-own-adventure style means no two players’ journeys will be the same. This innovative approach to a classic novel shows the potential of video games as a storytelling medium, truly making the player part of the story. 

What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow

"If we lived forever, maybe we'd have time to understand things. But as it is, I think the best we can do is try to open our eyes, and appreciate how strange and brief all of this is." 

This video game casts the player as 17-year-old Edith Finch. Returning to her family’s home on an island in the Pacific northwest, Edith explores the vast house and tries to figure out why she’s the only one of her family left alive. The story of each family member is revealed as you make your way through the house, slowly unpacking the tragic fate of the Finches. Eerie and immersive, this first-person exploration game uses the medium to tell a series of truly unique tales. 

Fun and breezy on the surface, humor is often recognized as one of the trickiest forms of creative writing. After all, while you can see the artistic value in a piece of prose that you don’t necessarily enjoy, if a joke isn’t funny, you could say that it’s objectively failed.

With that said, it’s far from an impossible task, and many have succeeded in bringing smiles to their readers’ faces through their writing. Here are two examples:

‘How You Hope Your Extended Family Will React When You Explain Your Job to Them’ by Mike Lacher (McSweeney’s Internet Tendency)

“Is it true you don’t have desks?” your grandmother will ask. You will nod again and crack open a can of Country Time Lemonade. “My stars,” she will say, “it must be so wonderful to not have a traditional office and instead share a bistro-esque coworking space.” 

An open plan office seen from a bird's eye view. There are multiple strands of Edison lights hanging from the ceiling. At long light wooden tables multiple people sit working at computers, many of them wearing headphones.

Satire and parody make up a whole subgenre of creative writing, and websites like McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Onion consistently hit the mark with their parodies of magazine publishing and news media. This particular example finds humor in the divide between traditional family expectations and contemporary, ‘trendy’ work cultures. Playing on the inherent silliness of today’s tech-forward middle-class jobs, this witty piece imagines a scenario where the writer’s family fully understands what they do — and are enthralled to hear more. “‘Now is it true,’ your uncle will whisper, ‘that you’ve got a potential investment from one of the founders of I Can Haz Cheezburger?’”

‘Not a Foodie’ by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell (Electric Literature)

I’m not a foodie, I never have been, and I know, in my heart, I never will be. 

Highlighting what she sees as an unbearable social obsession with food , in this comic Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell takes a hilarious stand against the importance of food. From the writer’s courageous thesis (“I think there are more exciting things to talk about, and focus on in life, than what’s for dinner”) to the amusing appearance of family members and the narrator’s partner, ‘Not a Foodie’ demonstrates that even a seemingly mundane pet peeve can be approached creatively — and even reveal something profound about life.

We hope this list inspires you with your own writing. If there’s one thing you take away from this post, let it be that there is no limit to what you can write about or how you can write about it. 

In the next part of this guide, we'll drill down into the fascinating world of creative nonfiction.

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Writing Prompts By Genre: 250+ Creative Writing Prompts For Book Ideas

POSTED ON Apr 12, 2023

Angelica Hartgers

Written by Angelica Hartgers

Writing prompts are powerful vessels for jumpstarting your creativity, and planting the seed for your next book idea. 

Dealing with writer’s block or self-doubt as a writer ? Experiencing a creative rut? Looking to improve your writing development? Experimenting with a new genre? Stuck on finding a book idea? Looking for your author voice?

No matter which of those situations you are struggling with as a writer, you might find your answer in some creative writing prompts.

These original writing prompts can be categorized in nonfiction and fiction groups. There's a long list of genres you could write within. And here, you'll find creative writing prompt topics for nearly all of them!

Here are the best creative writing prompts for writers to use: 

  • Business Writing Prompts
  • Self-Help Writing Prompts
  • Memoir Writing Prompts
  • Health & Fitness Writing Prompts
  • Family & Relationships Writing Prompts
  • Horror/Thriller Creative Writing Prompts
  • Romance Creative Writing Prompts
  • Mystery Creative Writing Prompts
  • Sci-Fi Creative Writing Prompts
  • Fantasy Creative Writing Prompts
  • Historical Fiction Creative Writing Prompts
  • Sentence Starters Creative Prompts

What are writing prompts? 

Writing prompts are story-starters that are used as a guided learning or creativity exercise to help writers get started with a new idea or story. 

Often used in an educational setting for students learning to practice writing specific genres, creative writing prompts are also used by advanced writers and authors who are experiencing writer’s block or are in need of inspiration. 

Writing prompts are designed to get people to think, by providing a starting place for a story premise or book idea, which can be further developed using the writer’s own imagination and creativity. 

There are many benefits to using creative writing prompts as a frequent writing exercise, both for seasoned writers and those just starting out. 

Here are some benefits to using writing prompts: 

  • Fight writer’s block. Next time you don’t know what to write about, or aren’t able to produce any writing for your current work-in-progress, try your hand at a writing prompt. 
  • Guide your inspiration. Writing prompts often help writers discover new topics by allowing them to start a story from the prompt, and finish it in their own way. Writing prompts can also inspire deviations from the story, or additional writing material, that the author can tap into. 
  • Identify new genres. Sometimes it’s beneficial to try your hand at a genre you’re not used to writing in. It can help you discover a topic you never knew you might enjoy, or it can further solidify your strength in your current genre. Either way, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. 
  • Jumpstart a book idea. Writing prompts can incite a new story or book idea for you. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to write a book about, experiment with some writing prompts and see if anything sticks. 
  • Improve writing development. Part of improving your writing craft has to do with experimenting – especially when you’re in a writing rut. Dabbling in new genres, practicing how to show and not tell , and using writing prompts you’d never think to write about, can also help you identify opportunities to strengthen your writing, and increase your versatility as a writer. 
  • Sharpen creative skills. Creative writing prompts help you hone in on your creative skills. By starting with a story idea from a writing prompt, you’re forced to develop the story through your own imagination and creativity. 
  • Practice poetry. Sometimes, a great way to get the creative juices flowing is to write some poetry. You don't need to put it out into the world (though you might find yourself looking up how and where to publish poetry after!), but it can help you with your prose.
  • Experiment with tone. There are many different tones in writing , and it can take years to establish your own as an author. Writing prompts can help you arrive there quicker!

YouTube video

How to use creative writing prompts

The process of using a writing prompt is loose, as they are designed to be used in a way that benefits you as the writer most. 

You can be as structured, or as flexible as you choose when using one of our writing prompts. That means you can start with a writing prompt, think of your own premise for the story, and get to writing your own detailed account. Or, you can use all of the details given in the writing prompt, and answer the prompt exactly as you see fit. It’s up to you!

However, if you’re not sure where to start, and need some beginner’s guidelines, there are a few tips we can provide. 

Here’s how to use creative writing prompts: 

  • Use pen and paper. If you’re struggling with writing block, I encourage you to use pen and paper to really get your creative juices flowing.
  • Choose a writing prompt. Read through some possible creative writing prompts, taking note of any that spark your imagination. Then, you can choose which one calls out to you most. Alternatively, if you’re having trouble deciding, you can choose a random writing prompt and challenge yourself to write about 
  • Pick and choose your own details. Some writing prompts include specific details to incorporate in your story. Don’t feel boxed in by your writing prompt; if you want to omit certain details or events and replace them with your own creative idea, feel free to do so. 
  • Time your writing. Once you have a prompt chosen, set a timer for 15-20 minutes and challenge yourself to not stop writing until the timer goes off. This will prevent you from overthinking the prompt, and will ensure you stay focused. 
  • Expand your own ideas. Use the writing prompt as a seed for your story, but develop it in your own creative way. The key to successfully using a creative writing prompt is to help your own brainstorming process, so it’s okay if you veer off from the writing prompt and take a different direction with your story and characters. You can even use character bio templates to expand your own ideas.

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Nonfiction writing prompts.

If you're on the hunt for the best nonfiction writing prompts to exercise your creativity and help you brainstorm some book ideas to write a nonfiction book , then start with this category.

Here, you'll find a variety of nonfiction topics, from business and self-help, to relationships, wellness, and memoir topics.

Business Writing Prompts 

  • Write about the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business. 
  • Write about how you have failed in business, and how you overcame that failure. 
  • Write about the biggest mistake you made in your industry, and what you learned about it. 
  • Write about how your industry can impact lives across the world. 
  • Write about the top authorities in your industry and what you can learn from them. 
  • Write about how you got started in your industry, and how others can learn from your process.
  • Write about industry secrets that can help other people grow their authority. 
  • Write about how businesses in your industry can maximize their profits. 
  • Write about what you’ve learned in your industry, and educate readers on how to 
  • Write about opportunities for innovation in your industry. 
  • Write about the top qualities an authority in your industry must have to succeed. 
  • Write about the top issues in your industry, and how readers can avoid them. 
  • Write about how to empower others in your industry, and why it’s important. 
  • Write about the future of your industry, and how readers can adapt to the changes. 
  • Write about the history of your industry, and how it has shaped the present and how it will shape the future. 
  • Write about a major time period in your industry’s progression, and the lessons from that time that can be learned and applied today. 
  • Write about common fears in your industry, and how others can overcome them. 
  • Write about the common stressors in your industry, and how others can manage this. 
  • Write about a time when you had to start over in your career, and the lessons you learned that can help readers.
  • Write about how to generate ideas in your industry.
  • Write about how to be a better leader in the workplace. 
  • Write about the importance of company culture, especially in our digital age. 
  • Write about the secrets to sustainability in your industry. 
  • Write about decision making in your industry, and how others can make better decisions. 
  • Write about the habits of authority figures in your industry, and what others can learn from them. 
  • Write about the failures of authority figures in your industry, and what others can learn from them. 
  • Write about the successes of authority figures in your industry, and what others can learn from them. 
  • Write about the key to productivity in your industry. 
  • Write about the key to creativity in your industry. 
  • Write about the key to working smarter in your industry. 
  • Write about how to think big, and when to think small, in your industry. 
  • Write about what you wish you knew now when you first started in your career.
  • Write about setting up a successful atmosphere to thrive in your industry. 
  • Write about something big you accomplished in your career, and share your blueprint for success. 
  • Write about developing a team, and how to successfully work with others. 

Self-Help Writing Prompts  

Want to know how to write a self-help book ? Start with these prompts:

  • Write about a time when you had to start over in your life, and what you learned from that.
  • Write about why it’s important to break the rules in life sometimes. 
  • Write about how to generate creative ideas. 
  • Write about the secrets to gaining unshakeable self-confidence. 
  • Write about the secrets to gaining lasting happiness. 
  • Write about the secrets to developing laser-focus in work and life. 
  • Write about the secrets to living a regret-free life. 
  • Write about the secrets to creating lasting love. 
  • Write about the power of forgiveness, and how others can tap into this.  
  • Write about the power of gratitude, and how to apply it to daily life. 
  • Write about critical thinking, and strategies for improving critical thinking skills. 
  • Write about how to reduce everyday stress and anxiety with practical tips. 
  • Write about effective communication, and how others can communicate more clearly. 
  • Write about your creativity process, and include strategies for how to be more creative. 
  • Write about the secrets to a successful relationship, and how anyone can be a better partner.
  • Write about how to stay disciplined, and why most people fail at self-discipline. 
  • Write about society’s hustle culture, and why working hard is good or bad. 
  • Write about your favorite country or travel destination, and what you’ve learned from the people and culture.
  • Write about the key to being a more productive person, and how it can transform others’ lives. 
  • Write about finding your passion, and how others can discover their purpose. 
  • Write about the power of positive self talk, and how others can implement it in their daily life. 
  • Write about dealing with anxiety. 
  • Write about dealing with change. 
  • Write about creating an atmosphere of peace. 
  • Write about controlling the controllables for happiness. 
  • Write about controlling the controllables for peace. 
  • Write about something a big goal you’ve accomplished, and share your blueprint for success. 
  • Write about finding inspiration, and teach others how they can find it, too. 
  • Write about how to better understand the people in your life. 
  • Write about the art of simplicity in life, and how others can benefit from it. 
  • Write about decision-making and the best practices for making big and small decisions in life. 
  • Write about the power of tapping into your imagination, and why it’s so important for people, including adults. 
  • Write about the importance of truth, and how others can be more honest with themselves and the people in their life. 
  • Write about dealing with life transitions, and strategies to improve adaptability when things change and its out of your control. 
  • Write about how to regain control in your life, and what to do when you’ve hit rock bottom. 
  • Write about finding your identity, and how people in your niche can discover themselves again. 
  • Write about the purpose of life.
  • Write about how an individual can increase their confidence.
  • Write about how the fear of rejection has been holding you back and what action you can take consistently everyday to break this fear.
  • Write about 7 daily habits that can increase your self esteem and make you feel unbreakable.

29 Memoir Prompts 

  • Write about a big goal you’ve accomplished, and share your blueprint for success. 
  • Write about a major time when you had to start over in your life, and what you learned from that. 
  • Write about the greatest lesson  you’ve learned so far in life, and how others can learn from your life. 
  • Write about one of your biggest regrets, and teach others going through the same thing how to deal with it. 
  • Write about the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make, and what you’ve learned from that process. 
  • Write about a traumatic experience in your life, and how you have dealt with it. 
  • Write about a time you failed, and how you were able to rise up. 
  • Write about a major event in your childhood, and how that shaped you as an adult. 
  • Write about the saddest time in your life, and encourage others who are going through similar situations. 
  • Write about the happiest time in your life, and the greatest thing that moment has taught you. 
  • Write about the most influential people in your life, and how they helped shape the person you have become. 
  • Write about how you have developed self-love, and why it’s important to have a relationship with yourself first. 
  • Write about your journey towards self-discovery, and share tips with others who are lost. 
  • Write about a time you lost your way in life, and what helped you find your path again. 
  • Write about your spirituality and beliefs, and how you can share your message with others. 
  • Write about the biggest heartbreak you experienced, and what it’s taught you about love and life. 
  • Write about the time you broke someone else’s heart, and what it’s taught you about loving others. 
  • Write about a time you experienced compassion, and share how others can be more compassionate in their own life. 
  • Write about the biggest self-defining moment in your life thus far, and how you’ve developed from the experience. 
  • Write about your biggest accomplishment, and how its helped you banish self-defeating thoughts and behavior. 
  • Write about a toxic relationship you had, and how you were able to overcome it. 
  • Write about an influential travel experience in your life, and what it taught you about yourself and others. 
  • Write about the town you grew up in, and how it’s shaped your perspective on life. 
  • Write about how you were raised, and what you learned from the people that raised you. 
  • Write about a significant historical event you lived through, and what others can learn from your experience.
  • Write about your life’s journey from where you were ten years ago to how you arrived to this point today, and, the most important lesson you have learned on the way.
  • Write about five life lessons you believe everyone should practice/follow.
  • There is an experience from your past that has always held you back from thriving in life. Write about what this experience is, and if you were to overcome your trauma, how could you lead the life you've been dreaming of?
  • There is a saying: “You are the sum of the five people you spend most of your time with.” Write about the people you spend your time with and how they influence your life on a day to day basis.

29 Health & Fitness Prompts

  • Write about emotional health: what it means, why it’s important, and how. 
  • Write about a time you were very unhealthy, and how you were able to transform yourself.
  • Write about the secrets to dieting. 
  • Write about diet culture fads, and why they do or do not work. 
  • Write about the idea of health, and how people can shift their priorities to be more healthy both mentally and physically.  
  • Write about the taboo around mental health, and how we can change this mindset as a society. 
  • Write about your struggles with mental health, and help others with what you’ve learned. 
  • Write about your struggles with physical health, and help others struggling with the same thing. 
  • Write about what health and wellness means to you, and share your perspectives with others. 
  • Write about the power of superfoods, and how they can positively affect health. 
  • Write about the health practices in a different country. 
  • Write about an ancient health practice, and what we can learn from it today. 
  • Write about the medicinal properties of certain foods and plants. 
  • Write about how to break free from unhealthy habits. 
  • Write about food production practices, and how they affect the quality of what we eat.
  • Write about health in children, and how to raise health-conscious individuals. 
  • Write about raising a healthy family while balancing a busy life
  • Write about a time your health was impacted, and how the experience transformed your life
  • Write about a time someone you love experienced health issues, and how the experience changed that person’s life, as well as your own
  • Write about a time you felt unhappy with your health. What did you do to change your mindset? 
  • Write about body acceptance, and how societal expectations affects our mindset.
  • Write about the influence of culture on health, and how it affects a group of people differently.
  • Write about a harmful everyday practice, how it affects our health, and what we can do to change it.
  • Write about dealing with mental health on an everyday basis, and help others understand how to be more compassionate.
  • Write about the idea of health, and what contributing factors affect our perspectives.
  • Identify a distraction that is wasting your time and causing you to be very unproductive. Write about your plan to eliminate this distraction from your life, and the positive impact it will have.
  • Internal dialogue is powerful in developing positivity. Identify your negative internal dialogue and write out your new, positive dialogue to communicate to yourself.
  • Write out seven ways you can practice self care and why this is important to you.
  • Write about how vulnerability is keeping you scared. Then, write down an action step to overcome this fear.

40 Family & Relationships 

  • Write about how to build character in your children. 
  • Write about teaching children how to practice self-love. 
  • Write about strategies parents can use to instill healthy habits in their children.
  • Write about the secrets to balancing discipline and friendship as a parent
  • Write about the concept of soulmates, and why the idea is helpful or harmful in our society.
  • Write about how to find friends as an adult.
  • Write about the importance of having a support group.
  • Write about the dangers of toxic parenthood.
  • Write about the dangers of toxic relationships.
  • Write about the dangers of toxic friendships.
  • Write about the power of compassion in marriage.
  • Write about the importance of compromise in relationships.
  • Write about dealing with heartbreak and starting over.
  • Write about the idea of dating in the digital age.
  • Write about co-dependence and why its toxic.
  • Write about breaking up with a friend, and why it’s necessary sometimes.
  • Write about disciplining children in a positive way.
  • Write about instilling a positive mindset in the youth.
  • Write about developing your child’s uniqueness.
  • Write about the struggles in parenthood and how to stay sane.
  • Write about the beauty in parenthood and how to make it last, even when your children are being difficult. 
  • Write about sibling rivalry and how to cultivate a healthier sibling relationship.
  • Write about how to be a better parent.
  • Write about how to be a better daughter/son to an aging parent.
  • Write about how to be a better friend.
  • Write about dealing with the loss of a loved one.
  • Write about your journey to find love and what you’ve discovered along the way.
  • Write about developing healthy and nurturing relationships.
  • Write about the importance of self-confidence in finding love.
  • Write about the importance of self-esteem in developing healthy relationships.
  • Write about the importance of mindset on the search for love.
  • Write about the role self-awareness plays in being a better parent.
  • Write about the importance of communication in relationships.
  • Write about the red flags in a failing relationship, and how to save it before it’s too late.
  • Write about the idea of being single, and how to embrace it in a society that does not.
  • Write about the idea of finding the perfect partner, and how this perspective can affect our ability to find someone.
  • Write about falling in love, and how to keep the fire alive in a relationship.
  • Write about the importance of expectations in relationships.
  • Write about disagreements in friendships, and how to overcome and learn from them.
  • Write about different styles of parenting, and how to identify which type you are.

Fiction Creative Writing Prompts

Now it's time for the creative fun. Use these fiction creative writing prompts to explore new genres, practice your creative writing development using literary device examples , and get inspired to venture off into a new fiction story.

These fiction writing prompts are categorized based on genre, so you'll find topics for horror or thriller stories, romance writing prompts, historical fiction topics, Sci-Fi and fantasy prompts, and story starters.

While we provide the prompts, it's up to you to expand on your own ideas, create exciting plot twists, and fully develop your elements of setting and characters.

