The literary world isn’t static—it evolves. New genres are emerging, thanks to cultural shifts, technological advances, and the simple need for fresh narratives.
This article is your guide to eleven genres that didn’t even exist until recently.
If you’re looking to break new ground, keep reading.
Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi)
What is Climate Fiction?
Cli-Fi is fiction centered around climate change and environmental degradation.
It aims to bring the urgency of climate issues to the forefront through storytelling, using plots that often revolve around disaster, survival, or activism.
What is an Example of Cli-Fi?
“The Water Will Come” by Jeff Goodell explores the reality of rising sea levels.
This book is significant because it combines scientific data with human stories, creating a compelling narrative about climate change.
Who Should Write Cli-Fi?
If you’re passionate about environmental issues and want to make a social impact with your writing, Cli-Fi could be your arena.
Knowledge of environmental science can be a plus, but what’s crucial is your ability to dramatize urgent global issues in relatable terms.
Literature Role Playing Game (LitRPG)
What is Literature Role Playing Game (LitRPG)?
LitRPG blends traditional storytelling with elements from role-playing games (RPGs).
Think quests, levels, and game-like challenges incorporated right into the narrative.
What is an Example of LitRPG Fiction?
“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline is set in a dystopian future where people escape to a virtual reality game.
Its significance lies in how it captures the essence of gaming culture while delivering a thrilling story.
Who Should Write LitRPG?
If you’re a gamer or have an understanding of game mechanics, this genre might be a perfect match.
Your gaming experience can translate into crafting stories that appeal to both gamers and readers.
Solarpunk
What is Solarpunk?
Solarpunk is a genre that counters dystopian narratives with optimism, focusing on sustainability, community, and environmental harmony.
It often presents a future where green technology and social equality have taken root.
What is an Example of Solarpunk Fiction?
“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler, although not originally written as Solarpunk, fits well within the genre.
It’s significant for its hopeful outlook on a society rebuilt around sustainability and community.
Who Should Write Solarpunk?
If you’re drawn to writing about sustainable futures and utopian scenarios, and you want your work to inspire positive change, Solarpunk is your genre.
New Weird
What is New Weird?
New Weird mingles elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror to create unsettling, non-traditional narratives.
Expect the unexpected, including bizarre creatures and altered laws of physics.
What is an Example of New Weird Fiction?
“Annihilation” by Jeff VanderMeer dives into a mysterious, unnatural area called “Area X.”
Its significance lies in its capacity to transcend genre, offering a unique, almost indescribable narrative experience.
Who Should Write New Weird?
If you like pushing boundaries and mixing elements from various genres, and you’re intrigued by psychological and metaphysical themes, New Weird is where your writing belongs.
Bizarro Fiction
What is Bizarro Fiction?
Bizarro Fiction defies convention to deliver weird, absurd, or even grotesque stories.
It’s the literary equivalent of a cult film, aiming to shock or amuse its audience.
What is an Example of Bizarro Fiction?
“John Dies at the End” by David Wong combines horror, comedy, and the supernatural.
It stands out for its irreverence and its ability to entertain and unsettle simultaneously.
Who Should Write Bizarro Fiction?
If you have a penchant for the offbeat and don’t mind shocking your readers, and if your imagination leans toward the weird or even the grotesque, Bizarro Fiction is your playground.
Hopepunk
What is Hopepunk?
Hopepunk centers on narratives of resistance, decency, and hope.
It counters the cynicism in dark storytelling with a focus on fighting for something better.
What is an Example of Hopepunk Fiction?
“Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett offers a comedic take on the end of the world.
It’s significant for injecting humor and hope into a typically dark and destructive scenario.
Who Should Write Hopepunk?
If you aim to inspire hope and resilience through your stories, or you believe in the power of kindness and community, Hopepunk is the genre for your writing.
Afrofuturism
What is Afrofuturism?
Afrofuturism incorporates African culture, history, and mythology into science fiction and fantasy settings, creating a space where African identities are front and center.
What is an Example of Afrofuturism Fiction?
“Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet” by Ta-Nehisi Coates reimagines the African nation of Wakanda as a technological utopia.
The book is significant for bringing Afrofuturism to mainstream audiences.
Who Should Write Afrofuturism?
If you are of African descent or have a deep understanding of African cultures, and you want to explore these elements in a speculative setting, Afrofuturism is the genre for you.
Mundane Science Fiction
What is Mundane Science Fiction?
Mundane Science Fiction strips away the fantastical elements commonly found in sci-fi, like aliens and time travel, focusing instead on plausible science and technology.
What is an Example of Mundane Science Fiction?
“Pump Six and Other Stories” by Paolo Bacigalupi offers near-future scenarios centered on realistic technologies.
The collection is notable for its focus on ethical and social implications of scientific advancements.
Who Should Write Mundane Science Fiction?
If you’re interested in the real-world impact of technology and want to explore ethical questions in a grounded setting, Mundane Science Fiction is your genre.
Instapoetry
What is Instapoetry?
Instapoetry is poetry written specifically for social media platforms, often short, relatable, and accompanied by visuals.
What is an Example of Instapoetry?
“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur explores themes like love, loss, and femininity.
The book gained fame through Instagram and taps into the bite-sized consumption habits of modern readers.
Who Should Write Instapoetry?
If you’re comfortable with social media and enjoy tackling big themes in concise formats, Instapoetry is where your writing will thrive.
Fan Fiction
What is Fan Fiction?
Fan Fiction involves writing stories based on existing works, like TV shows, movies, or books.
It allows fans to explore ‘what-ifs,’ alternative storylines, or character arcs.
What is an Example of Fan Fiction?
While there are no official books, unofficial fan works around “Harry Potter” or “Star Wars” are key examples.
These works are significant for expanding universes and engaging deeply with fan communities.
Who Should Write Fan Fiction?
If you’re deeply invested in a specific universe and want to contribute to its lore while interacting with a community of fans, Fan Fiction is for you.
Historical Slipstream
What is Historical Slipstream