16 Horror/Thriller Prompts

  • Write about your last nightmare.
  • A couple is awoken at the witching hour (3 AM) by three forceful bangs at their front door. When they call aloud to see who's there, no one answers, but a demonic snarl can be heard from outside. 
  • Waking up from a slumber with eyes still closed, your character stretches their arms out, only to hit a cold body next to them. They live alone.  
  • You made a late night trip to the gas station, and it’s pouring down rain as you stand outside in the empty parking lot, holding the nozzle to pump gas. Suddenly, a hearse pulls up slowly next to your car, and when you glance over, all you can see is bright red eyes glaring at you from the driver’s seat. 
  • Your character just finished the night shift at work. As they walk through the empty parking lot towards their car, its eerily silent and they can’t help but feel like someone is watching them. The hairs on your character’s arms start to stand up, even though it’s a relatively warm night. Your character quickly jumps into their car, starts the engine, and begins to drive home. As they look up into the rearview mirror, a sinister, smiling face appears behind them.
  • Two kids venture off into the woods behind their neighborhood, scouting for a place to build their tree house. Before long, they see the streetlights of their neighborhood come on in the distance, which is a sign that it's time to head back home. As they gather their belongings to make the trek back home, they hear a twig snap behind them, and a guttural voice whisper, “You can’t leave yet – the fun’s only just begun.”  
  • Ten thousand dollars to own a 3 bedroom cabin? It was a once-in-a-lifetime deal, that you, as a new real estate investor, just couldn’t pass up. But in order to secure your purchase quickly, you had to skip the house tour. Now that the home was purchased by you, it was time to start the renovations. But first, you had to do an in-depth survey of the house to see exactly what work needed to be done. As you enter the creaky, old home, a rancid smell fills your nostrils and in the dark, dusty corner of the entryway, you notice a large, fat rat chewing boldly on a piece of bloody flesh.  
  • ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house. There was a creature stirring, but it wasn’t a mouse…Write about a holiday visitor who isn’t jolly or nice, and who brings gifts nobody would ever dare to ask for. 
  • A young family on vacation joins an excursion to a beautiful, remote beach. As they run into the ocean to splash around, they notice something dark lurks in the water, and it doesn’t look like a creature that belongs on Earth. 
  • Choose a scary story that you were told as a child, and add your own frightening twist. 
  • After a lifetime of waiting, your character has finally found the love of their life. But things turn sinister when one night, your character discovers that their new-found love must eat raw human flesh in order to stay alive.
  • Her mind was racing, but she knew she had to conceal her fear. As she turned to face him, she noticed his eyes. They were colorless, and taunted her without saying a word.  
  • They weren’t raised to believe in ghosts, ghouls, or demons, but the darkness that began to possess their once-loving father couldn’t be explained any other way. It all happened after he brought home the newest novelty for his antique collection: an 18th century wooden cross, said to belong to a woman that was tortured and hung for committing witchcraft. 
  • Vampires, werewolves, and witches. He knew they were the stuff of fiction, or at least, he thought he knew, until tonight.
  • It’s time to put your nine-year-old to bed. As you tuck the child in, pulling the blankets over her shoulders, you can’t help but notice the fear in her eyes. Concerned, you ask her what’s going on.  “She visits me every time I fall asleep. Can’t you make her stop?” she whispered in fear. When you probe your child for more details on who this woman is, and what she looks like, your blood turns to ice. She sounds exactly like the woman from the nightmares that plagued your own childhood.
  • It was love at first sight – for her, anyway. After years of being single, and sought after by all the eligible bachelors in town, everyone was surprised when Mr. Ezra came in, seemingly out of nowhere, to swoop her off her feet. He was tall, dark, and handsome, and everything she always dreamed of finding in a man. After a brief two weeks of dating, she announced that they had wed in secret. Not only that, but she would be leaving town with him, to start a new life. Little did they know that they would never see her again. Little did she know that the man of her dreams would soon become the man of her nightmares. And he was dead set on making her wish she’d never been born. 

15 Romance Creative Prompts

  • An exchange student goes to a foreign country to live for a year abroad, with high goals to learn the language and culture. Little does she know, she’s actually there to learn a lesson on love, from none other than a foreign classmate who has a strong distaste for outsiders like her.
  • Your character is widowed, left to raise two young children on his/her own. When it’s least expected, someone from the past comes back into their life. But things aren’t all that they seem, and falling in love again is the last thing on her to-do list.  
  • A restless man going through a midlife crisis. A free-spirited woman ready to embrace graceful aging. They butt heads often, but can’t seem to leave each other alone for good. Can they survive through something that threatens to tear them apart forever? 
  • They were childhood friends that hardly left their small hometown, and now they are distant strangers that live in two opposite parts of the world. When a tragedy calls them back home, they feel like they never left each other. How do they hold on to one another when they live two very separate lives?
  • It’s the day before their second marriage anniversary. As he’s making plans to celebrate, he gets a call from his doctor with news that will change their lives forever. 
  • Years of heartbreak and relationship failures have left her disillusioned with the idea of love. But one chance meeting with someone new makes her question her ideology forever. 
  • He’s a serial dater that enjoys the chase. She’s a serious achiever with a distaste for men like him. What happens when their two worlds collide? 
  • She’s carefully designed her life’s milestones, and is dead set on sticking to her plan. When she meets the man of her dreams and marries him after two years of maintaining a long distance relationship, she’s in for an earth-shattering awakening that not even she could prepare for. 
  • She’s a successful powerhouse business owner. He’s a humble trades worker who’s never been to college (and has no desire to ever do so). What started out as a temporary fling for fun has turned into a passionate love affair. But what happens when things settle down, and their everyday lives go on? 
  • As the caretaker of their ailing parent, who has no one else in the world to rely on, your character has put their life aspirations on hold to uphold their family duty. So what happens when love comes knocking on their door unexpectedly?
  • They were childhood sweethearts that grew up together, and have been inseparable ever since. Now that they have entered the next chapter as adults, their family and friends have urged them to get married. But the night before the wedding, the couple suddenly realizes that they are no longer in love. Where do they go from here?
  • Rich man, poor girl. It’s a story as old as time, but what happens when there’s a modern twist to it?
  • A young couple is ready to welcome their first child into the world, when a violent war suddenly ravages their town. The young man is forced away to defend his country, and the pregnant young woman is left to face the harsh winter alone. How can they keep their love alive? 
  • She’s never been in love, but she’s plagued by vivid memories and dreams of a man who seems so familiar, only she’s never met him. Could she have a lover from a past life that haunts her from another dimension?
  • Think of a famous love story that’s always intrigued you. It could be from history, or from your own experience. Now imagine a new ending for it, and write your own version of the story with a twist. 

10 Mystery Prompts

  • The crystal clear blue waters. The bright green foliage. The black sand beach. This would be the last thing she saw before she died, and no one would ever know. 
  • He went missing twelve years ago. He was just a boy, then. After years of searching for him to no avail, his parents – now in their old age – have succumbed to hopelessness and heartbreak. That is, until a visitor arrives on their doorstep in the pouring rain one stormy night. The visitor looks like their son, but something is very, very different…
  • Your character goes for an evening stroll every night after dinner. She passes by each of her neighbors homes down the quiet street, until she gets to a fork in the road and turns back around. Only tonight, she goes on her usual walk, and decides to take a left at the fork instead of turning around. What she discovers is sure to wake the sleepy small town from their slumber. 
  • A high profile lawyer on the hunt for justice, he’s adamant about defending his client, accused of committing a crime no mother could ever commit. Or can she? 
  • She’s an experienced detective with years under belt, solving the city’s most horrific crimes. As she digs deep on the trail of one of the most sinister serial killers she’s ever dealt with, she begins uncovering some details that brings the case too close to home. 
  • Research your favorite unexplained mystery, then re-write the story with your own twist and turn of events. 
  • Your character is on a mission to discover the truth about his/her birth parents, two people s/he has been shielded from ever knowing any details about. On a quest to self-discovery, your character learns the truth, and it can be summed up in three words: Murder, lust, and greed. Write about your character’s journey towards discovering where they came from, and the shocking truth they learn along the way. 
  • Today is your birthday. You wake up, ready to celebrate with your family and friends, but things get weird when you discover that the year you thought it was, doesn’t seem to be right.
  • You are house sitting for your best friend, who you’ve known your entire life. One quiet evening, you rummage through the library in search of a good book. Instead, you find a chest of photos that piques your interest. The chest is full of old photographs featuring your best friend, dressed in old attire and surrounded by people from long, long ago. 
  • While driving home in the pouring rain one night, you spot a young girl, dressed in all white, on the side of the deserted highway. You pull over to give her a ride home, but she doesn’t know who she is, why she’s here, or where’s she going.

11 Sci-Fi Creative Writing Prompts

  • Earth is dissolving, and it’s up to you to get all of the remaining human children to the new “home” for humans – a newly inhabited planet that mimics Earth’s environment. The issue? The planet is twice as small as Earth, which means there is only room for half of the children in the spacecraft you’ve been given. 
  • Your character is a scientist for NASA, and is on the edge of developing a cutting-edge breakthrough technology that will allow humans to be transported to space in half the time. The only problem is, the process ages humans twice as fast…
  • The sun burns too bright, causing people to go blind the moment they catch a glimpse of the sun’s rays. This means that humans have learned to avoid the sun, living out their days in protective pods to shield them from the sun. But now, there’s a plague that’s quickly spreading amongst the population, and there seems to be only one cure: a look at the sun. 
  • You live in a futuristic world, almost 300 years from present day. Technology has taken its toll on evolution, and the only way to communicate with other humans is through a digital screen. 
  • The world as we know it is over, and you’re the leader of this new era. Decide how you want to rule society, and what type of world you will create. 
  • Your character starts the day off like any other day. She wakes up, brushes her teeth, then walks into her closet to get dressed for work. Only today, she opens her closet door to find a wide-eyed woman standing there, dripping wet as if she has been rained on. She says her planet is at war, and she has been sent to bring you back home with her, for you are the only one with the power to save her people. 
  • Research one of Earth’s unknown mysteries or conspiracy theories. Now, re-write it through the lens of someone who knows all the answers, and has a powerful reason for keeping it all a secret…
  • Virtual reality meets the real world. You live in a society where there’s a fine line between who is actually a real person, and who is not. 
  • Your character is an expert researcher that’s been chosen to lead a submarine journey to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. Uninhabitable by humans, the team witnesses sea life that’s never before been seen by man. But things take a turn for the worst when they realize a massive creature has claimed a death grip on their submarine vessel. 
  • You’ve been given the task to create the perfect species, but in your effort to do so through multiple experiments, you’ve given life to an army of children who are far from perfect. 
  • You’re exiled to a new planet, and you can only take 3 people with you. Who do you take and why?

12 Fantasy Writing Prompts

  • An expert diver, your character takes a trip to a remote island to explore all the underwater sights he’s read all about in books and documentaries. When he takes a diving excursion to a cave known for its colorful color, exotic fish schools, and vivid sea foliage, he stumbles upon a secret cave door. What it leads to is a bustling seaworld that’s quite literally, straight out of a storybook.
  • A device has been invented that can solve any of mankind’s problems – big or small. The catch is, that along with a solution, comes an even bigger problem…
  • You wake up one day to discover that you have been transported to the world from your favorite book. But you quickly discover that things aren’t all that they seem…
  • You come from a long line of witches, dating back to the 12th century. But a modern day witch hunt is now in full effect, and to save your life, you must find a way to give up all of your powers. 
  • Your character suddenly finds themself in an alternate dimension, where everything is backwards. How can they make sense of this new world, to find their way back to the dimension they actually belong in? 
  • Think of your favorite superhuman. Now, imagine that they use their powers for evil. Write a story featuring the dark side of your superhuman’s character.
  • Every morning, your alarm sounds off at 6 a.m. Only this morning, instead of the usual beep beep beep to wake you, a voice comes over the alarm and announces, “Today is the day you will say goodbye to everyone.”
  • Time no longer exists, and the worlds of the past, present, and future have collided, meshing them all into one. Write a fantasy story about this new world that exists – and the pitfalls that come with not having any boundaries within time. 
  • Your character unexpectedly gives birth to a healthy baby boy. What’s strange is that your character was only pregnant for two weeks, and she didn’t even realize it. As the baby grows, she starts to notice that she has quite an extraordinary child on her hands, and she must protect him from those who know he exists.
  • A dream-like world where everything seems to go your character’s way. He’s happy, peaceful, and surrounded by those he loves. But one day, he discovers that this isn’t in fact the world that he belongs in…and those that really love him desperately need him to return.
  • You’re given the chance to build your own character taking five of the best traits from people you know. What traits do you take from whom?
  • Your memory is erased and you have to start learning from scratch. (You can still feed and clothe yourself.) What is the first thing you want to learn and why?

10 Historical Fiction Writing Prompts

  • Write about a specific folklore tale from your cultural background, but add a special twist. 
  • Imagine your modern-day character suddenly finds themself in the past. Not only that, but they are the neighbor to a famous historical figure. Write about a significant event in the historical figures life with a modern day twist. 
  • Your character is caught between love and war. A passionate crusader with a prominent position in a revolutionary war, they fall in love with someone across the enemy lines. Do they give up their fight in a cause they stand so strongly for, or say goodbye to the one person they would give up their life for?
  • Research a significant event from your favorite time period. Then, create a character who was there to witness it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Write a story from this character’s point of view, sharing how the event changed their lives forever. 
  • You’re given the opportunity to travel back and time to a significant moment in history. Write about where you go, what you see, and who you meet. 
  • Your character is a factory worked living in Victorian London
  • Think of a time period you would never wish to live in. Now, imagine you suddenly wake up living in that era. Write about your experience from the perspective of someone who is actually living the reality you have no wish to be part of. 
  • Write about a character that was born a slave, and is the mastermind behind a dangerous mission to lead others to freedom. 
  • Research a historical figure who is considered a real-life villain. Then, write a story from their lover, or spouse's perspective. 
  • Research the history of your favorite place (city, country, etc.), then write a story from the perspective of a character who witnessed how the place as you know it came to be. 

20 Sentence Starter Prompts

  • The unrelenting sun beat down on his forearms, and all he could think about was how cold he felt inside.
  • A sick feeling caused by strong alcohol on an empty stomach, mixed with unsettling anxiety, caused her to crouch over in discomfort. But she couldn’t stop now. 
  • The clock struck three, and it was as if the entire world turned upside down. 
  • Whoosh whoosh whoosh. The dryer violently spun the wet clothes around, and 
  • He wasn’t sure what the crying creature was, but he knew it couldn’t be human.  
  • He stared at her, staring at him. And in the blink of an eye, an insatiable fury seemed to paint the sky blood red. 
  • The spacecraft zinged through the blackened bubble, and as she looked outside the window, she couldn’t help but feel the gravity of her eternal loneliness. 
  • No one knew him more than she did, but there were things she simply could not look past. 
  • This place was home – it always had been, so why did it feel so strange? 
  • The tapping of the keyboard was all she could hear in the empty office, and the room seemed to start spinning around her. 
  • A fast heartbeat, thumping uncontrollably inside his chest, was all he could to react; after all, this was the greatest moment of his life. 
  • “This is your moment, and you can either rise to the occasion, or crumble to your shortcomings,” the speaker said over the intercom. 
  • They were the only ones who knew the truth, and try as they might, they couldn’t forget that fateful day, even when they desperately wanted to. 
  • Despite the enchantment, her intuition gnawed at her core, warning her that this was a very, very bad idea.
  • Today is the day you realize your entire life is going to change forever because…
  • As soon as the words came out of her mouth, her eyes widened in horror; how could she have let herself say such a thing? 
  • The storm raged on outside the window, and the world in all its chaos was truly coming to an end, just like they had warned. 
  • The sun looked blood orange as it lifted off the horizon, and she knew the time had come. 
  • “Your heart belongs to me,” said the stranger in a hushed, yet familiar tone. 
  • Ding dong. He ran to get the door, and when he looked through the eyehole, as was his habit before unlocking it, he couldn’t believe his eyes. 

Once you've had your fun with these writing prompts, it's time to get started with your new book idea and start writing your book, so that you can move on to self-publishing your book and sharing it with the world.

There is a world of readers waiting for your story. It's time to start writing.

Whether you used these creative writing prompts to help brainstorm what to write about, or fight writer's block, it's time to actually sit down, grab your pen or keyboard, and get to writing a captivating story.

Didn't find what you were looking for with these prompts? Don't worry – we are constantly updating this list with new writing prompts for our readers.

Which type of writing prompts would you like to see more of?

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Exploring Different Genres: A Guide to Creative Writing

  • backlinkworks
  • Writing Articles & Reviews
  • November 11, 2023

creative writing about genres

Creative writing is a diverse and exciting field that encompasses a wide range of genres and styles. Whether you’re interested in writing fiction, poetry, drama, or non-fiction, there’s a genre out there for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the different genres of creative writing and provide tips and advice for aspiring writers.

Fiction is perhaps the most popular and well-known genre of creative writing . IT includes novels, short stories, and flash fiction. Fiction writers have the freedom to create their own worlds and characters, and to explore a wide range of themes and topics. Some popular examples of fiction writers include J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Poetry is a genre that uses language in a rhythmic and expressive way to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery. Poets often use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to convey their feelings and experiences. Some well-known poets include Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Emily Dickinson.

Drama is a genre that focuses on the writing of plays and scripts. IT allows writers to explore complex characters and themes through dialogue and action. Playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller have made significant contributions to the genre of drama.

Non-Fiction

Non-fiction is a genre that encompasses a wide range of writing , including memoirs, biographies, essays, and journalism. Non-fiction writers often draw on personal experiences or research to convey information and tell true stories. Some popular non-fiction authors include Michelle Obama, David Sedaris, and Jon Krakauer.

Tips for Exploring Different Genres

Aspiring writers who want to explore different genres should keep the following tips in mind:

  • Read widely in the genre you’re interested in. This will help you understand the conventions and techniques used by other writers in that genre.
  • Practice writing in different genres to develop your skills and find your voice as a writer.
  • Seek feedback from peers and mentors to improve your writing and gain valuable insights into the genre you’re exploring.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks with your writing . The best writing often comes from pushing boundaries and trying new things.

Creative writing is a rich and rewarding pursuit that offers endless opportunities for exploration and self-expression. By exploring different genres, writers can expand their skills and find new ways to tell stories and connect with readers. Whether you’re drawn to fiction, poetry, drama, or non-fiction, there’s a genre out there for you to explore and master.

Q: How do I know which genre is right for me?

A: The best way to determine which genre is right for you is to experiment with different styles of writing and see which one feels most natural and fulfilling. Pay attention to the types of stories and themes that resonate with you, and consider seeking guidance from writing mentors or workshops.

Q: Can I write in multiple genres?

A: Absolutely! Many writers find fulfillment in exploring multiple genres and styles of writing . Some authors even cross genres and blend elements of fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction in their work.

Q: How can I improve my skills in a specific genre?

A: Improving your skills in a specific genre requires dedicated practice, study, and feedback. Consider taking writing workshops or classes focused on the genre you’re interested in, and seek out opportunities to connect with other writers and receive constructive criticism on your work.

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What are the Genres of Creative Writing?

creative writing about genres

The Black Bear Review boasts about accepting work in all four literary genres, but what does that mean? In simplest terms, genres are used to organize, categorize, and classify literature. The four primary genres of creative writing are fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and drama.

Fiction:  The fiction genre includes all works conceived primarily out of the writer’s imagination. Although fiction may include some elements of reality (names of real-life towns or natural phenomena), it relies on make-believe events to drive plots that often parallel, rather than recite, real-life circumstances. Some examples of fiction form are the novel, short story, or novella.

Creative Non-Fiction:  Writers of creative non-fiction develop stories based on true to life events but often infuse their own personal views and experiences in their work. Creative non-fiction pieces go beyond fact to appeal to readers through story, experience, and imagery. Some examples of creative non-fiction forms are personal essays, book reviews, memoirs, interviews, and cultural criticisms.

Poetry:  Poetry includes writing meant to be heard out loud as well as read on the page. Although poetry can take many forms, its foundation is built on a balance of rhythm, imagery, metaphor, and other techniques used to communicate abstract ideas to readers. Poems may be structured (haikus, and sonnets), unstructured (free verse), or even appear to read as a narrative (prose poems).

Drama:  The genre of drama can include both the fictitious and the fact. In a drama, the story is primarily conveyed through dialogue between characters. It may reference sound and movement, but much is left to reader’s imaginations. Drama includes movie scripts, ten-minute plays, screenplays, and written stage productions.

* Much of the information in this article has been taken from “Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft” by Janet Burroway and “Write Moves” by Nancy Pagh. We recommend looking into these books for yourself. They’re excellent resources to add to any writer’s toolbox!

creative writing about genres

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WriterWiki

19 Popular Creative Writing Genres with Examples

Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Dive into the diverse universe of creative writing, where the mind dances with words and ideas, forming a tapestry of tales. From the playful poems of Oxford to the mystic memoirs echoing the halls of the University of Northern Iowa , each stroke of the pen (or press of the key) adds a hue to the narrative of human experience. But where does one begin on this path of storytelling? The answer lies in exploring the genres with unique flavor and essence. Ready to journey through the genres and find your narrative niche?

Short Fiction

Short Fiction is like a quick, refreshing dive into a narrative pool. It’s brief yet leaves ripples in the reader’s mind. From compelling novelettes to succinct short stories , this genre is about telling a captivating tale with a tight word leash.

Characteristics:

  • Brevity : Short fiction is all about telling more in less. It’s the art of narrative economy.
  • Complete Story : Despite the brevity, the whole story unfolds with a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Character Arc : A succinct but clear character arc is often a hallmark.

Notable Examples:

  • ‘A&P’ by John Updike : A snapshot of youthful rebellion.
  • ‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson : A chilling tale that holds a mirror to society.
“The short story is the art of the glimpse” – William Trevor

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)

Sci-fi is the canvas where imagination meets science. It’s about venturing into realms unbound by earthly laws, where the narrative is often driven by scientific or technological innovations.

Sub-genres:

  • Cyberpunk : Envisioning a high-tech, dystopian future.
  • Space Opera : Grand tales set against the cosmic backdrop.
  • Time Travel : Traversing the rivers of time, exploring ‘what if’ scenarios.
  • ‘The War of the Worlds’ by H.G. Wells : An early epitome of alien invasion narrative.
  • ‘Neuromancer’ by William Gibson : A seminal cyberpunk narrative.
“Science fiction is the most important literature in the history of the world, because it’s the history of ideas, the history of our civilization birthing itself.”  – Ray Bradbury

Action Adventure

The heart-thumping, adrenaline-fueled narrative realm where heroes rise, villains fall, and every page is a battlefield or a chase against time.

  • Heroic Protagonist : A daring hero often drives the narrative.
  • High Stakes : The stakes are monumental, often a matter of life and death or the fate of the world.
  • ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer : A quintessential adventure of heroism and homecoming.
  • ‘ Treasure Island’ by Robert Louis Stevenson : A timeless tale of pirates and treasure hunts.
“Adventure must start with running away from home”  – William Bolitho

Drama, the mirror to human emotions and societal norms, is a genre where dialogues and character interactions drive the narrative against a backdrop of conflict.

  • Tragedy : Where heroes fall due to their own flaws, like in the tales of Euripides.
  • Comedy : The lighter side of drama, often with a happy resolution.
  • ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare : A tragic tale of revenge and existential dilemma.
  • ‘ Pride and Prejudice ’ by Jane Austen : A comedic drama portraying love and societal expectations.
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.”  – Alfred Hitchcock

Mystery is the genre of the unknown, the unsolved, where every clue is a step towards unveiling the truth, and every red herring, a detour.

  • Detective Mystery : The sleuthing journey to resolve a crime.
  • Cozy Mystery : A lighter, often humorous take on the mystery genre.
  • ‘Sherlock Holmes’ series by Arthur Conan Doyle : The epitome of detective mystery.
  • ‘Agatha Raisin’ series by M.C. Beaton : A delightful series of cozy mysteries.
“The mystery story is two stories in one: the story of what happened and the story of what appeared to happen.” – Mary Roberts Rinehart

Thriller/Suspense

Thriller is the literary roller-coaster. It’s about the rush, the chase, and the narrow escapes from the jaws of peril.

  • High Tension : Thrillers maintain a high-wire tension throughout the narrative.
  • Unexpected Twists : The plot is laden with unforeseen turns, keeping readers on the edge.
  • ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ by Stieg Larsson : A modern-day thriller intertwined with mystery and drama.
  • ‘The Bourne Identity’ by Robert Ludlum : A thrilling chase of identity and conspiracy.
“The thriller is the most popular literary genre of the 20th century.”  – Ken Follett

Ah, Romance, the genre that explores the many shades of love, with narratives often leading to a heartwarming union. It’s where hearts flutter, part, and reunite in a love story that stands the test of time.

  • Historical Romance : Love blooming in the backdrop of historical settings.
  • Comedic Romance : Love with a touch of humor, breaking the ice and warming the heart.
  • ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë : A classic tale of love overcoming adversities.
  • ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen : A delightful dance of wit and romantic interest.
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”  – Robert Frost

Young Adult Fiction

Young Adult Fiction , a genre resonating with the vibrancy and uncertainties of youth. It’s where adolescence meets adulthood, paving the path of self-discovery amidst the societal and self-imposed expectations.

  • Fantasy YA : Where young adults navigate through magical realms.
  • Dystopian YA : The narrative of young rebellion in dystopian settings.
  • ‘Harry Potter’ series by J.K. Rowling : A magical journey of friendship, courage, and self-discovery.
  • ‘The Hunger Games’ series by Suzanne Collins : A stark narrative of survival and rebellion.

“Young adult fiction is a genre that has captured the hearts of readers of all ages.”  – Unknown

Ghost/Horror/Paranormal

Step into the eerie unknown, where each page might send a chill down the spine. This genre explores the supernatural, the fears lurking in the dark corners of the mind.

  • Supernatural Elements : Ghosts, spirits, and other paranormal entities drive the narrative.
  • Psychological Horror : It’s not just about the external ghosts but the internal demons too.
  • ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ by Shirley Jackson : A chilling narrative that dances on the edge of reality and supernatural.
  • ‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker : A timeless tale of horror and the fight against the unearthly.
“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.”  – Stephen King

Speculative Fiction

Speculative Fiction is the canvas of ‘what if’, exploring narratives unbound by the conventional reality, often branching into various sub-genres like sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian.

  • Alternate Realities : Creating worlds different from the known reality.
  • Innovative Concepts : Often presents novel ideas and perspectives.
  • ‘Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley : An exploration of a dystopian future.
  • ‘1984’ by George Orwell : A chilling narrative of surveillance and totalitarianism.
“Speculative fiction is the literature of change and discovery.”  – Orson Scott Card

Fantasy, the genre where magic breathes and myths come alive. It’s a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, leading to narratives filled with adventure and wonder.

  • Magical Elements : Magic is an integral part of the narrative.
  • Mythical Creatures : The presence of beings from folklore and mythology.
  • ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien : An epic saga of good versus evil in a mythical land.
  • ‘Harry Potter’ series by J.K. Rowling : A tale of magic, friendship, and courage.
“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.”  – Lloyd Alexander

Children’s Fiction

Children’s fiction is the nurturing ground for young minds, where each story is a blend of fun, lessons, and imagination. It’s where kids meet characters and scenarios that stay with them as they grow.

  • Picture Books : Visual narratives for the young minds.
  • Middle-Grade Fiction : Stories for the slightly older kids, often filled with adventure and lessons.
  • ‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White : A heartwarming tale of friendship and loss.
  • ‘The Gruffalo’ by Julia Donaldson : A delightful tale filled with humor and cleverness.
“Children’s fiction is the bedrock on which we build our reading lives.”  – Unknown

Memoir, Biography, and Autobiography

This genre is a reflection of real-life stories, a narrative mirror held up to the lives of individuals, showcasing the spectrum of human experience.

  • Memoirs : Personal narratives focusing on specific experiences or periods in one’s life.
  • Biography : The life story of a person as told by someone else.
  • Autobiography : The writer’s own life story, often from birth to the present day.
  • ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank : A poignant memoir of a life amidst war.
  • ‘Steve Jobs’ by Walter Isaacson : A biography illuminating the life of the tech maestro.
“Memoir isn’t the summary of a life; it’s a window into a life.”  – William Zinsser

New Adult Fiction

New Adult Fiction navigates the turbulent waters of early adulthood, exploring love, career, and self-discovery. It’s where the cocoon of adolescence unravels, revealing the challenges and charms of adult life.

  • Emotional Exploration : Delving into the emotional and personal growth of the characters.
  • Realistic Challenges : Facing real-world problems and learning to overcome them.
  • ‘Beautiful Disaster’ by Jamie McGuire : A narrative exploring the tumultuous journey of love and self-discovery.
  • ‘Easy’ by Tammara Webber : A poignant tale of overcoming personal tragedies and finding love.
“New Adult Fiction is the bridge between adolescence and adulthood, narrated with a fresh voice.”  – Unknown

Novellas are the middle ground of narrative length, offering a canvas large enough for character development while retaining the charm of brevity.

  • Concise Narratives : A story told with precision, sans the extensive subplots.
  • Focused Themes : Centered around a specific theme or message.
  • ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad : A novella exploring the darkness within human souls.
  • ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck : A narrative encapsulating the themes of friendship and dreams.
“The novella is the stepchild of literary genres, too long for a short story and too short for a novel.”  – Ian McEwan

Poetry is the garden where emotions bloom into verses. It’s a realm where every metaphor is a leaf, every rhyme, a blossom, and every stanza, a tree of expression.

  • Sonnet : A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.
  • Haiku : A 3-line poem with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5.
  • ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas : A sonnet exploring the theme of death.
  • Various Haikus by Matsuo Basho : Delicate snippets capturing the essence of nature.
“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”  – Robert Frost

Historical genre is a time machine crafted with words, transporting readers to bygone eras, making history come alive through fictitious narratives.

  • Historical Accuracy : Incorporation of factual historical elements.
  • Period-Specific Dialogue and Settings : Reflecting the essence of the era being portrayed.
  • ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr : A tale set against the backdrop of World War II.
  • ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak : A narrative intertwined with historical events.
“Historical fiction is the closest thing we have to a time machine.”  – Unknown

Family Saga

Family Saga is the narrative orchard where the seeds of past actions bear fruits for future generations. It’s a genre exploring the intertwining branches of familial bonds, legacies, and secrets over generations.

  • Multi-Generational Narratives : Stories spanning across several generations.
  • Character Complexity : The complexity of relationships and individual character arcs.
  • ‘The Thorn Birds’ by Colleen McCullough : A saga spanning across three generations of a family.
  • ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez : A magical realist saga of the Buendía family.
“In family sagas, the past casts a long shadow over the present, each generation a ring in a mighty tree.”  – Unknown

Literary Fiction

Literary Fiction is the genre of introspection, where the narrative dives deep into the human psyche, exploring the complex tapestry of emotions, relationships, and societal norms.

  • Exploration of Human Condition : Delving deep into the emotional and existential realms.
  • Stylistic Narrative : Often characterized by a unique or experimental narrative style.
  • ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee : A narrative exploring racial injustice and moral growth.
  • ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald : A tale reflecting the American dream and its disillusionment.
“Literary fiction explores the many layers of the human condition, narrated with an artistry that echoes the complexity of life.”  – Unknown

Creative Nonfiction

Creative Nonfiction is where reality meets narrative artistry. It’s about painting the canvas of facts with the colors of personal storytelling and reflective insight.

  • Personal Essay : Expressive essays reflecting personal experiences or views.
  • Narrative Nonfiction : Factual stories told with a narrative flair.
  • ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote : A groundbreaking narrative nonfiction exploring a real-life crime.
  • ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert : A personal essay exploring the author’s journey of self-discovery.
“Creative nonfiction is not making something up but making the most of what you have.”  – John McPhee

Final Words

We hope this blog has helped you in understanding how different genres work and what makes them different from each other. While some of the genres mentioned above may not appeal to everyone, others have been successful time and again in capturing readers’ attention. What works for one person might not work for another but the key here is being sure about what kind of writing style suits you best before diving into the world of storytelling!

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The Different Writing Genres Creative Writers Need to Know About

9 minutes reading time

Books sitting sideways.

  • 01. Types of Creative Writing
  • 02. The Different Genres and Settings in Creative Writing

When it comes to creative writing, there's nothing worse than writer's block. You might want to start writing a story or some poetry, but nothing comes to mind.

Fortunately, with so many different types of creative writing out there and so many genres to explore, there's nothing better for getting those creative juices flowing than exploring different kinds of writing.

To give you some ideas, here are just some of the different types of creative writing you can do and some of the more popular genres that you may be interested in exploring.

Davayne

Types of Creative Writing

This list of types of creative writing certainly isn't exhaustive so it might help to know what kinds of writing we wouldn't usually consider creative writing.

Technical writing, academic writing, journalism, business writing, legal writing, and instructional writing shouldn't be thought of as creative writing. This isn't to say that these don't require creativity or good writing.

Creative writing usually includes types of writing that exist mainly because the writer wanted it to exist. They're typically products of a writer or artist's self-expression.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of works that we could class as creative writing to give you a better idea.

Fiction: Imagined Creative Writing

Fiction is probably the first type of creative writing that many people will think of. Fiction tends to include stories with a narrative. Within fiction and many other types of creative writing, there are several genres you could explore, but we'll get to them later on in the article.

Fiction works are among the most popular and if you think of a famous writer, especially famous contemporary writers, you'll likely be thinking of a novelist.

However, even within fiction, there are a few different types of content that a writer could produce.

The novel is probably the most common and famous type of fiction. Novels are usually classified by length and you'll see the other types of fiction also refer to the length of the work.

Novels on a bookstore shelf.

Novels include long and complex prose rather than explaining the narrative through poetry or another style of writing.

A novel is typically between 40,000 and 100,000 words but that doesn't mean novels can't be longer or shorter than this.

Short Story

A short story is fairly self-explanatory given its name. For writers, short stories offer a good way to practice writing without committing to the length of writing required for a novel.

This isn't to say that writing short stories is just for practice. There are many great writers whose body of work includes short stories as they offer opportunities to write more focused narratives.

Flash Fiction

Flash fiction is shorter than both novels and short stories. Flash fiction focuses on telling a story within a small number of words (usually less than 1,000).

This doesn't mean that the story is unfinished. Within this restrictive word count, a writer can experiment with different writing styles, structures, or genres.

Flash fiction would be shorter than this article. Just imagine trying to tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Some of the best advice for writers is to try out writing short stories and flash fiction as they offer opportunities to write without committing to the hefty word counts required to write a novel.

Poetry: Aesthetic and Rhythmic Creative Writing

The examples of fiction that we've just seen are all written in prose. Generally, prose refers to writing in sentences, paragraphs, and chapters.

Poetry is different because the words fit within a structure . Poetry can be written in lines and stanzas much like song lyrics.

Certain types of poetry have structural forms like rhythm and meter. Meter in poetry is how syllables are stressed, making poetry far more musical.

Poetry can also include rhyme. This isn't to say that all poetry has to rhyme, but there are certain kinds of poetry where a rhyme scheme is essential.

The poetry section in a bookstore.

Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is probably the kind of poetry that a lot of us imagine. This is poetry that's written in verses, follows a rhyme scheme and a meter, and uses lots of vivid language.

Lyric poetry tends to be short, too, and gets its message across through lots of different devices like alliteration, onomatopoeia, and rhyme.

Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is used to tell a story. Historically, poetry was a popular form of telling stories. Epic poems like Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" are popular examples of narrative poetry. Epic poems are to poetry as novels are to prose.

Narrative poetry can also include ballads, which tell a story rhythmically and were likely set to music initially. The term ballad is also used in music for certain types of songs.

A haiku is another popular type of poetry that famously uses the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. There are more features to haikus than just the syllable structure, though.

A haiku often includes a reference to the season, known as a “kigo”. The “kireji” or a cutting word to create a pause or add emphasis and it's very common for haikus to mention nature and the seasons.

This isn't to say that these conventions can't be broken, but you might find that imposing restrictions is a great way to boost your creativity when writing.

Drama: Creative Writing to be Performed

Drama can refer to a type of creative writing and also a genre within creative writing. In this instance, we're referring to creative writing for the performing arts like stage, TV, or cinema.

A play is a scripted performance for the stage. A written play will include the script with the dialog, stage directions, and other instructions for the performers.

While often talked about and studied as books, many of William Shakespeare's works were plays and written to be performed on stage.

A screenplay is a written document used in film or television. While the script will include mostly dialogue and instructions for actors, the screenplay will include scene descriptions, action lines, character dialogue, characters and their introductions, transitions, and sluglines.

Every TV show or movie you watch will have started out as a screenplay.

Nonfiction: Creative Writing That Really Happened

Not every literary work needs to be fictional and there are ways to write literature while covering real events and people. Here are just a couple of the kinds of nonfiction writing you could do.

A memoir is a biographical piece of writing that is usually written about the author by the author. However, it's increasingly common, especially with celebrities, to have their memoirs and books ghost-written by an author.

Memoirs will tell somebody's personal story while also adding emotional events and personal perspectives.

Arguably, the most famous memoir or non-fiction is "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, commonly referred to as Anne Frank's Diary .

Personal Essay

Personal essays can include anecdotes and be written from a more intimate perspective than an academic essay. Either way, you should learn how to create an essay outline before starting any essay as planning is an essential part of every kind of creative writing.

Unlike writing an essay at school or college, a personal essay is a form of creative expression where the writer can provide a subjective perspective on certain topics and ideas.

Famous writers like George Orwell and Virginia Woolf wrote personal essays exploring themes like writing and literature.

The Different Genres and Settings in Creative Writing

Once you've chosen the kind of creative writing, you need to think about what genre your literary work will have. For this article, we're classifying genre as the setting, themes, and narrative devices within one of the types of creative writing we've mentioned earlier.

Generally, fictional and dramatic works will have a fairly obvious genre, but you could also apply one of these genres to your poetry. When getting started with creative writing , the genre, target audience, and type of creative writing are all hugely important considerations to make before you get started.

A bookshelf in a library full of books.

Fantasy: Creative Writing with Wizards, Monsters, and Magical Worlds

The fantasy genre includes magical elements, mythical creatures, and even fictional worlds and universes.

There are many subgenres within the fantasy genre, but there are two main ones that we'd like to highlight here.

High Fantasy

High fantasy generally takes place in fully fictional worlds that exist outside of our own or in parallel to it.

Famous examples of high fantasy include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien including The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit as well as George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire which was famously adapted into the Game of Thrones TV series.

Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that features all the magical elements of fantasy while taking place within our world.

You could include the Harry Potter series in this genre.

Science Fiction (Sci-Fi): Creative Writing About What Might Happen to Us

The science fiction genre tends to cover theoretical narratives with technological advances beyond what we know today.

Hard Science Fiction

Hard science fiction focuses on grounding the narrative in a realistic and believable setting by building worlds that could exist given our current understanding of science.

A lot of the best tools for writers feel like they're out of a science-fiction novel, especially now that there are writing tools built using AI and advanced computing!

Famous hard science fiction books include "The Martian" by Andy Weir and "Rendezvous with Rama" by Arthur C. Clarke but there are obviously many more.

A view of the Space X rocket launch.

Space Opera

The space opera genre is a sci-fi subgenre that's more adventurous and fanciful and often imagines events and technologies far beyond our current technologies.

Novels like Frank Herbert's "Dune" are a fine example of a space opera. You could also include "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, which was originally a radio play, then a novel, then a movie, and breaks with a lot of space opera conventions by being comedic.

Mystery/Thriller: The Gripping Genre that Plays with Your Mind

While there's a lot of overlap between mysteries and thrillers. A mystery could be said to focus on solving a crime or mystery whereas a thriller is more about high emotional stakes.

Most works in these genres will share a lot of qualities, though.

Horror: Terrifying Creative Writing

Horror is the genre focusing on the emotion of fear. Supernatural horror terrifies readers by including things like ghosts, vampires, and supernatural beings.

Psychological horror evokes fear in the reader without the use of overtly terrifying elements like monsters or violence.

Romance: Creative Writing for the Heart

Most literary genres are based around a core emotion and the romance genre naturally leans towards love and relationships.

Romance can take place in historical settings by romanticizing the past or tell contemporary stories of relationships.

The boundaries between genres are often quite blurry and your writing can include elements from multiple genres!

Learn More About Creative Writing with Superprof

With so many different types of creative writing and so many genres to explore, you might be feeling a bit lost.

Don't worry! There are plenty of great creative writing tutors on Superprof that can help you improve your writing or even help you with creative writing classes at school.

With many offering the first session for free, there's no reason why you can't try a few different options out before picking the right one for you and your favorite genres.

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating.

creative writing about genres

Joseph is a French and Spanish to English translator, copywriter, and all-round language enthusiast.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular literary genres.

The most popular genres tend to change over time, but in 2024, the most popular literary genres include romance, mystery, thriller, horror, and fantasy.

How many genres are there?

It’s impossible to say. There are so many genres and subgenres that we’ll never all be able to agree on how many there are. However, some classifications include 5: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and prose.

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Genres of Writing: Definition, Examples, and 12 Types

What is the definition of Genre? 

Genre is a label that tells audience members what to expect from our stories.

It is a clear framework to catalog all stories and helps writers give audience members what they are hoping for—and more. The genres of writing choices are the most important ones we need to make.

When people use the term genre, they often refer to different story elements at different times. They might mean the content of the story, the medium through which the story is presented, or even its sales category.

Without clear definitions, these labels don’t help us deliver what readers want when they choose to read, watch, or listen to a particular story .

In the Story Grid Universe, we break genre into five clear categories to help us identify, meet, and innovate story requirements. Understanding genre helps us delight audiences by meeting their expectations in unexpected ways.

Four Core Framework

Download Our In-depth Guide to Genre

This 99-page book written by Story Grid founder Shawn Coyne, walks you step-by-step through each of the twelve genres and what you need in your story to make it work.

Genre Categories: Introducing the Story Grid Genre 5-Leaf Clover

The Story Grid Genre 5-Leaf Clover is the tool we use to define the genres of writing in our stories. Each of the five leaves helps us determine a different element of a story’s experience. It helps to think of the five categories visually, so we present them as a five-leaf clover. 

Genres of Writing: Definition, Examples, and Reader Expectations

The goal of the Genre Five-Leaf Clover is to help us think about how each element or leaf comes together to form the global story. We can check our stories to make sure we are using the best combination possible to deliver a satisfying story experience.

By defining the specific genres and their conventions, we can start to look for each element within masterworks and study to understand ways of meeting these expectations within our own stories.

1. What is the Time Genre?

The TIME GENRE indicates how the reader experiences the time it takes to go from the beginning to the end of our stories. It answers how long the story will take to consume.

There are three categories of the Time Genre our stories can fall into: Short, Medium, and Long form.

Read more about the Time Genre .

2. What is the Structure Genre?

The STRUCTURE GENRE indicates to our reader who or what the change of the story will affect. It addresses whether the change will occur for a single AVATAR or throughout the whole system or context.

There are three categories of the Structure Genre our stories can fall into: Archplot, Miniplot, and Antiplot.

Read more about the Structure Genre .

3. What is the Style Genre?

The STYLE GENRE sets the tone for what the audience will experience during the story. It puts constraints on what we include in the story to keep a consistent feel so the audience does not get confused.

This genre leaf is divided into two broad categories and several mediums. The broad categories are Drama and Comedy. The mediums include Documentary, Musical, Dance, Literary, Theatrical, Cinematic, Epistolary, and Animation.

Read more about the Style Genre .

4. What is the Reality Genre?

The REALITY GENRE constrains the way the ALTERNATE WORLD of our story operates by establishing codes, laws, and norms. It dictates how much readers must suspend disbelief when building the worlds of our stories in their minds.

There are four categories of the Reality Genre our stories can fall into: Absurdism, Factualism, Realism, and Fantasy.

Read more about the Reality Genre .

5. What is the Content Genre?

The CONTENT GENRE defines what is contained in a story and specifically determines the need and VALUE at stake. It sets expectations for the reader using the FOUR CORE FRAMEWORK , CONVENTIONS , and OBLIGATORY MOMENTS . The Content Genre is divided into two sections: external and internal. 

The external content genres of writing are: 

Action Genre

An external story in the Action genre focuses on the protagonist’s sacrifice for positive movement along the death / life   VALUE spectrum while generating feelings of excitement in the reader. 

In Action stories, readers see the lengths the protagonist will go to protect themselves and/or other potential victims.

Read our in-depth article on the Action Genre .

An external story in the War genre focuses on the self-actualization of the protagonist through the expression of the gifts of love and self-sacrifice. Each AVATAR can act heroically by defending fellow warriors honorably in the face of horrific pain and loss.

Read our in-depth article on the War Genre .

Horror Genre

An external story in the Horror genre focuses on the ability of a protagonist to self-actualize through the expression of the gift of courage and selflessness in the face of fear. The Horror genre pits a single victim (even though there may be multiple AVATARS) against impossible odds and a supernatural, scientifically explainable or ambiguous monster possessed by evil and intent on annihilation.

Read our in-depth article on the Horror Genre.

Crime Genre

An external story in the Crime genre focuses on the Justice / Injustice spectrum while generating feelings in the reader of intrigue (solving the puzzle) and security or personal safety when the perpetrator is exposed.

Read our in-depth article on the Crime Genre .

Thriller Genre

An external story in the Thriller genre focuses on the protagonist’s need for safety. This leads the reader to identify with the protagonist, who seeks to defeat an antagonist that personifies evil. 

Thriller stories blend elements of three other genres as the powerful individual protagonist from the  ACTION  genre faces the embodiment of evil (the monster) from the  HORROR  genre in a story about unmasking an antagonist who has committed a crime against society, as in the  CRIME  genre. The protagonist ends up as a victim and faces damnation if they fail to identify and defeat the villain.

Read our in-depth article on the Thriller Genre .

Western/Eastern Genre

An external story in the Western or Eastern genres focuses on the conflict between the individual and society. It turns on the  subjugation / freedom  spectrum while generating feelings of intrigue in the reader.

Read our in-depth article on the Western/Eastern Genre .

An external story in the Love genre focuses on the need for connection in a variety of forms, including desire, commitment, and intimacy, allowing readers to identify with the lovers as protagonists and respond to the fulfillment of the couple’s fate on the hate-love spectrum with a feeling of romance.

Read our in-depth article on the Love Genre .

Performance Genre

An external story in the Performance genre focuses on the outward expression of the protagonist’s internal gifts and need for approval. It turns on the  shame / respect spectrum while generating feelings of triumph in the reader.

Read our in-depth article on the Performance Genre .

Society Genre

An external story in the Society genre focuses the protagonist’s need for recognition in a disenfranchised group. It turns on the impotence / power spectrum while generating feelings of triumph or righteous indignation depending on whether the Revolution succeeds or fails.

Read our in-depth article on the Society Genre .

The internal content genres of writing are:

An internal story in the Status genre focuses on the protagonist’s need for respect. These stories turn on the failure / success spectrum while generating feelings of admiration or pity in the reader, depending on the outcome.

Read our in-depth article on the Status Genre .

An internal story in the Morality genre focuses on the choice to act on behalf of ourselves or others and the consequences of that choice. It turns on the  selfishness / altruism  spectrum while providing feelings in the reader of satisfaction or contempt.

Read our in-depth article on the Morality Genre .

An internal story, Worldview genres focus on the lens through which we view the world and the consequences of those lens choices. It turns on the  naivete/sophistication  spectrum, while providing readers with feelings of relief at the protagonist’s emerging whole from a threat to their internal status quo, or pity for a less fortunate avatar.

Read our in-depth article on the Worldview Genre .

Additional Resources for Genres of Writing:

  • Story Grid 101: The First Five Principles of the Story Grid Methodology by Shawn Coyne
  • The Four Core Framework: Needs, Life Values, Emotions and Events in Storytelling by Shawn Coyne

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A Look Into Creative Writing | Oxford Summer Courses

Exploring the magic of creative writing with oxford summer courses.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive helpful tips, tutorials, and thought-provoking articles that can inform and inspire your professional development. Sign up here .

Defining Creative Writing

Creative writing , as taught at Oxford Summer Courses, is the process of crafting original and imaginative works of literature, poetry, prose, or scripts. It transcends conventional writing, encouraging individuals to explore language, structure, and narrative. Whether it's a heartfelt poem, a captivating short story, or a thought-provoking novel, creative writing allows us to communicate our unique perspectives and experiences with the world.

The Magic of Imagination

Creative Writing is a catalyst that sparks our creativity and empowers us to breathe life into our ideas on the page. With Oxford Summer Courses, aspiring writers aged 16-24 can embark on an extraordinary journey of creative expression and growth. Immerse yourself in the captivating realms of Oxford and Cambridge as you explore our inspiring creative writing programs. Teleport readers to distant lands, realms of fantasy and creation, introduce them to captivating characters, and craft new worlds through the transformative art of storytelling. Discover more about our creative writing course here . Unleash your imagination and unlock the writer within.

What Are the Different Types of Creative Writing?

Creative Writing comes in many forms, encompassing a range of genres and styles. There are lots of different types of Creative Writing, which can be categorised as fiction or non-fiction. Some of the most popular being:

  • Biographies
  • Fiction: novels, novellas, short stories, etc.
  • Poetry and Spoken word
  • Playwriting/Scriptwriting
  • Personal essays

At Oxford Summer Courses, students have the opportunity to delve into these various types of Creative Writing during the Summer School.

The Benefits of Creative Writing with Oxford Summer Courses

Engaging in Creative Writing with Oxford Summer Courses offers numerous benefits beyond self-expression. By joining our dedicated Creative Writing summer school programme, you would:

  • Foster self-discovery and gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences.
  • Improve your communication skills, honing your ability to express yourself effectively and engage readers through refined language and storytelling abilities.
  • Enhance empathy by exploring diverse perspectives and stepping into the shoes of different characters, broadening your understanding of the world around you.
  • Gain new skills for further education or work, expanding your repertoire of writing techniques and abilities to enhance your academic or professional pursuits.
  • Nurture your creativity, encouraging you to think outside the box, embrace unconventional ideas, and challenge the status quo, fostering a life-long mindset of innovation and originality.

Embracing the Journey

To embark on a journey of creative writing, embrace curiosity, take risks, and surrender to the flow of imagination. Write regularly, read widely, embrace feedback from tutors and peers at Oxford Summer Courses. Begin to experiment with styles and genres, and stay persistent in your course of action. The path of creative writing requires dedication, practice, and an open mind. Join us as we provide tips to help you start your creative writing journey and unleash your full creative potential under the guidance of industry professionals.

Creative Writing is a remarkable voyage that invites us to unleash our imagination, share our stories, and inspire others. It offers countless personal and professional benefits, nurturing self-expression, empathy, and creativity. So, grab a pen, open your mind, and embark on this enchanting journey of creative writing with Oxford Summer Courses. Let your words paint a vivid tapestry that captivates hearts and minds under the guidance of experienced tutors from Oxford and Cambridge. Join us as we explore the magic of creative writing and discover the transformative power it holds within through the renowned Oxford Summer Courses summer school.

Ready to study Creative Writing? Apply now to Oxford Summer Courses and join a community of motivated learners from around the world. Apply here .

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Discover the enchantment of creative writing with Oxford Summer Courses. Unleash your imagination, explore different genres, and enhance your communication skills. Nurture self-expression, empathy, and creativity while gaining valuable writing techniques.

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Types of Genres: A Literary Guide

A shelf with 17 books from different types of genres.

Are you looking to be inspired by a new biography? What about cracking open a heart-racing thriller? There’s always romance, too, if you're in the mood for love.

Whether you’re picking another book off the shelf or plotting out your new novel, learning more about genre can help you decide what comes next.

What is Genre in Literature?

Paul Witcover with the text Paul Witcover

If you want to become a writer , there are a number of reasons to learn about genres, according to Paul Witcover , associate dean of the online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing  program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Witcover helped develop SNHU’s online MFA program and is the author of several novels, including “Lincolnstein” and “The Emperor of All Things." His work has been released by major publishers, including HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster. As both an educator and a writer specializing in fantasy, science-fiction and horror, he has a unique insight into the subject of genre.

“I feel it’s important for writers to have an understanding of genre because it will impact how their books are marketed, as well as how they are perceived by publishers,” he said. “But I also think writers can be too concerned with genre.”

Although he encourages writers to learn about the subject, Witcover noted a tendency for overly rigid ideas about the distinctions between genres. “Concepts of genre are more fluid than writers may believe,” he said.

Keeping that fluidity in mind, here’s an overview of some of the most referenced genres in literature. 

What are the Four Major Categories of Genre?

4 book covers depicting different types of genres from left-to-right: Nonfiction, Drama, Poetry, Fiction

  • Fiction: Imagined or invented literature is called fiction, Writers & Artists noted. Examples of fiction titles include “1984” by George Orwell and “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng.
  • Nonfiction: According to Writers & Artists, nonfiction refers to fact-based works. Some nonfiction titles include “The Body Keeps Score” by Bessel van der Kolk and “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai, and “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking” by Marcella Hazan. 
  • Poetry: Britannica defines poetry as “literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound and rhythm.” Poetry incorporates poetic elements and encompasses the work of writers like Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Amanda Gorman and Richard Siken.
  • Drama: Dramatic literature refers to texts of plays that can be read for their literary value as well as performed, according to Britannica. Dramas include stage directions and specific formatting not found in prose or verse. Some of the most studied dramas are Shakespeare’s plays, like “Hamlet” and “Romeo and Juliet.” You might be familiar with other dramas, too, like “Death of a Salesman” and “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller or August Wilson’s Century Cycle of 10 dramas depicting the Black experience in the U.S. throughout the 20th century, including “The Piano Lesson” and “Fences.”

Although most writing falls into at least one of these four categories, the edges are a bit blurred, and there can be overlap. For example, a verse novel combines fiction and poetry, like “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo. There are also novels that combine elements of fiction with nonfiction, including novels based on real experiences and historical fiction like “The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich. Many classic dramas, such as Shakespeare's plays, also include elements of poetry.

In the end, these classifications often come down to style and form — like whether a work is written in prose or verse, for instance.

What’s the Difference Between Prose and Verse?

Prose refers to the type of language used in non-poetic writing, including most fiction and nonfiction. According to Merriam-Webster , prose is “a literary medium distinguished from poetry especially by its greater irregularity and variety of rhythm and its closer correspondence to the patterns of everyday speech.” Most of the articles, blogs and books you read feature prose writing.

The direct counterpart to prose is verse, which Merriam-Webster calls metrical language or language using poetic meter or rhythm. An easy way to remember the difference between prose and verse is thinking about music. Song lyrics have verses and — you guessed it — lyrics are typically written in verse.

What are the Genres of Fiction?

First, fiction is typically organized by the age of its prospective audience. These categories include:

  • Children’s Literature: Many classic examples of children’s literature are picture books, including “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak or “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” by Mo Willems. Scholastic noted most picture books are intended for children up to seven years old.
  • Middle Grade: According to Penguin Random House , middle grade books are typically aimed toward children ages eight through 12, or in third through sixth grade. Some middle grade books are “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis and “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill.
  • Young Adult (YA): YA books are intended for readers between 12 and 18 years old, according to Smithsonian Magazine . Some examples include “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.
  • Adult: Adult works are geared toward readers over 18 years old and often include more mature themes. Examples are “Giovanni's Room” by James Baldwin and “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson.

In terms of readership, these categories mainly serve as points of reference. There are readers under eight years old who prefer middle grade books, and many adult readers who enjoy YA. There are also some books that appeal to both adults and younger audiences.

Apart from these age categories, there are a few other ways that fiction can be divided and discussed. For instance, there are categories that describe real-world fiction versus the fantastical.

  • Mimetic fiction: Mimetic fiction is sometimes called realistic fiction, according to Witcover. This wide category encompasses all fiction that takes place in the real world.
  • Speculative fiction: Speculative fiction  refers to genres not based in reality, including work with magical, supernatural or otherwise imagined elements. Essentially, speculative fiction is the opposite of mimetic fiction. The category includes subgenres like fantasy, science-fiction, dystopian fiction and more, Witcover noted.

Lisa Wood, PhD, MFA, a graduate and undergraduate English and literature instructor and team lead at SNHU

From there, fiction can be broken down into a few other different categories, according to Dr. Lisa Wood, MFA , a graduate and undergraduate English and literature instructor and team lead at SNHU. Wood is an award-winning screenwriter and psychological horror author and vice president of the Horror Writers Association.

She said that fiction is also frequently divided into two more camps: commercial and literary.

  • Commercial fiction: Fiction that has mass appeal is often referred to as commercial fiction. Because of its wide appeal, commercial fiction tends to be extremely popular. Wood noted commercial fiction also tends to be plot-based.
  • Literary fiction: “Literary fiction is character-based fiction,” Wood said. She added that literary fiction is typically mimetic and focused on themes and symbols. Witcover explained a bit further. “Traditionally, literary fiction has been said to be more about character than plot, but I don't agree with that,” he said. Instead, he noted that literary fiction is more occupied with style and structure than a straightforward storytelling approach.

These categories can overlap, too. A few books with both mass-appeal and distinguished praise include “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.

What is Genre Fiction?

An infographic piece with the text genre fiction and 5 types stemming from it: fantasy, horror, thriller, romance, historical fiction

  • Fantasy: According to the California Department of Education (CDE) , fantasy "invites suspension of reality." The genre encompasses stories that wouldn't happen in real life, often set in another world or including magical elements. Examples include “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms” by N.K. Jemisin and “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
  • Historical fiction: Historical fiction takes place in a historical setting, the CDE notes. Some examples of historical fiction include “The Prophets” by Robert Jones, Jr. and “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah.
  • Horror: “Carrie” by Stephen King, “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson and Edgar Allen Poe’s work are all under the umbrella of horror. These works are intended to frighten audiences and elicit a feeling of dread, according to the CDE.
  • Thriller: According to the New York Public Library, thrillers gradually build anxiety and suspense . Examples of thrillers include “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, “All Her Little Secrets” by Wanda M. Morris and “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides.
  • Romance: Romance Writers of America (RWA) noted that romance refers to optimistic and emotionally satisfying stories that focus on a central love story.  “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood and “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston are both romance novels.

“Each of these major genres contain several subgenres that further define the type of story,” Wood said. For instance, legal thrillers, psychological thrillers and spy thrillers all fall under the umbrella of thrillers.

Some additional examples of genre fiction are science-fiction, mystery, western, dystopian and gothic. “Many stories contain elements of several defined genres,” said Wood.

Witcover agreed that a great deal of fiction could be filed under multiple genres. “I actually happen to think that all fiction is genre fiction,” he said. “Every type of fiction is appealing to a particular audience and carries its own freight of tropes, conventions, and expectations.”

What are the Genres of Nonfiction?

A visual of stacked books with the text biography, history, textbooks, business, memoir, true crime, self-help

According to the New York Public Library , some types of nonfiction and their definitions include:

  • Biography: Biographies tell the story of a notable person’s life, written by someone other than the subject. Some examples are “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer, which tells the story of the adventurer Chris McCandless, and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.
  • Food and travel: Cookbooks, food history books, travel guides and travel memoirs all fall under this category that includes “The Omnivore's Dilemma” by Michael Pollan and “My Life in France” by Julia Child.
  • Memoir: Stories from an author’s life that offer a firsthand account of events are called memoirs. According to Reader's Digest , some highly-recommended memoirs include “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou and “Spare” by Prince Harry.
  • True crime:  True-crime books describe real events from actual crimes or unsolved mysteries. Some examples are “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote and “I'll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara.

Nonfiction also includes self-help books, like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “Find Your People” by Jennie Allen, in addition to textbooks and books on business, history and a variety of other subjects.

What are the Most Popular Genres Overall?

According to Witcover, romance is one of the most popular literary genres, but he added that the broader categories of speculative fiction and mimetic fiction are both extremely popular at large.

For adult works, Publishers Weekly reported the best-selling fiction genres of 2022 were:

  • General fiction
  • Graphic novel
  • Suspense and thriller

The top selling nonfiction genres of 2022 noted by Publishers Weekly included:

  • General nonfiction
  • Biography, autobiography and memoir
  • Business and economics

While more nonfiction books were sold overall, there was growth for fiction sales between 2021 and 2022. Publishers Weekly reported the fastest growing genres in that time were romance, fantasy and horror.

What Else Should You Know About Genre?

“It is important to understand that genre is a marketing tool,” said Wood. “It is the method that booksellers use to determine where to shelve books.”

She noted that writers should consider the elements, tropes and expectations that exist within each genre, but regardless of genre, there’s something more important to consider. “Write and write well,” she said. “The rest will come.”

If you want to hone your craft as a writer and further explore the traditions and trends of different genres, SNHU’s bachelor’s in creative writing  includes concentration options in:

  • Screenwriting

Studying creative writing can be a great way to develop your skills and start your career, no matter what type of genre you plan to write. And if you’re more interested in literary theory, criticism and studying existing works, you could consider a degree in English literature .

Find Your Program

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , working writers and authors typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree when entering the field. If you already have a bachelor’s, you could also consider an advanced degree like a Master of Arts (MA) in Creative Writing  or an MFA in Creative Writing.

Learning about genre can offer you a deeper understanding of your craft, and once you know the rules, you can masterfully rewrite them. However, Witcover noted that genre should never confine you as a writer.

“Know your genres,” he said. “But write what you want regardless of genre.”

A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU liberal arts program  that can best help you meet your goals. 

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor's and master's, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon's short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. They're currently writing their debut novel, which was Longlisted for The First Pages Prize. Connect with them on LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter .

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Elements of Creative Writing

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J.D. Schraffenberger, University of Northern Iowa

Rachel Morgan, University of Northern Iowa

Grant Tracey, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright Year: 2023

ISBN 13: 9780915996179

Publisher: University of Northern Iowa

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Attribution-NonCommercial

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Chapter One: One Great Way to Write a Short Story
  • Chapter Two: Plotting
  • Chapter Three: Counterpointed Plotting
  • Chapter Four: Show and Tell
  • Chapter Five: Characterization and Method Writing
  • Chapter Six: Character and Dialouge
  • Chapter Seven: Setting, Stillness, and Voice
  • Chapter Eight: Point of View
  • Chapter Nine: Learning the Unwritten Rules
  • Chapter One: A Poetry State of Mind
  • Chapter Two: The Architecture of a Poem
  • Chapter Three: Sound
  • Chapter Four: Inspiration and Risk
  • Chapter Five: Endings and Beginnings
  • Chapter Six: Figurative Language
  • Chapter Seven: Forms, Forms, Forms
  • Chapter Eight: Go to the Image
  • Chapter Nine: The Difficult Simplicity of Short Poems and Killing Darlings

Creative Nonfiction

  • Chapter One: Creative Nonfiction and the Essay
  • Chapter Two: Truth and Memory, Truth in Memory
  • Chapter Three: Research and History
  • Chapter Four: Writing Environments
  • Chapter Five: Notes on Style
  • Chapter Seven: Imagery and the Senses
  • Chapter Eight: Writing the Body
  • Chapter Nine: Forms

Back Matter

  • Contributors
  • North American Review Staff

Ancillary Material

  • University of Northern Iowa

About the Book

This free and open access textbook introduces new writers to some basic elements of the craft of creative writing in the genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The authors—Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Grant Tracey—are editors of the North American Review, the oldest and one of the most well-regarded literary magazines in the United States. They’ve selected nearly all of the readings and examples (more than 60) from writing that has appeared in NAR pages over the years. Because they had a hand in publishing these pieces originally, their perspective as editors permeates this book. As such, they hope that even seasoned writers might gain insight into the aesthetics of the magazine as they analyze and discuss some reasons this work is so remarkable—and therefore teachable. This project was supported by NAR staff and funded via the UNI Textbook Equity Mini-Grant Program.

About the Contributors

J.D. Schraffenberger  is a professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of two books of poems,  Saint Joe's Passion  and  The Waxen Poor , and co-author with Martín Espada and Lauren Schmidt of  The Necessary Poetics of Atheism . His other work has appeared in  Best of Brevity ,  Best Creative Nonfiction ,  Notre Dame Review ,  Poetry East ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Rachel Morgan   is an instructor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. She is the author of the chapbook  Honey & Blood , Blood & Honey . Her work is included in the anthology  Fracture: Essays, Poems, and Stories on Fracking in American  and has appeared in the  Journal of American Medical Association ,  Boulevard ,  Prairie Schooner , and elsewhere.

Grant Tracey   author of three novels in the Hayden Fuller Mysteries ; the chapbook  Winsome  featuring cab driver Eddie Sands; and the story collection  Final Stanzas , is fiction editor of the  North American Review  and an English professor at the University of Northern Iowa, where he teaches film, modern drama, and creative writing. Nominated four times for a Pushcart Prize, he has published nearly fifty short stories and three previous collections. He has acted in over forty community theater productions and has published critical work on Samuel Fuller and James Cagney. He lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

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Types of Writing Genres: A Short Guide

types of writing genres

  • Post author By admin
  • October 11, 2022

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of writing genres. Every genre of writing has its mindset and set of expectations. Genres are the tool for creativity and provide various perspectives to tell your story in different ways. 

As a writer, your work will fit into a certain genre whether you want it or not, and that is purely based on what you are creating. On one side, some work may fit into one Genre. On the other hand, some may have different genres.

There are three different types of writing genres that we will take a look at in this blog. We have separated writing genres like Professional Writing, Literary Writing, and, lastly, Academic Writing.

If you’re wondering which one is right for you then this is the right place for you. 

Here we will discover different writing genres that you need to know!

So, without further ado, let’s dive into it!

Table of Contents

What is the Need for Types of Writing Genres?

They Help Writers Sort Out Their Ideas and Feelings : When writers know what kind of writing they are doing, they can use the rules of that kind of writing to help them organize their writing. This can speed up the writing process and help writers make work simpler and more sense.

They Help People Know What to Expect From a Piece of Writing : When a reader knows the genre of a piece of writing, they can guess what they know about it to guess what the piece is about. This can help people read faster and better understand what they are reading.

They Help Writers Connect With the People Who Read Their Work : When writers choose the right type for their readers, their writing is easier to understand and more interesting to read. This can help writers connect with their readers and reach their goals for dialogue.

Aside From These General Benefits: there are other reasons to use different types of writing. For example, expository writing can help writers explain complicated ideas clearly, while descriptive writing can help writers paint detailed pictures in the minds of their readers. Narrative writing can help writers tell stories that entertain and teach, while persuasive writing can help writers persuade readers to do something.

They Can Help a Writer Find His or Her Voice : By trying different types of writing, writers can find the type that fits their style and attitude the best. This can help writers find their style, which will help them connect with their readers.

They Can Help Writers Come Up With Better Ideas : Writers can stretch their creative skills and develop new ideas if they try to write in different styles. This can make writers more creative and help them develop more original ideas.

They Can Help Writers Get Better at What They Do :  Writers can improve their skills by learning the rules of different types of writing. This can help writers write better and make their work look more polished.

In the end, there are different types of writing because they are used for different things. If writers know the rules for each type, they can choose the right one for their purpose and audience. This will help them write in a clear, powerful, and interesting way.

What are Writing Genres?

The writing Genre is mostly called the name of Literary Genre. It is a type of narrative that can be used or written. Mostly, it is used for one purpose only to share emotions, ideas, and news with other people. Writing Genre is used to tell the story interestingly. 

Writing within each Genre will reflect a whole new story and share several features like rhyme, image, and stylistic devices. The main focus of each Genre is to describe the events, theory, and several ideas in certain ways. In other words, the aim of each writing genre is how the elements are conveyed and described. 

What are the Different Types of Writing Genres?

Three main types of Writing Genres are as follows:

  • Professional Writing.
  • Literary Writing.
  • Academic Writing.

Professional Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Social media .

Social Media is a growing genre in business communication. The level of discussion in social media may vary depending on the topic and audience. Well-considered successful post on social media to help understand how it’s used to reach a wider target audience.

Business Letters

It can be both formal and informal. A perfectly written business letter shows the reader why it is important. If you want successful communication, then a structured approach is very important.

Memos 

Well, Memos provide a clear summary, and the most crucial information is given at the beginning, but Paper Memos are no longer used nowadays. A positive tone is used to help the reader understand what the author is trying to say, making it appropriate for the users. 

In the past, memos were considered the best business correspondence. The Main Guideline of the memo still exists, even if the median of the paper memo has been changed. 

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes include dates, times, attendees, and location. This is the standard format of Meeting Minutes. It is also important to record the most crucial details to avoid any misunderstanding later.

As a result, there are many ways involved in recording meeting minutes. The minutes should be uniform with the location and names. Unnecessary information should be avoided so that it can not cause any difficulty later.

This is the end of the Professional writing genre. Now we move to the Literary writing genre, and lastly, we will continue with the Academic Genre. 

Literary Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Mystery .

This Genre is mostly associated with crime, mainly murder, but it does have to be. Any story which involves the unraveling of a secret or mystery would be considered within this Genre. 

This Genre often describes a criminal investigation or legal case. Well, the most popular novel is The Sherlock Holmes Story. Mystery novels are a genre that typically has a problem to solve. 

Category of Mystery Genre:

  • Locked-room mysteries.
  • Historical mysteries.
  • Police procedural whodunit. ( A story about a murder in which the identity of the murderer is hidden at the end )

Literary nonfiction

Literary nonfiction is all about real events and people. Nonfiction can be found in magazines like The Atlantic, The New York, and Harper’s Magazine. 

This type of Genre is associated with creating feelings of fear and dread. Some of you might think of this Genre as full of “blood and gore”. Anything which creates negative feelings about something will come under the category of Horror. 

Horror is the genre of film, literature, and TV shows. The main aim of the horror genre is to create fear. 

Gothic novels are an example of ancient horror literature. On the other hand, Stephen King is considered the father of modern horror literature. Well, nowadays, new writers have pushed the boundaries of horror stories. Writers include John Langan, Stephen Graham Jones, and many more.

In the Historical Genre, the story takes place in the past. Sometimes real people are included to interact with the fictional character to create a sense of realism. 

Romance 

This Genre deals with the love stories between two people. The element of romance can be found in many types of literature. Romance has been there since ancient times, but time travels so fast, and the paranormal romances have become more popular nowadays. 

Science Fiction

As the name suggests, Science Fiction is the genre that deals with science and technology in society. Science fiction is a special type of Genre that includes elements of time travel, futuristic societies, and space. People often call Science Fiction ( Sci-Fi ) . 

Magical realism

Magical realism is a type of literature in which the real world is depicted with an influence of magic and fantasy. In magical realism, the stories may occur in the real world but with some supernatural elements. Magical realism has close ties with Latin American Authors. Magical realism is used by literature from around the globe.

Fantasy novels are fiction stories that are set in imaginary universes. This Genre is inspired by folklore and mythology that is enjoyed by both children and adults 

Dystopian novels are about futuristic and oppressive societies. In other words, the Dystopian novel features some political and social unrest. It can help us examine real types of fear like mass surveillance by the government.

Graphic Fiction

Graphic Fiction is the category of Graphic Novels and Comic Books.

Short Stories

Well, this type of Genre may fit into any number of genres. In Short stories, there is only one plot to it, no subplot in this Genre. 

Tall Tales stories are not realistic or don’t try to become realistic. 

Academic Writing Genre (Types of Writing Genres)

Analytical writing.

In Analytical writing, the author has a chance to include persuasive writing. A common layout uses the structure of methods, results, introduction, summary, and discussion. 

Professional Writing 

Professional Writing is a wide category that includes emails, studies, reports, business letters, and summaries. If you are writing for a client, then it is beneficial for you to follow the style rule of the company. 

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is a type of academic essay. In this, the writer breaks down an idea into its parts and then offers evidence for each part. This writing is mostly based on understanding and reading fiction or nonfiction texts. 

Argumentative writing has three sections:

  • Evidence or supporting point.
  • Conclusion.

Most Common Types of Writing Genres That You Should Know

Descriptive writing .

In Descriptive writing, the author writes about every aspect of the person, place, or event and describes all aspects in detail. 

Example of Descriptive Writing:

  • Narrative Nonfiction.
  • Fictional Stories.

Expository Writing

Expository writing is used to educate the reader. So the main goal of expository writing is to teach the reader rather than entertainment.

Example of Expository Writing:

  • Technical Writing.
  • Recipes writing.

Narrative Writing

Narrative Writing is used to tell people what happens somewhere or with someone. Narrative Writing includes Fiction and nonfiction. Whereas nonfiction is based on real events, and fiction writing is completely made up. 

Example of Narrative Writing:

  • Short-story.
  • Presentations
  • Speeches, and many more.

Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is used to convince the reader about something. This type of writing is written when the author has a strong opinion on something. It is used to encourage people to take action regarding any issue. 

Example of Persuasive Writing:

  • An opinion piece in the newspaper.
  • Sales writing.

Read more about writing styles: Different Types Of Writing Styles

Now you know the different types of writing genres and their most used forms. So which Genre or form is close to you, and which one do you use the most. In this blog, we provide you with a short guide to types of writing genres, with the most common Genre that you should know. 

I hope you like it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.what are the seven styles of writing.

The seven most common types of essay writing Narrative Descriptive Expository Persuasive Compare  Reflective Personal

Q2. What are the three main genres of literature?

The three major genres are: Drama Poetry Prose

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The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction – And Why They Matter

We have put together a list of the 17 most popular genres in fiction to help you with your writing.

What Is Genre?

Genre is a style or category of art, music, or literature. As an author, genre controls what you write and how you write it. It describes the style and focus of the novel you write. Genres give you blueprints for different types of stories.

There are general rules to follow, for example, manuscript length , character types , settings , themes , viewpoint choices, and plots . Certain settings suit specific genres. These will vary in type, details, intensity, and length of description .

The tone employed by the author, and the mood created for the reader, must also suit the genre.

There are often sub-genres within genres, for example, a fantasy story with sinister, frightening elements would belong to the dark fantasy sub-genre.

Why Does Genre Matter?

Genres are great because they fulfil reader expectations . We buy certain books because we have enjoyed similar stories in the past. Reading these novels gives us a sense of belonging , of sitting down with an old friend and knowing we’re on familiar ground . There is also a camaraderie between readers who follow the same genres.

Writers can use this to their advantage because their boundaries are models on which to base stories. Genres reflect trends in society and they evolve when writers push the boundaries. Readers ultimately decide if the experiment has worked by buying these books.

The most important part of genre fiction, though, is that it fulfils our human need for good, old-fashioned storytelling . We sometimes need stories we can rely on to blunt the harsh realities of life.

The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction

 The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction

  • Romance .   These stories are about a romantic relationship between two people. They are characterised by sensual tension, desire, and idealism. The author keeps the two apart for most of the novel, but they do eventually end up together.  There are many sub-genres, including paranormal, historical, contemporary, category, fantasy, and Gothic. There are also many tropes in the genre: 101 Romance Tropes For Writers
  • Action-Adventure . Any story that puts the protagonist in physical danger, characterised by thrilling near misses, and courageous and daring feats, belongs to this genre. It is fast paced, the tension mounting as the clock ticks. There is always a climax that offers the reader some relief.
  • Science Fiction . This genre incorporates any story set in the future, the past, or other dimensions. The story features scientific ideas and advanced technological concepts. Writers must be prepared to spend time building new worlds and using genre-specific words . The setting should define the plot. There are many science fiction sub-genres . There are also many tropes in the genre: 101 Sci-Fi Tropes For Writers
  • Fantasy .   These stories deal with kingdoms as opposed to sci-fi, which deals with universes. Writers must spend plenty of time on world building. Myths, otherworldly magic-based  concepts, and ideas characterise these books. They frequently take cues from historical settings like The Dark Ages. There are also plenty of sub-genres here. There is also a specific terminology and many tropes in the genre: 101 Fantasy Tropes For Writers
  • Speculative Fiction . These stories are created in worlds unlike our real world in certain important ways. This genre usually overlaps one or more of the following: science fiction, fantasy fiction, horror fiction, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history.
  • Suspense/Thriller . A character in jeopardy dominates these stories. This genre involves pursuit and escape. It is filled with cliffhangers and there are one or more ‘dark’ characters that the protagonist must escape from, fight against, or best in the story. The threats to the protagonist can be physical or psychological, or both. The setting is integral to the plot. This is often described as a gripping read . A Techno Thriller is a sub-genre.
  • Young Adult . Young Adult (YA) books are written, published, and marketed to adolescents and young adults. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) defines a young adult as someone between the ages of 12 and 18, but adults also read these books. These are generally coming-of-age stories, and often cross into the fantasy and science fiction genres. YA novels feature diverse protagonists facing changes and challenges. This genre has become more popular with the success of novels like The Hunger Games , The Fault in Our Stars , and Twilight .
  • New Adult . New Adult (NA) books feature college, rather than school-aged, characters and plotlines. It is the next age-category up from YA. It explores the challenges and uncertainties of leaving home and living independently for the first time. Many NA books focus on sex, blurring the boundary between romance and erotica.  
  • Horror /Paranormal/ Ghost .  These are high-pitched  scary stories involving pursuit and escape. The protagonist must overcome supernatural or demonic beings.  Occult is a sub-genre that always uses satanic-type antagonists. There are also many tropes in the genre: 101 Horror Tropes For Writers
  • Mystery/Crime .  These are also known as ‘whodunits’. The central issue is a question that must be answered, an identity revealed, a crime solved. This novel is characterised by clues leading to rising tension as the answer to the mystery is approached.   There are many sub-genres in this category.
  • Police Procedurals are mysteries that involve a police officer or detective solving the crime. The emphasis rests heavily on technological or forensic aspects of police work, sorting and collecting evidence, as well as the legal aspects of criminology.
  • Historical. These fictional stories take place against factual historical backdrops. Important historical figures are portrayed as fictional characters. Historical Romance   is a sub-genre that involves a conflicted love relationship in a factual  historical setting .  
  • Westerns . These books are specifically set in the old American West. Plotlines include survival, romance, and adventures with characters of the time, for example, cowboys, frontiersmen, Indians, mountain men, and miners.  
  • Family Saga . This genre is about on-going stories of two or more generations of a family. Plots revolve around things like businesses, acquisition, properties, adventures, and family curses. By their nature, these are primarily historical, often bringing the resolution in contemporary settings. There is usually a timeline involved in these books.
  • Women’s Fiction.  These plot lines are characterised by female characters who face challenges, difficulties, and crises that have a direct relationship to gender. This is inclusive of woman’s conflict with man, though not limited to that. It can include conflict with things such as the economy, family, society, art, politics, and religion.

creative writing about genres

  • Literary Fiction .  This genre focuses on the human condition and it is more concerned with the inner lives of characters and themes than plot. Literary fiction  is difficult to sell and continues to decline in popularity.

Writing For Children

Writing for children is not really a genre, but a way of writing.

Please read these posts:

  • Writing For Children – 12 Practical Tips To Get You Started
  • 10 Powerful Recurring Themes In Children’s Stories
  • Everything You Need To Know About Creating Characters For Children’s Book

Changes In Genres

With the advent of self-publishing and ebooks, these genre guidelines have become less strict. This is because a publisher does not have to produce thousands of physical copies of the book. However, if you want to publish traditionally, you should still consider genre requirements.

How To Become Generic

Isolate your target market, research it, and adapt your story if necessary. Look in bookshops – they are generic, sorting books into categories to make it easier for their busy readers to choose and buy whatever will guarantee them a good read. Read: How To Choose Your Genre .

TIP: If you want help with your elements of fiction writing, buy The Novel Writing Exercises Workbook .

Amanda Patterson

If you enjoyed this post, read:

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  • 9 Literary Terms You Need To Know

Top Tip : Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop .

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7 thoughts on “The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction – And Why They Matter”

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This is wonderful and so easy to read. I wish there were more sub-genres and I guess there are, but it would be weird to list them, like steampunk, vintage, and Western could be in every category except maybe sci-fi. LOL!

~Tam Francis~ http://www.girlinthejitterbugdress.com

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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Tam. Yes, I could have listed many sub-genres, but it would have been overwhelming. Thank you for the feedback.

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Amanda, thanks for the concise but telling descriptions. One question I have is about overlapping genres. Above, there are aspects of the Action Adventure genre that seem to overlap with the Thriller genre. It seems to me many stories have components of multiple genres and I assume you pick the one that fits best. Great article!

Thank you, Robert. You are correct. Genres do bleed into each other, but it’s impossible to categorise everything perfectly. When we teach our courses, we talk about crossing genres. In point 5, I talk about how genres overlap, and they all do to some extent. You might find this article helpful. It deals with children’s fiction – which is an age group – not a genre, and it shows how many genres and grey areas one can find in this age group. http://imc.library.appstate.edu/bibliographies/genres I hope this helps.

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Maybe this is just the difference between South Africa and North America, but here we use “speculative fiction” to encompass both Science Fiction and Fantasy and all their subgenres. So in the US and Canada we wouldn’t say that speculative overlaps SciFi or Fantasy. We’d say the set SciFi and the set Fantasy are both subsets of the set Speculative Fiction. For more info: http://whatisspecfic.com/

Kristen, I do not think it is accepted as a fact anywhere in the world. There are many critics and writers who try to use speculative fiction as a blanket term, but there are just as many who reject it. ‘Margaret Atwood is one of these writers, and her use of the term “speculative fiction” generates strong reactions from her own readers as well as from science fiction readers in general. Atwood stresses the idea of speculative fiction is different from science fiction, for she sees science fiction as “filled with Martians and space travel to other planets, and things like that.” Atwood seems to view science fiction as inferior to speculative fiction in that science fiction seeks only to entertain, whereas speculative fiction attempts to make the reader rethink his or her own world based on the experiences described the novel. ‘ http://www.gradesaver.com/the-handmaids-tale/study-guide/about-speculative-fiction I have included more links about how these genres are seen to differ below: http://annieneugebauer.com/2014/03/24/what-is-speculative-fiction/ https://www.sfsite.com/columns/amy26.htm – This says that speculative fiction is a sub-genre of Science Fiction and Fantasy http://io9.gizmodo.com/5650396/margaret-atwood-and-ursula-k-le-guin-debate-science-fiction-vs-realism

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Gosh … nothing for Comedy? 🙁 That’s my main interest ~

Comments are closed.

© Writers Write 2022

Genres of Writing

We use the term genres to describe categories of written texts that have recognizable patterns, syntax, techniques, and/or conventions. This list represents genres students can expect to encounter during their time at Duke. The list is not intended to be inclusive of all genres but rather representative of the most common ones. Click on each genre for detailed information (definition, questions to ask, actions to take, and helpful links).

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12 Types of Creative Writing to Explore

Kate is an experienced writer who has written hundreds of articles for publication.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Creative writing isn't just limited to novels, short stories, and poems; in fact, this type of writing encompasses at least a dozen different types, each suited to specific situations and kinds of personal expression. Try them all to find out which ones you enjoy the most.

You may think of writing a song as a purely musical form of creative expression, but if your song has lyrics, you'll also be doing some creative writing. Lyrics are similar to poetry in that they can have many forms, although some type of rhyme scheme is common. See examples of some of the most popular song lyrics at MetroLyrics .

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From haiku to sonnets, there are dozens of different poetic forms to try. In general, the key to writing poetry is to create evocative images and make every word count. You can write about anything, from nature to love to your family . You can even write poems for specific occasions, such as a wedding ceremony or a funeral .

3. Vignettes

Vignettes are a short form of fiction or creative non-fiction that sets up a scene for the reader. There may not be a central conflict to drive the story forward, and there may not even be characters. Length can range from a single paragraph to a few pages. Generally, the entire piece takes place in one location. Ernest Hemingway's In Our Time features several examples of vignettes.

4. Short Fiction

Short fiction offers more of a "story" than a vignette. It includes short stories and even modern fan fiction. Writing a short story is a great way to learn about how fiction is structured, including plot, characters, conflict, and setting. You can even make money writing short fiction. A great example of this genre is A&P by John Updike.

5. Novellas

Longer than a short story but not quite as long as a novel, a novella goes into great detail about all the elements of the story. It may or may not have chapters. Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a good example of a novella.

Novels are perhaps the best known form of fiction, and you'll see them in many genres, including romance, thrillers, and science fiction. In this long form of fiction, you have time to explore the plot, characters, and other elements more fully. Writing a novel is a huge undertaking and a great way to improve your skills as a writer. If you're considering such a project, look at what works in some of the best novels of all time.

Scripts, for everything from TV commercials to radio programs and even movies, are another form of creative writing. The length can vary significantly, but the key is that the words you write will be recited by actors and recorded. An audience will view or listen to the piece later. Find movie scripts to review as examples of this form of writing.

Like a script in that the dialogue you write will be recited by actors, plays are designed to be performed in front of an audience. They are usually divided into several acts, although short, one-act plays are also popular. Writing a play is a great way to see your story ideas come to life. Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is a good example if you're looking for inspiration.

9. Personal Essays

Not all creative writing is made up. In fact, creative non-fiction comes in several important forms. One of these is the personal essay in which the writer explores his or her own life experiences or opinions. Writing an essay on yourself isn't always easy, but it's an important skill to have for everything from college applications to family history.

10. Journals and Diaries

More than just a therapeutic exercise or a way to record the day's events, journals can also be a type of creative writing. This is especially true if you infuse your entries with your emotions and personal experiences. Take some time to read journal writing prompts and try your hand at this creative writing form.

11. Memoirs

A longer form of the personal essay or journal, a memoir is a type of creative nonfiction that explores a person's life or experiences. You can focus on a single period or your entire life. This is different from an autobiography in that it includes feelings and thoughts - not just the facts of what happened. There are even websites with examples of memoirs and tips for writing your own.

12. Letters

Because they contain more than a basic reporting of the facts, letters can also be a type of creative writing. This is especially true if they discuss emotion or opinion. Even love letters can be creative.

Try All the Forms

There are many more forms of writing that can become creative if they expand beyond the basic facts. For instance, some blogs and literary journalism articles are very creative too. There are so many types of creative writing to explore that it makes sense to try them all. You're sure to find one (or several) that you love.

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144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing

Tonya Thompson

From fantasy to western—and everything in between—we cover the major genres and subgenres available to readers today. We also included a few links to books within that subgenre if you find one that catches your interest in particular. Happy reading!

Science Fiction

Thriller and suspense.

Fantasy genre and subgenres

Alternate History

This subgenre of fantasy offers a fictional account set within a real historical period, often with actual historical events included although rewritten to include some element of magic or fantasy. There are often "what if" scenarios that occur at important points in history and present outcomes that are different than what's on the historical record. Literary Examples: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell , Wild Cards I , His Majesty's Dragon

Children's Story

This subgenre of fantasy often offers a child protagonist who faces a struggle or possesses some unique ability. There are often mythical/fantastical creatures who both help and hinder the young protagonist. In these stories, which are intended for an audience that is not yet classified as Young Adult (YA), the themes are often life lessons such as overcoming adversity, working with others, finding allies, learning from your elders, or facing one's fear. Literary Examples: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , A Wrinkle in Time , The Phantom Tollbooth

These stories are humorous and often set in fantasy worlds, and might include parodies of other more serious works. It is considered part of low fantasy (as opposed to high fantasy) but not all low fantasy is comedic in nature. Literary Examples: The Princess Bride , Small Gods , The Tough Guide to Fantasyland

Contemporary

This subgenre of fantasy is a fantasy story in a modern-day setting (or one that resembles contemporary times). It often contains magic but it is not obvious, or perhaps able to be explained logically. There is often an intersect between the "real world" and the fantastical one that includes magic or characters with paranormal abilities. Literary Examples: American Gods , Hounded , The Raven Boys

Dark Fantasy

This subgenre is the darker side of fantasy, with added elements of horror, mystery, and/or an overall feeling of dread or gloom. A common element is supernatural occurrences with a dark and brooding tone. It is often contemporary Fantasy, with the major difference being horror elements included. Literary Examples: The Sandman: Book of Dreams , Gardens of the Moon , The Blade Itself

This subgenre of fantasy is for stories told like fairy tales for adults or that are modern retellings of classic fairy tales. There is heavy use of motifs from fairy tale stories, particularly tropes from Grimm's fairy tales. Literary Examples: Uprooted , Cinder , Ella Enchanted

Fantasy of Manners

This subgenre contains stories that rely heavily on the Comedy of Manners, which focuses on social commentary. Often taking place in an urban setting, this type of story will contain very little magic or fantastical creatures. Rather, it will focus on morality and social structures, particularly for women, sacrificing an elaborate plot in some cases to do so. Literary Examples: Shades of Milk and Honey , The Tropic of Serpents: A Memoir by Lady Trent , An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors

This subgenre of fantasy contains heroic adventures in imaginary places. You will often find intricate plots and lineages in this subgenre, along with a protagonist who is often reluctant to be a champion and from humble beginnings. Literary Examples: The Legend of Deathwalker , The Crimson Queen , The Wolf of the North

High Fantasy

This subgenre contains fantasy set in a fictional world, with a focus on epic characters or settings. The distinction between high fantasy and low fantasy involves the world in which it takes place (the "real" world with magical elements for low fantasy). Literary Examples: The Fellowship of the Ring , A Game of Thrones , Crown of Midnight

Fantasy set in a historical period, generally before the 20th century, with an added element of magic. Fantasy stories from legends focusing on Arthurian, Celtic, or Dark Ages historical timelines generally fall within this subgenre. Literary Examples: On Stranger Tides , Grave Mercy , The Golem and the Jinni

Low Fantasy

A subgenre of fantasy depicting a realistic world, where magic is often present but not necessarily so. This is in contrast to High Fantasy, which occurs in a fictional world with magical elements present. The word "low" is in reference to the prominence of traditional fantasy elements within the work, rather than being a remark on the work's quality. Literary Examples: The Indian in the Cupboard , Lies Ripped Open , Tiger's Dream

Magical Realism

This subgenre presents a world in which the mundane and magical exist together without conflict. It refers to magic or the supernatural that is presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting. Literary Examples: One Hundred Years of Solitude , The House of the Spirits , The Night Circus

This subgenre of fantasy draws heavily from myth to create a unique blend of fantasy and folklore. It often includes gods or goddesses as characters or could be a retelling of older myths set in a fantasy world or the real world. Mythic fantasy and urban fantasy often overlap, but Mythic fantasy includes many contemporary works in non-urban settings. Literary Examples: The Lightning Thief , The Mists of Avalon , The Sacred Band

This subgenre includes characters who have superhuman abilities. Characteristics tropes are secret identities and crime fighting. The protagonist often displays superhuman strength or special abilities, creating a juxtaposition between "normal" humans and those with "superhuman" traits. Literary Examples: Steelheart , Renegades , Vengeful

Sword and Sorcery

This subgenre contains medieval-type adventures, with an element of romance that is often part of the story. You're also likely to find magical characters or supernatural factors involved in the plot. Common tropes are sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent adventures, along with elements of magic and the supernatural. Distinct from high fantasy, Sword and Sorcery tales focus mainly on personal battles rather than world-endangering matters. Literary Examples: The Hour of the Dragon , Reign of Madness , The Disappearance of Winter's Daughter

This subgenre of fantasy involves magical elements that take place in an urban setting. Books in the subgenre of Urban Fantasy are set primarily in the real world and contain aspects of fantasy, such as the discovery of earthbound mythological creatures, coexistence or conflict between humans and paranormal beings, and other changes to city life. Settings are not necessarily futuristic—they could also be historical settings, actual or imagined. Literary Examples: Moon Called , City of Bones , Vampire Academy

Young Adult

In this subgenre of fantasy, a teenager is often the protagonist. There is usually magic involved, as well as companions to help the protagonist defeat a magical foe. Common tropes are dramatic character growth, magic elements, and unexpected interactions between magical elements and the real world that influence the protagonist to become an adult. Literary Examples: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , Six of Crows , The Wicked King

Horror genre and subgenres

Body Horror

This subgenre of horror focuses on graphic, disturbing violations to the human body, including disfigurement and mutation. There are often themes of biological horror, organic horror or visceral horror in which there is unnatural graphic transformation, degeneration or destruction of the physical body. Literary Examples: Annihilation , The Girl With All the Gifts , The Troop

A subgenre that is a spoof or satire based on the typical conventions of horror. In such, it mixes horror/gore with dark humor. Comedy Horror is typically categorized into three types: black comedy, parody, and spoof. Literary Examples: John Dies at the End , Bloodsucking Fiends , Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Creepy Kids

A subgenre where the children are often under the spell of evil or are born inherently evil, and turn against the adults in the story. They then become the antagonist of the story and often must be stopped by other children or adults in order for lives to be saved. Literary Examples: The Other , The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea , Such Small Hands

Extreme Horror

A subgenre showing extreme and bloody violence, while focusing on gore and death. Also known as hardcore horror or splatterpunk, this genre contains stories that are the most violent, goriest, scariest ones on the market. Gore is highly detailed and nothing is left to the imagination of the reader. Literary Examples: The Angel of Vengeance: An Extreme Horror Novel , Teratologist , The Girl Next Door

Gothic horror is a subgenre involving mystery, castle ruins, the fall of the aristocracy, spirits/hauntings, and madness. The varying locations in the house tend to be symbolic of the mental and emotional facets of its occupants. It often combines horror, death, and romance in the same tale. Literary Examples: Dracula , The Picture of Dorian Gray , Wuthering Heights

A subgenre within horror in which ghosts or demons haunt a particular house or another setting, such as the woods or near an ancient burial ground. The focus is often on righting some wrong that was committed in order to set the spirits free. Literary Examples: The Woman in Black , Ghost Story , The Haunting of Hill House

A story that takes place in a historical setting that includes elements of horror. These stories are often based on real-life events or historical eras, sometimes including fictional retellings of real historical figures or atrocities that occurred. The protagonist offers an alternative point of view to known history. Literary Examples: Twelve , The Terror , The Edinburgh Dead

Lovecraftian

A subgenre in which it is assumed aliens or otherworldly beings originally ruled our planet and will someday return to destroy all of humanity. It is fiction that emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown (or unknowable) more than gore or other elements of shock, and is named after American author H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937), who was one of the first authors to explore the genre. Literary Examples: A Study in Emerald , Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows , The Rhesus Chart

A subgenre of horror in which man-made creations become a source of terror. In these stories, you'll often find apocalyptic wastelands and mad scientists, with common tropes like terrible disease, rampant pollution, and mutated animals. Literary Examples: Feed , The Shrinking Man , Swan Song

A subgenre in which non-human creatures hunt, kill and otherwise prey on humans. These creatures could come in the form of classic monsters/ mythological monsters, neo-monsters, small creatures, aliens, giant monsters, werewolves, vampires, or zombies. Literary Examples: The Mongrel , The Sorrows , Little Black Spots

A subgenre in which ancient mythology and folklore play a large role in the story, particularly the darker, terrifying elements of it. One way in which mythic horror is distinguished from fantasy is that mythic horror often takes place in the human world as opposed to a fantastical realm. Literary Examples: The Selkie , The Djinn , The Queen of the Damned

A subgenre of horror involving witchcraft, wizardry, esoteric brotherhoods, and communication with spirits. Other common themes and tropes are spiritualism, psychic phenomena, Voodoo, and characters who have mysterious or secret knowledge and power supposedly attainable only through magical or supernatural means. Literary Examples: A Discovery of Witches , The Mark , The Witches of New York

Psychic Abilities

A subgenre in which humans have psychic abilities. These could include reading minds, speaking with the dead, seeing the past or future, or being able to move objects telepathically. This subgenre is often referred to as paranormal horror and shares crossover tropes with science fiction. However, in science fiction, these psychic abilities are generally explored in ways that are good, while in psychic abilities horror, psychic powers are a source of terror. Literary Examples: Carrie , A Stir of Echoes , Horns

Psychological

In this subgenre, the character's mind becomes his or her own undoing, such as a serial killer. These stories often involve human fears, mental instability, and emotional insecurities. Psychological horror is often similar to supernatural and haunting subgenres, because the protagonist may be confusing the horrors plaguing their mind with something supernatural. You will often encounter an unreliable narrator in this genre. Literary Examples: American Psycho , Haunted , Diary Of A Madman

Quiet Horror

This subgenre of horror offers a subtler form of fear, rather than explicit gore or violence. Also known as soft horror, quiet horror most often contains a creeping sense of dread in which much of the violence is left to the reader's imagination. Much of the horror presented is cerebral instead of gory. Literary Examples: The Yellow Wallpaper , The Hour of the Oxrun Dead , The Nameless

A subgenre that does not have excessive gore and usually has a teenager protagonist. It could involve monsters, violent deaths, disturbing creatures, or slight gore. There are often coming-of-age issues present, such as autonomy from adults, friendships, young romance/sexuality, and rebellion. Literary Examples: Anna Dressed in Blood , Asylum , Rot & Ruin

Mystery genre and subgenres

Amateur Sleuth

This subgenre usually involves a non-law enforcement character without ties to a detective or sleuthing agency who tries to solve a crime that has been committed against someone close to him or her. It is a subgenre of cozy mystery. Literary Examples: A Willing Murder , Small Town Spin , Prose and Cons

Bumbling Detective

A subgenre in which a character makes a lot of mistakes in solving a mystery, but manages to solve it anyway. There is usually a lot of comedy involved in the process and the protagonist misses important clues, making the process of solving the crime more difficult than it should be. Often, the plot is intricate. Literary Examples: The Spellman Files: Document #1 , The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie: A Flavia de Luce Mystery , Heat Wave

A subgenre in which the protagonist(s) perpetrate the crime(s). There is usually humor and cleverness involved, along with a sense of adventure. The typical caper story involves thefts, swindles, or kidnappings perpetrated by the main characters and "seen" by the reader. The police investigation attempting to prevent or solve the crimes may also be chronicled, but it is not the primary focus of the story. Literary Examples: The Lies of Locke Lamora , Heist Society , The Hot Rock

Child in Peril

A subgenre of mystery in which a child is kidnapped or disappears. Often, it is the child's parents (or other guardians) who come to the child's rescue. There is often great focus on the parents' anguish and loss as they play a role in finding their child. While there may be violence, it is rarely seen or very understated if toward the child. Literary Examples: Home , The Couple Next Door , The Boy in the Suitcase

A subgenre of mystery intended for a young audience who are not yet classified as young adult (typically 6 – 12 years old). There is usually a child protagonist who solves a mystery, often with the help of his/her friends. Violence is minimal if it exists at all, and there are often life lessons learned. Literary Examples: Three Times Lucky , The Secret of the Old Clock: Nancy Drew #1 , The Westing Game

A subgenre often containing a bloodless crime and a victim that the audience has not developed empathy towards. The detective is almost always amateur, while sex and violence are downplayed. Often, the crime takes place in a small community where everyone knows each other. Literary Examples: The Golden Tresses of the Dead , Crewel and Unusual , Death by Committee

A subgenre in which a professional chef is involved, usually as the protagonist. Murder and/or other elements of crime are often combined with food and recipes. Common settings or themes include bakery/dessert, barbeque, chef, coffee/tea, cooking class, farm/orchard, cheese, chocolate, food clubs/critics, organic food, pizza, restaurants, and wine/vineyards. Literary Examples: Catering to Nobody , Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder , Prime Cut

A subgenre in which the detective has a disability that helps him/her solve a crime. For example, he or she might be blind, deaf, or unable to walk, but the disability helps the main character see things from a different perspective in order to solve the mystery. Literary Examples: The Question of the Dead Mistress , For Whom the Minivan Rolls , The Question of the Felonious Friend

Doctor Detective

A subgenre of mystery in which a physician plays the role of a detective to solve a murder or crime. In these stories, physicians apply their own specialized scientific knowledge to solve crimes that cannot otherwise be solved by police officers or detectives. Literary Examples: Diagnosis Murder: The Dead Letter , The Doctor Digs a Grave , Blood Dancing

Furry Sleuth

A subgenre in which a dog or cat investigates a crime. It is most often told from the animal's point of view, depicting them as fully intelligent and able to communicate with each other. Most books that qualify as furry sleuth mysteries are subgenres of cozy mysteries in their tone. Literary Examples: Tail Gait , Downton Tabby , The Bark Before Christmas

A subgenre of mystery that usually contains overtly graphic violence and sex, and is often set in an urban setting that is gritty. Slang is often used and credit for the invention of the genre is often given to Dashiell Hammett (1894–1961), a former contributor to pulp magazines. Literary Examples: The Big Sleep , The Maltese Falcon , The Black Dahlia

In this subgenre, the detective is in a historical setting and must solve a crime there. Many authors of historical mysteries focus on particular eras or periods, such as Elizabethan England or Ancient China. Literary Examples: The Lost Girls of Paris , The Paragon Hotel , The Golden Tresses of the Dead

This subgenre of mystery leaves no doubt "who" the perpetrator is. Rather, the story revolves around "how" the criminal is caught. These novels begin with the reader witnessing the murder, thus the plot revolves around how the perpetrator will be caught. Literary Examples: The Demolished Man , The Crossing , A Kiss Before Dying

A subgenre of mystery in which the protagonist is usually an attorney who solves the case on his/her own, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonist's life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. This subgenre also includes courtroom dramas. Literary Examples: The Runaway Jury , The Lincoln Lawyer , The Gods of Guilt

Locked Room

Also known as puzzle mysteries, this is a subgenre of mystery in which a crime is committed in a location that seems impossible to enter/exit without being noticed. The protagonist must use careful observation and extraordinary logic to solve the mystery. Edgar Allen Poe is considered to be the first writer in this subgenre with his 1841 short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." Literary Examples: And Then There Were None , The Sign of Four , The Mystery of the Yellow Room

Multicultural and Diverse

While typically heavy on characterization, this subgenre of mystery shows a unique, foreign culture with culturally diverse characters. These stories can range from cozy to hardboiled, where the clues and action stem from the differences in the cultures. Literary Examples: Murder in Mesopotamia: A Hercule Poirot Mystery , The Perfect Murder , The Gigolo Murder

Often overlapping with fantasy, these stories contain traditional mystery tropes, with a strange crime or murder. However, a ghost or otherwise supernatural being is responsible for a crime. They are often part of the cozy mystery subgenre, without extensive gore or violence. Literary Examples: Final Shadows , Secondhand Spirits: A Witchcraft Mystery , Better Read Than Dead

Police Procedural

A subgenre of mystery in which police detectives (or a detective and team of technicians) catch a criminal. The point of view in this type of subgenre often switches back and forth between that of the detective(s) and that of the criminal(s). Serial killer mysteries are often included in this subgenre, as are forensic mysteries. Literary Examples: The Black Echo , Rules of Prey , Faceless Killers

Private Detective

A subgenre in which a private investigator—whether professional or amateur—solves a crime or locates a missing person. This subgenre began around the same time as speculative fiction in the mid-nineteenth century and has remained extremely popular for mystery novels as a genre. Literary Examples: Career of Evil , G Is for Gumshoe , Maisie Dobbs

A subgenre in which the perpetrator of the crime or murder is discovered at the end to be one of the least likely characters. These stories are often complex and plot driven, allowing the audience the opportunity to engage in the same process of deduction as the protagonist throughout the investigation of a crime. Literary Examples: The Sentence is Death , Dead Girl Running , The Cabin

Woman in Peril

A subgenre of mystery in which a woman is kidnapped (or in some other kind of trouble) and needs to be saved. A newer, feminist, and more modern take on this subgenre is a story that involves a woman being kidnapped (or becoming the victim of a crime) and saving herself through her own wit and action. Literary Examples: The Shining Girls , Kiss the Girls , Room

A subgenre in which a teenager is the protagonist and solves a crime or murder. Adults in these stories are generally unable to be of much help, corrupt, or ignore the help offered by the protagonist. There are often "coming of age" themes and violence is sometimes downplayed. Literary Examples: One of Us Is Lying , Pretty Little Liars , A Study in Charlotte

romance genres and subgenres

Billionaires

Steadily growing in popularity, this is a subgenre of romance focusing on a relationship with a wealthy and/or powerful lover. There is often an aspect of being a "Cinderella story," and the woman is often of a lower socioeconomic class than the man.

Writing Prompts: Billionaires Literary Examples: Fifty Shades of Grey , The Marriage Bargain , Bared to You

A subgenre of romance in which laughter and fun helps the couple overcome all emotional obstacles to finding love. There is often the theme of strangers who are perfect for each other finding love, or childhood sweethearts coming back together after heartbreak and loss.

Writing Prompts: Comedy Literary Examples: Wallbanger , Can You Keep a Secret? , Perfection

In this subgenre, the story takes place in the present (post 1950) and is focused on complex plots and realistic situations of the time. For example, women in the contemporary romances written prior to 1970 usually quit working when they married or had children, while the female protagonists of contemporary novels written after 1970 usually maintain their career after marriage and children.

Writing Prompts: Contemporary Literary Examples: We Shouldn't , Unmarriageable , Faking It

Fantasy Romance

A subgenre in which the relationship between lovers occurs in a fantasy world that contains magic (and/or magic creatures). There is often adventure that occurs and common tropes such as time travel or superhuman abilities.

Writing Prompts: Fantasy Romance Literary Examples: Sin & Magic , White Stag , Nightchaser

A subgenre of romance set in an old house or castle that is haunted, with some light horror/mystery elements present. Common tropes are family secrets, insanity, incest, and secrets hidden within the home. There is also often a woman in peril theme that is prevalent in this subgenre.

Writing Prompts: Gothic Literary Examples: House of Shadows , Nocturne for a Widow , Mist of Midnight

A subgenre set before 1950 with realistic situations occurring between lovers (based on the time period). Many stories in this subgenre are set amongst real historical events, offering a parallel viewpoint to famous historical characters from the past. Common tropes are relationships across socioeconomic statuses and within feuding families. This subgenre has also been known as "bodice rippers," famed for the female protagonists wearing corsets.

Writing Prompts: Historical Literary Examples: The Parisians , Duchess By Deception , Tempt Me with Diamonds

A subgenre of romance in which lovers meet or unite during the Christmas or Hanukkah season. Common tropes are family, restoring past heartache, and returning to holiday tradition, as it was experienced in childhood.

Writing Prompts: Holidays Literary Examples: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor , Unwrapping Her Perfect Match: A London Legends Christmas Romance , Baby, It's Cold Outside

Inspirational

A subgenre of romance in which a religious or spiritual connection is an important part of a relationship. In these novels, there is a spiritual journey that the characters take that is an inherent part of their connection and romance. They can be set in any context or belief system.

Writing Prompts: Inspirational Literary Examples: What the Wind Knows , LASS: A Friends to Lovers Standalone Romance , Down a Country Road

A subgenre of romance featuring military personnel. These novels usually include some action and/or suspense, and the hero or heroine (or both) are active duty or former military personnel. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels.

Writing Prompts: Military Literary Examples: The Darkest Hour , The Unsung Hero , Whispers in the Dark

In this subgenre of romance, there is often a relationship with a supernatural being, such as a vampire, werewolf, demon, shapeshifter, angel, ghost, witch or other entity. This subgenre can also include settings that are science fiction or fantasy, or any world with extraordinary elements that are magical.

Writing Prompts: Paranormal Literary Examples: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave , Vengeance Road , Alpha's Secret: A Bear Shifter MMA Romance

A subgenre set during the period of the British Regency (1811–1820) or early 19th century. They have their own unique plot and stylistic conventions, such as much intelligent, fast-paced dialogue between the protagonists without explicit sex. The plots often involve social activities such as carriage rides, morning calls, dinner parties, plays, operas, and balls, and marriages of convenience is a common trope.

Writing Prompts: Regency Literary Examples: Not the Duke's Darling , Beauty and the Baron: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling , Ten Kisses to Scandal

Romantic Suspense

A subgenre involving suspense or mystery elements that add to the romantic plot. While the focus of these stories is on the romance itself, they contain common tropes to mystery novels such as stalkers, crimes to be solved, kidnapping, or even murder.

Writing Prompts: Romantic Suspense Literary Examples: A Merciful Fate , Moonlight Scandals: A de Vincent Novel , You Will Suffer

Science Fiction Romance

A subgenre that is set in the future and often involves aliens. In many cases, there is a romantic relationship between humans and aliens. There are also common tropes that are shared with science fiction, such as technological innovation, space exploration, and living on other planets/worlds.

Writing Prompts: Science Fiction Romance Literary Examples: Nightchaser , Angie's Gladiator: A SciFi Alien Romance , Rising From the Depths

A subgenre of romance in which one or both of the lovers is involved with sports, such as a football player or race car driver. Much of the romantic interaction takes place during practicing or performing this sport, and there are often elements of action combined with romance.

Writing Prompts: Sports Literary Examples: Ruthless King , Overnight Sensation , Fired Up

Time Travel

A subgenre of romance in which a character travels through time to encounter his or her love interest. A recurring theme in this subgenre is the conflict of falling in love and making the decision to stay in the alternate time or return to the time the protagonist came from. Some time travel romance settings are set in present day, and the character travels to the past. In others, the character travels to the future.

Writing Prompts: Time Travel Literary Examples: Outlander , The Time Traveler's Wife , A Knight in Shining Armor

Western Romance

A subgenre of romance set in the Wild West (or West, if contemporary) and often with a cowboy/cowgirl as a main character. This subgenre contains both historical western romance and contemporary western romance novels. Historical western romance contains common tropes such as a wagon train journey, a bank robbery, a land war, a cattle drive, a saloon brawl, or a gunfight. Contemporary western romance novels are generally set near small towns with ranches, ranges, rodeos, and honky-tonks, and the protagonist rides a truck (in addition to a horse).

Writing Prompts: Western Romance Literary Examples: The Texan's Wager , Comanche Moon , Texas Glory

A subgenre focusing on young adult or adolescent love interests. A common theme is the exploration of sexuality and the obstacles of young love, such as family/socioeconomic class pressure, academic pursuits, and/or competition. There is also a broad spectrum of relationship types in these novels, such as LGBTQ relationships.

Writing Prompts: Young Adult Literary Examples: King of Scars , Be The Girl , Even if I Fall

science fiction genre and subgenres

A subgenre of science fiction in which extraterrestrial beings are encountered by humans. These encounters can range from romantic to traumatic, and common themes are communication, fear of the "other," intergalactic war, and a greater sense of one's place in the universe.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Galactic Pot-Healer , Foreigner: 10th Anniversary Edition , The Mount

In this subgenre of science fiction, the world as we know it is different due to alternate events taking place in history. There is often "what if" scenarios that occur at important points in history and present outcomes that are different than what's on historical record.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Man in the High Castle , 11/22/63 , The Red Garden

Alternate/Parallel Universe

A subgenre in which there is another reality co-existing with the present reality. These stories are typically about traveling to parallel worlds or universes that are either vastly different from our own, or very recognizable. There is a connection with this subgenre and the time travel subgenre, as well.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Zero World , The Gods Themselves , The Long Earth

Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic

A subgenre in which a world disaster has occurred, such as a pandemic virus or nuclear holocaust. Common themes in this subgenre are community, destruction of ecosystems, pandemic viruses, survival, human nature, and dystopian societies.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Wool , CyberStorm , The Road

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is use of biotechnology, genetic manipulation, and/or eugenics that occur in the near future. The subgenre stems from cyberpunk but focuses on the implications of biotechnology rather than information technology. Common themes are bio-hackers, biotech mega-corporations, and oppressive government agencies that manipulate human DNA. The examination of bio-engineering is often a dark one.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Unwind , The Dervish House , Leviathan

A subgenre of science fiction written for younger audiences, with protagonists who are early adolescents or younger. "Coming of age" scenarios are often present. Science fiction themes such as aliens, advanced technology, and dystopian societies are often common, but violence and other "adult" themes are downplayed.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet , Aliens for Breakfast: A Stepping Stone Book , Whales on Stilts!

Colonization

A subgenre in which humans (or other lifeforms) move to a distant area or world and create a new settlement. Humans may start a colony for various reasons such as the Earth's overpopulation, an uninhabitable Earth, the discovery of other worlds, acquisition of resources, or threat of human extinction.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Last and First Men: A Story of the near and far future , The Word for World is Forest , The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

This subgenre contains a lot of humor and satirization of science fiction tropes, with a tendency toward a pessimistic view of humanity. There is often mockery of social conventions. This is a rather small subgenre of science fiction that is more common in short stories than novels and frequently seen in movies.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Stainless Steel Rat Omnibus , The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy , Finders Keepers: The Definitive Edition

A subgenre of science fiction in which man and machine are combined, either literally or metaphorically, and there are multiple forms of virtual reality. The Earth is typically the setting for cyberpunk stories, but it is immersed in a cyber world. Common themes are the exploration of the relationship between humans and computers, often in a dark and bleak world, as well as cybernetics, prosthetics, cyborgs, and the internet.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Neuromancer , Snow Crash , Software

Dying Earth

A subgenre in which the Earth is dying. Stories in this subgenre often take place at the end of the Earth's existence, thus occurring in the future. Common themes are fatality, reflection, lost innocence, idealism, entropy, exhaustion of resources, and hope. Settings in these stories are often barren and sterile, with a fading sun. There is overlap with this subgenre and apocalyptic fiction.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Time Machine , Zothique , Tales of the Dying Earth

A subgenre of science fiction in which the world has become the opposite of a utopia and the protagonist must liberate himself/herself (or an entire community) from it. Common themes are a police state, overwhelming poverty, government control, and lack of personal freedom. Stories in this subgenre often include deep social control and exploration of what we fear will happen in the future of humanity.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Fahrenheit 451 , Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? , A Clockwork Orange

Galactic Empire

In this subgenre, there is an empire that spans galaxies. The story usually takes place in the capital of the empire and often includes elements of dystopian science fiction. The protagonist is often a member of the empire's military forces.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Constitution: Book 1 of The Legacy Fleet Series , Bloodline: Star Wars , Darkest Hour: Liberation War Book 1

Generation Ship

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is a prolonged voyage on a spaceship and the original occupants have passed away, leaving their descendants to remain or find another place to live. As the ship journeys across the universe, generations have lived and died onboard, and social change often occurs. There is often an advanced ecosystem onboard and usually, the ship will have a destination, such as a distant planet to colonize.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Orphans of the Sky , Captive Universe , Promised Land

Hard Science Fiction

A subgenre in which there is extreme scientific details, and less focus on characters or settings. This is a subgenre that concentrates on relating stories from a correct scientific perspective with great attention to technological detail. These stories often include details from hard sciences, with some speculative technology incorporated.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Ringworld , The Martian , Dragon's Egg

Immortality

A subgenre in which there are beings who have lived (and continue to live) infinitely. The focus of this subgenre is eternal life, either as a blessing that is full of limitless opportunity, or the end of change that is full of boredom and stagnation.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: After Many a Summer Dies the Swan , The Boat of a Million Years , Methuselah's Children

Lost Worlds

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is a voyage to unknown or isolated places such as islands, continents, jungles, or worlds, resulting in a discovery of some wonder or ancient technology. These stories usually contain elements of adventure, and the worlds visited are usually isolated from our own world, containing their own history and unique geography.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Journey to the Center of the Earth , A Princess of Mars , Lost Horizon

A subgenre in which there is interstellar or interplanetary armed conflict. Military values such as bravery, sacrifice, duty, and camaraderie are common themes, and the protagonist is typically a soldier. Military science fiction often features futuristic technology and weapons, with the setting being outer space or on a different planet.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Ender's Game , Starship Troopers , Old Man's War

Mind Transfer

A subgenre of science fiction in which a human consciousness is downloaded into a computer or transferred to another human brain. This can occur in several ways: via computer, some kind of psychic power, alien technology, physical brain transplantation, etc., and the transfer can be temporary or permanent. Often, the process destroys the original or copies are made.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The World of Null-A , Kiln People , Lord of Light

Mundane Science Fiction

A subgenre that is set in the very near future, with believable use of technology that is currently available or could realistically be available in the near future. These stories favor scientific realities, such as biotechnology and environmental change, and are set on Earth.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Interzone , Schismatrix Plus , The Beast With Nine Billion Feet

A subgenre of science fiction in which the story is inspired by, or closely imitates, myth and folklore. The story may be a complete retelling of a popular myth or could just draw from tropes and themes that are common in mythology. There is a variable level of real science, since myth has fantastical elements.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Rendezvous with Rama , The Queen of Air and Darkness , Perelandra

A subgenre similar to cyberpunk in which the use of nanotechnology is explored, along with its effects on human lives. The nanopunk world is one in which the theoretical premise of nanotech is a reality, and it is well integrated with our world and human existence.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Tech Heaven , The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer , Prey

Robots/A.I.

A subgenre in which there are robotics and AI. This subgenre is generally focused on one of three mentalities: pro-robot, anti-robot, or ambivalence. In a pro-robot plot, robots are benevolent. In an anti-robot plot, there is generally confrontation with robots, androids or AI. In an ambivalent plot, robots are useful but there is some anxiety about them.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Tik-Tok , The Silver Eggheads , Men, Martians and Machines

Science Fantasy

In this subgenre, there are elements of fantasy, but with the use of advanced technology (making it lean more toward science fiction). These stories show a magical futuristic world, leaning toward soft science. These stories can also contain science that is so well develop that it appears to be magic, and/or characters who possess abilities through scientific technology that seem to be magical.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: A Game of Universe , The Family Tree , The Dragonriders of Pern

Science Horror

A subgenre of science fiction in which there are also elements of horror. Often, these stories include themes such as medical research resulting in new diseases, aliens attempting to kill humans, artificial intelligence that revolts against its maker(s), or atomic bombs and technology that results in human destruction.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Infected , The Hunger , The Sandman

A subgenre with elements of the surreal and postmodern themes. It crosses the genres of literary fiction and speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy or both. Slipstream is often defined as fantastical, illogical, surreal, and jarring.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Bridge , Breakfast of Champions , White Noise

Soft Science Fiction

A subgenre with less focus on science and more focus on characters. These stories usually deal with the soft sciences and social sciences, and are more concerned with human activity and affairs than scientific detail.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Babel-17 , Riverworld , The Left Hand of Darkness

Space Exploration

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is exploration of outer space, and great detail is given concerning the voyage. Some of these stories pose space exploration to be a logical step for humanity, while others use it as a necessity for the survival of the species. In general, these stories focus on the faults and frailties of humanity.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Constitution: Book 1 of the Legacy Fleet Trilogy , Titanborn , Rift: The Resistance Book One

Space Opera

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is swashbuckling action and epic, panoramic settings. These stories often contain over-the-top characters, themes, and plots. There is usually a romantic and/or melodramatic approach to storytelling, and the plot contains a lot of adventure. The plot doesn't always stay true to the accepted laws of science, mathematics, or the nature of space as we know it.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Foundation Series , Hyperion , The Ender Quartet

A subgenre of science fiction in which there is espionage, high-tech duels, and over-the-top gadgets. There is less focus on the science behind the gadgets as what can be done with them. The plot often focuses on the glamour, adventure, and daring attitude of spies (think, James Bond), including romantic interludes with beautiful women.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Baroness: Sonic Slave , Crown of Slaves , Call for the Dead: A George Smiley Novel

A subgenre of that is generally set in Victorian times, with the use of steam power as advanced technology. There is minimal scientific detail and the gadgets are often best described as retro-futuristic. These stories contain a sort of reimagining of the capabilities of modern technology through a Victorian lens, and create an alternate history.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Anubis Gates , Homunculus: The Adventures of Langdon St Ives , The Difference Engine

In this subgenre of science fiction, the main characters travel through time. Sometimes, this can mean the character(s) move to a point in time that is in the future; sometimes, they can travel to a point in time that is the past. There is also a trend in these novels for characters to move to travel to parallel or alternate universes in an unknown time.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: A Sound of Thunder , Guardians of Time , The Time Machine

A subgenre in which humanity lives in a utopia and technology has removed society's problems. In many of these stories, war and sickness have been done away with, often through advanced technology. There is often much discussion of social implications and exploration of social sciences, approaching topics such as: What does a Utopia look like? Is one person's Utopia the same as another's?

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: The Giver , The Dispossessed , Childhood's End

A subgenre of science fiction created for an adolescent or young adult audience in which the protagonist is of the same age range. There is often budding romance within a dystopian society, and the protagonist faces coming-of-age issues such as autonomy, rebellion, survival without adults, etc.

Writing Prompts: Watch the video or read them Literary Examples: Dragon Pearl , The Similars , The Disasters

Thriller and Suspense genre and subgenres

A subgenre in which there is much physical action, and the protagonist must fight for his or her survival or to save the victim of a crime or kidnapping. In many cases, the protagonist is a current or former member of the armed forces, special forces, or other government agency. Villains are often internationally located and the hunt for them often occurs across borders. Literary Examples: The Killer Collective , The Cleaner , Freedom Road

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which there is dark humor surrounding espionage and organize crime. Protagonists often having biting wit while being involved in adventurous activities related to solving a crime or thwarting the evil plans of secret societies. Literary Examples: The Rook , Horrorstör , Crocodile on the Sandbank

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which a protagonist must face (and defeat) a large, powerful organization or entity to stop a killer or halt a destructive plot. These stories often have protagonists who are scholars, journalists or amateur investigators who play a role in toppling secret societies or conspiracies. Common themes are rumors, lies, propaganda, secret histories, and counter-propaganda. Literary Examples: Betrayal , Mosaic: Breakthrough , The Atlantis Gene: A Thriller

In this subgenre, the protagonist confronts a major crime plot, such as a murder, kidnapping, or theft. These stories often begin with a protagonist, who is going about his or her daily life, before becoming involved in a crime (either as a victim or helping the victim). He or she then uses wit and specialty knowledge to help solve the crime, with or without the help of authorities. Literary Examples: Connections in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel , The Wedding Guest: An Alex Delaware Novel , A Merciful Fate

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which the protagonist is up against a major natural disaster that he or she must escape or stop. Disasters could include natural disasters, such as earthquakes, meteor strikes or tsunamis; or man-made disasters, such as nuclear explosions, cyber-attacks closing down infrastructure, or a biological weapon. Literary Examples: The Virus , The Last Tribe , Quake

A subgenre in which there are secret agents. These stories are often set during war time. Often, the agent goes rogue to uncover corruption among his or her peers. Common themes include rivalries and intrigues between the major powers, corruption within modern intelligence agencies, rogue states, international criminal organizations, global terrorist networks, maritime piracy and technological sabotage. Literary Examples: The Killer Collective , Betrayal , The Cleaner

A subgenre in which forensic scientists play a major role in solving a crime. Common themes include finding evidence at a crime scene, blood splatter, DNA, bones, fingerprints, or other forensic details. There is usually a race against the clock to catch the perpetrator before someone else dies or another major crime is committed. Literary Examples: Scarpetta , Body of Evidence , Break No Bones

A subgenre of thriller & suspense set in a historical time period that includes details about the era. Real historical figures are often included in the plot, or encountered through a fictional character's point of view. These stories often concern real historical mysteries, documents, or conspiracies but offer an alternate reality connected to them. Some novels in this genre go back and forth between present-day characters and the historical events or documents they are discovering/researching. Literary Examples: A Discovery of Witches , Crucible: A Thriller , The Road Beyond Ruin

In this subgenre, the plot centers on legal dilemmas or courtroom dramas. The protagonist is usually an attorney who encounters danger and solves the crime, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonist's life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. Literary Examples: An Innocent Client , The Rule of Law , In Good Faith

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which the protagonist is in the medical field (or closely tied to it) and must use his or her knowledge of medicine to solve a mystery, cure a virus, halt or pandemic, or catch the perpetrator of a medical-related crime. Often, the story takes place among medical settings and the details that eventually bring the perpetrator to justice (or lead to a cure for a deadly virus) involve medical research or specific medical knowledge. Literary Examples: Blow Fly: A Scarpetta Novel , A Case of Need: A Suspense Thriller , Phantom Limb

A subgenre in which the protagonist is in the military (or former military) and must use his or her training to solve a mystery or crime. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels. Common themes are brotherhood, avenging wrongs, protecting family members of servicemembers or former servicemembers, cartel interaction, and rogue militias. Literary Examples: The Trident Deception , The Karma Booth , Persuader

Mystery Thriller

A subgenre of thriller & suspense and mystery, in which there is a "ticking clock" or mystery that the protagonist must solve before time runs out. This subgenre is different than a regular mystery in that it is fast-paced and the protagonist is generally on the run or racing against the clock to solve the crime or find a solution. Literary Examples: An Anonymous Girl , Two Can Keep a Secret , The Au Pair

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which there are elements of the paranormal and some characters display supernatural abilities. Otherworldly elements that are introduced are usually as an antagonistic force, but the plot line and feel are distinctly that of a thriller. Literary Examples: Daughters of the Lake , The Rise of Magicks: Chronicles of The One , The Shining

A subgenre in which the protagonist is connected with the government (usually low-level at the beginning) and must solve a crime or dilemma involving international relations. These stories are usually about a political power struggle, and can involve national or international political scenarios. Common themes are political corruption, terrorism, and warfare. This subgenre often overlaps with the conspiracy thriller subgenre. Literary Examples: Justice Redeemed , Duty and Honor , Target: Alex Cross

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which the protagonist becomes involved in a situation that threatens his/her sanity or mental state. These stories often emphasize the unstable or delusional psychological states of its characters, and is told through the viewpoint of psychologically stressed characters. There is a combination of tropes from mystery, drama, and action. Literary Examples: The Girl on the Train , Gone Girl , Behind Closed Doors

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which a religious artifact or sect-held secret is discovered, and different groups (some secret) vie for control. These stories utilize the history and myths of religion, and the protagonist generally has an in-depth knowledge or experience with religious training and/or upbringing. Literary Examples: The Da Vinci Code , The Blood Gospel: The Order of the Sanguines Series , Sanctus

Technothriller

A subgenre in which there is cutting-edge technology that either empowers or threatens the protagonist. This is a hybrid genre drawing on tropes from science fiction, thrillers, spy fiction, and action novels. There are technical details concerning technology and the mechanics of various disciplines (espionage, martial arts, politics). There is often a focus on military action. Literary Examples: Jurassic Park , Daemon , The Martian

A subgenre of thriller & suspense in which the protagonist is a young adult or adolescent. There are often "coming of age" lessons to be learned, such as loneliness, romantic interactions, and survival without adults. Friends, companions, and/or romantic interests often help the protagonist solve the problem or escape the villain, and adventurous, nail-biting chase scenes are the norm. Literary Examples: One of Us is Lying , There's Someone Inside Your House , I Hunt Killers

western genre and subgenres

Bounty Hunters

A subgenre of western in which there is a morally ambiguous protagonist who hunts criminals to receive a bounty. Common themes include the construction of a railroad or a telegraph line on the wild frontier, ranchers protecting their family ranch from rustlers or large landowners or who build a ranch empire, revenge stories, and outlaw gang plots. Literary Examples: The Bounty Hunters: A Classic Tale of Frontier Law , Bounty Hunter , Broadway Bounty

Cattle Drive

A subgenre in which there a long journey the protagonist must make to move a herd of cattle. There are often life lessons learned along the way and friendships formed, as well as potential for romance. Literary Examples: The Chuckwagon Trail , The Daybreakers: The Sacketts , The Last Cattle Drive

A subgenre created for children that contains western tropes. The typical audience of these stories are children, ages 7 through 12, and western tropes are present but presented in an acceptable form for younger children to read. Common themes are friendships, autonomy, adventure, and relationships with wildlife and nature. Literary Examples: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive , By The Great Horn Spoon! , Old Yeller

A subgenre of western in which there is humor, satire, or parody of traditional Western tropes. Common themes include cowboys or "sharpshooters" who don't know how to shoot or ride a horse, or drunken cowboys whose antics are entertaining to their compatriots. Literary Examples: Anything For Billy , Hey, Cowboy, Wanna Get Lucky? , How the West Was Lost

A subgenre in which the protagonist is on a quest for riches, usually in the form of found gold. These protagonists and plotlines were immortalized in the 1860s by authors Bret Harte and Mark Twain, while the California gold rush was in full swing. Literary Examples: Calico Palace , Daughter of Fortune , Walk On Earth a Stranger

Gunfighters

A subgenre of western in which the protagonist must go up against an antagonist in gun battle. The protagonist and antagonist are often experts in pistols, and each tends to own a special weapon whose reputation precedes it. The climax of these stories is a final gun battle with specific "sportsman" rules, usually taking place in an agreed-upon setting and with a crowd watching. Literary Examples: Shane , The Autumn of the Gun , The Dawn of Fury

A subgenre of western in which settlers must travel to and claim land that is available for homesteading, usually in Oklahoma or surrounding states. Common themes are survival within harsh elements, wild animals, benevolent and unfriendly natives, competing/feuding families or gangs, and making the land hospitable to growing food and sustaining life. Literary Examples: Joline's Redemption , Gabriel's Atonement , Sarah's Surrender

A subgenre of western in which the protagonist is a lawman who must help bring order to a town on the frontier. The protagonist is often escaping a violent or tragic past and has often lost family or loved ones to frontier violence. Common themes are saloon brawls, gambling, outsiders, outlaws, and romance with a local resident. Literary Examples: Lonesome Dove , Deadman's Fury , Bowdrie

Mountain Men

A subgenre in which the stalwart, lonely protagonist roams the mountain ranges of the West. Common themes are survival against harsh elements of nature, loneliness, civilization vs. the wilderness, and feuding families. Literary Examples: Power of the Mountain Man , The Last Mountain Man , Revenge of the Mountain Man

A subgenre of western in which there are colorful villains. It usually involves train robberies, bank robberies, or some other form of criminal activity taking place in the West. There is a certain moral ambiguity to protagonists, making them "loveable bad guys" or villains with a heart. There is generally a romantic interest who is in a likewise unsavory career, such as a prostitute or barmaid. Literary Examples: Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West , Three-Ten to Yuma and Other Stories , I Rode With Jesse James

Prairie Settlement

In this subgenre, the protagonist must play a role in settling on the vast plains of the Midwest, usually facing harsh weather and circumstances. Common themes are benevolent or unfriendly natives, surviving harsh winters, finding sustenance in difficult conditions, and a budding romance with other settlers (particularly widows or widowers who are on their own). Literary Examples: Prarie Justice , Prairie Crossing: A Novel of the West , West Winds of Wyoming

A subgenre of western in which a protagonist endures and survives a massacre or some other horrible event, and must find those who are responsible for it to achieve justice. In many cases, the protagonist is seeking justice for loved ones or family members who have been murdered. There is a sense of righteous anger and common themes are retribution, justice, personal peace, and loyalty. Literary Examples: Cade's Revenge , Montana Revenge , The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge

Wagon Train

A subgenre of western in which there is a journey taken by pioneers from the East looking to settle in the West. These tales are of an epic nature and often include drama such as budding romance and feuds between travelers. Literary Examples: Raveled Ends of Sky: Women of the West Novels , A Long Way to Go , Sawbones

A subgenre in which the protagonist is an adolescent or young adult, and comes of age as the story progresses. These stories are intended for an adolescent or young adult audience and contain themes such as friendship, young love, escape from adult or responsible influence, and rebellion. Literary Examples: Vengeance Road , Under a Painted Sky , Gunslinger Girl

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Creative Writing MFA Alumni Spotlight: Francisco Aragón ('03)

Published: February 20, 2024

Author: Paul Cunningham

Francisco Aragon

"I was affiliated with [University of Notre Dame], but I wasn't teaching; I was a full-time arts administrator. I was able to cultivate more meaningful and substantive initiatives that led to a more national footprint. That was when I [and Letras Latinas] began to collaborate with the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Poetry Society of America. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how crucial Letras Latinas' ties are with Notre Dame's Creative Writing program. We typically tap MFA students to introduce our visiting poets as well as conduct our oral history video interviews."   — Francisco Aragón, Poets & Writers

Francisco Aragon AWP

"Letras Latinas' mission is to amplify and support our storytellers-poets, playwrights, fiction writers, essayists. As long as our community is producing storytellers, and as long as we live in an environment in which communities are battling being erased—think about the political climate we're currently in in the U.S., with the attempted banning of library books by LGBTQ and Black voices—I don't envision the scenario where it's 'mission accomplished'" — Francisco Aragón, Poets & Writers
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Vanessa Amorosi Reflects on Her Move to a Whole New Genre: 'Let Myself Out of the Cage' (Exclusive)

"I was always desperate to be able to go into this soul domain and start writing stuff that was very brutally honest," Amorosi tells PEOPLE

creative writing about genres

Australian pop star Vanessa Amorosi has always loved gospel music.

“Even with my first records, they were all gospel songs,” Amorosi, 42, tells PEOPLE from a recent tour stop in Switzerland. “They started with five-to-six-part harmonies that were interacting with each other, and all of that got taken out to make it more pop and mainstream. So now, it's like I'm returning to what I was initially passionate about.”

It is this passion that can be heard all over “Lift Us Up,” the focus track from Amorosi’s full-length studio album  Memphis Love and the uplifting song whose music video premieres exclusively on PEOPLE. 

“Finding a song that is uplifting, but yet not cheesy, is always really, really hard,” says Amorosi, who has sold over two million records worldwide throughout her impressive career. “To finally be in the room and hear it all come together? That was the moment. where I was like, it all just makes sense now.”

Amorosi chose to join voices on “Lift Us Up” with the Tennessee Mass Choir from The Jubilee Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I just wanted something where it hits you and you just feel like you just got smacked with emotion,” says Amorosi, of the breathtaking performance. “For such a long time, it was just me singing all these harmony parts. But to finally be in the room and hear it all come together? That was the moment where I was like, it all just makes sense now.”

Tyler Lee Aubrey

Making sense of what has been somewhat of a tumultuous few years has been somewhat of a goal for Amorosi as of late as she continues to find herself in the middle of a highly publicized legal battle with her mother. 

“When you get into a situation where there's negativity surrounding you, you've got to really focus on what is working versus what is not working,” says Amorosi, who struck gold with her debut single “Have a Look” back in 1999. “We should just be trying to embrace each other and move forward on a level where we're trying to search for happiness versus the other kind of things that can definitely take you off onto another road.” 

Getting back on her soul’s worthy road has been made a bit easier thanks to the professional and personal support of music extraordinaire Dave Stewart.

“Dave (Stewart) changed my whole outlook on music,” says Amorosi, who is currently out on the road with him as part of the Eurythmics Songbook tour. “He took a lot of the rules away from me. He was just like, ‘there are no rules.’ It just changed everything. Even with my singing, I kind of always held back. And he was the first artist that was like, oh my God, can you stop doing that?’”

And now, without those sonic boundaries, Amorosi finds herself increasingly more comfortable to settling in the R&B/soul/rock-influenced/gospel space.

“I was always desperate to be able to go into this soul domain and be able to let myself out of the cage as a vocalist and as a writer, and start writing stuff that was very brutally honest,” says Amorosi. “As much as I love pop music, there's always a formula to it. But with gospel music and soul music, it's all about the pocket. It's about the feel as well as the message.”

Certainly, it’s a move Amorosi doubts she could make years ago.

I think it's just about getting to that point in life where you want to connect on a much deeper level musically,” she concludes. “It's just becoming comfortable in your own skin and wanting to have that connection with your audience, which I feel like I do have, but now from a different perspective.”

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On the campus princeton student struck by train was creative writing director’s son.

creative writing about genres

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know may have suicidal thoughts, you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat online at  988lifeline.org .

The freshman who was struck and killed by the Dinky train on Feb. 16 is the son of Yiyun Li, according to  a statement from the University . She joined the Princeton faculty in 2017 and is currently director of the Program in Creative Writing.

James Li ’27 was a Princeton High School graduate. His father is Dapeng Li, the statement said. New Jersey Transit is investigating and has not released the cause of death.

A lauded writer and novelist, Yiyun Li has  written about  her journey through depression and grief after her older son, Vincent Li, died by suicide when he was struck by a train in 2017. In 2022,  The New York Times  wrote  that Yiyun Li had become “something of a beacon to those suffering beneath unbearable weight.”

James Li is the second freshman to die this academic year; Sophia Jones ’27  died by suicide on Nov. 29 . Seven Princeton students have died from various causes since May 2022.

The University statement listed resources that can help students right now, offered through  Counseling and Psychological Services , the  Office of Religious Life , the residential colleges, and the Graduate College. In an interview with PAW, CPS director Calvin Chin said: “I think for everyone in the University community, it’s really important right now to focus on whatever you can to take care of yourself. 

“For some people it might mean reaching out to others for support. For other people it might mean distraction. For others it might mean journaling. And for still others it might mean reaching out to a professional counselor,” Chin said. “Really any means toward giving yourself some sense of peace and relief during this challenging time is absolutely appropriate and the right way to go.”

He also urged people to reach out to each other, both to get support and to offer it to others. “One thing that can be helpful when a tragedy like this happens is to just lean into the emotional support that you can get from other members of the community,” Chin said. “Finding ways to reach out to people who you either are concerned about or who you feel could benefit from a supportive talk or a supportive meeting is always a good thing.”

Students who want to talk to a professional counselor can walk into the McCosh Health Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or they can call the  CPS Cares Line  around the clock at 609-258-3141. Faculty and staff can use  Carebridge  around the clock.

Chin said residential colleges and other groups on campus are planning events for people to gather and support each other, so students should watch for those announcements in their email over the coming days.

Right now, he said, “honor what it is that you need to take care of yourself, and reach out for help and resources when you need it.”

IMAGES

  1. 3 Genres of Writing: Narrative, Creative Writing and Poetry

    creative writing about genres

  2. Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief, 4th Edition

    creative writing about genres

  3. Writing Genres

    creative writing about genres

  4. Genre Mindmaps

    creative writing about genres

  5. THE WRITING PROCESS

    creative writing about genres

  6. GENRES of LITERATURE

    creative writing about genres

COMMENTS

  1. Genres of Writing

    In addition to crossing genres, creative writing works also may fall into sub-genres. The most writing genres evolve branches over time. In fact, science fiction, one of the biggest and most popular genre examples in writing today, is simply a sub-genre of the larger category of speculative fiction.

  2. Types of Creative Writing

    Most writers develop a preference for one form (and genre) above all others. This can be a good thing, because you can specialize in your form and genre and become quite proficient. However, occasionally working with other types of writing is beneficial.

  3. 10 Types of Creative Writing (with Examples You'll Love)

    By virtue of the creativity that characterizes it, creative writing is an extremely versatile art. So instead of defining what creative writing is, it may be easier to understand what it does by looking at examples that demonstrate the sheer range of styles and genres under its vast umbrella.

  4. Writing Prompts By Genre: 250+ Creative Writing Prompts For Book Ideas

    Use these fiction creative writing prompts to explore new genres, practice your creative writing development using literary device examples, and get inspired to venture off into a new fiction story. These fiction writing prompts are categorized based on genre, so you'll find topics for horror or thriller stories, romance writing prompts ...

  5. What Is Creative Writing? Types, Techniques, and Tips

    • Songs • Poetry • Plays • Vignettes But creative writing doesn't have to be limited to fictitious content. It can also include: • Personal essays • Memoirs • Journals and diaries • Letters As we can see from this list, some works of nonfiction can also constitute creative writing.

  6. Exploring Different Genres: A Guide to Creative Writing

    Creative writing is a diverse and exciting field that encompasses a wide range of genres and styles. Whether you're interested in writing fiction, poetry, drama, or non-fiction, there's a genre out there for you. In this guide, we'll explore the different genres of creative writing and provide tips and advice for aspiring writers. Fiction

  7. What are the Genres of Creative Writing?

    The four primary genres of creative writing are fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Fiction: The fiction genre includes all works conceived primarily out of the writer's imagination.

  8. 10 types of creative writing: Get inspired to write

    Literary techniques you develop with writing plays and screenplays can include satire, motif, dramatic irony, allusion, and diction. 5. Personal essays. Focusing on the author's life and experiences, a personal essay is a form of creative non-fiction that almost acts as an autobiography.

  9. Creative writing

    In this sense, creative writing is a more contemporary and process-oriented name for what has been traditionally called literature, including the variety of its genres. In her work, Foundations of Creativity, Mary Lee Marksberry references Paul Witty and Lou LaBrant 's Teaching the People's Language to define creative writing. Marksberry notes:

  10. 19 Popular Creative Writing Genres with Examples

    Sub-genres: Cyberpunk: Envisioning a high-tech, dystopian future. Space Opera: Grand tales set against the cosmic backdrop. Time Travel: Traversing the rivers of time, exploring 'what if' scenarios. Notable Examples: 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells: An early epitome of alien invasion narrative.

  11. Research Guides: Creative Writing: Resources by Genre

    ISBN: 9781501376238. Publication Date: 2022. An updated and expanded edition of the provocative and practical guide to poetry-an art form that is both loved and feared -- written for students of creative writing and literary studies, with a new emphasis on poetry's role in a time of great change and transformation.

  12. Unleash Your Creativity with Different Genres of Writing

    There are so many genres and subgenres that we'll never all be able to agree on how many there are. However, some classifications include 5: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, and prose. There are plenty of different types of creative writing and genres to explore. Here's our guide to some of the most popular ones to inspire you.

  13. Genres of Writing: Definition, Examples, and 12 Types

    Genres of Writing: Definition, Examples, and 12 Types What is Genre? (You'll be surprised at the answer.) Watch on What is the definition of Genre? Genre is a label that tells audience members what to expect from our stories. It is a clear framework to catalog all stories and helps writers give audience members what they are hoping for—and more.

  14. A Look Into Creative Writing

    Creative Writing comes in many forms, encompassing a range of genres and styles. There are lots of different types of Creative Writing, which can be categorised as fiction or non-fiction. Some of the most popular being: Biographies Fiction: novels, novellas, short stories, etc. Speeches Poetry and Spoken word Playwriting/Scriptwriting

  15. List of writing genres

    A literary genre may fall under either one of two categories: (a) a work of fiction, involving non-factual descriptions and events invented by the author; or (b) a work of nonfiction, in which descriptions and events are understood to be factual.

  16. Types of Genres: A Literary Guide

    Essentially, genres help categorize literary works that share similar traits. If you want to become a writer, there are a number of reasons to learn about genres, according to Paul Witcover, associate dean of the online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

  17. Elements of Creative Writing

    This free and open access textbook introduces new writers to some basic elements of the craft of creative writing in the genres of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The authors—Rachel Morgan, Jeremy Schraffenberger, and Grant Tracey—are editors of the North American Review, the oldest and one of the most well-regarded literary magazines in the United States. They've selected ...

  18. Types of Writing Genres: A Short Guide

    October 11, 2022 In this blog, we will discuss the different types of writing genres. Every genre of writing has its mindset and set of expectations. Genres are the tool for creativity and provide various perspectives to tell your story in different ways.

  19. The 17 Most Popular Genres In Fiction

    Genre is a style or category of art, music, or literature. As an author, genre controls what you write and how you write it. It describes the style and focus of the novel you write. Genres give you blueprints for different types of stories.

  20. Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief

    Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief. $84.54. (28) In Stock. Outlining the basics of composing and crafting each genre, Creative Writing: Four Genres in Brief teaches you to write poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama through the use of short models in order to get you writing in all genres during a single course. ISBN-10. 1319035337. ISBN-13.

  21. Genres of Writing

    Creative Writing Curriculum Vitae Essay Exams (Purdue) Ethnography Film Review Grant Proposals (UNC) Group Essays Letters to the Editor Literature Review Mission Statement Op-ed Oral Presentations Performance Review Personal Statement: Humanities Personal Statement: Professional School/Scholarship Poetry Explication Policy Memo

  22. 12 Types of Creative Writing to Explore

    1. Songs You may think of writing a song as a purely musical form of creative expression, but if your song has lyrics, you'll also be doing some creative writing. Lyrics are similar to poetry in that they can have many forms, although some type of rhyme scheme is common. See examples of some of the most popular song lyrics at MetroLyrics. 2. Poetry

  23. 144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing

    144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing Tonya Thompson Published on February 9, 2019 PST Last Modified on February 4, 2021 PST From fantasy to western—and everything in between—we cover the major genres and subgenres available to readers today.

  24. Creative Writing MFA Alumni Spotlight: Francisco Aragón ('03)

    A 2003 alum of the MFA in Creative Writing program at the University of Notre Dame, Francisco Aragón was recently interviewed by Emily Pérez for Poets & Writers. From sharing the origin story of Letras Latinas (the literary initiative at Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies) to big-picture ideas for the future, there's no denying that Aragón has and will continue to support established ...

  25. Luke Dick Was Writing 'True Companion' for Miranda Lambert

    Luke Dick assumed Miranda Lambert wanted "True Companion.". "I knew that Miranda would go there with me," Dick, 44, tells PEOPLE about the writing of the cosmic love story. "Miranda is a ...

  26. Vanessa Amorosi Reflects on Her Move to a Whole New Genre (Exclusive)

    Vanessa Amorosi Reflects on Her Move to a Whole New Genre: 'Let Myself Out of the Cage' (Exclusive) "I was always desperate to be able to go into this soul domain and start writing stuff that was ...

  27. Princeton Student Struck by Train Was Creative Writing Director's Son

    The freshman who was struck and killed by the Dinky train on Feb. 16 is the son of Yiyun Li, according to a statement from the University. She joined the Princeton faculty in 2017 and is currently director of the Program in Creative Writing. James Li '27 was a Princeton High School graduate.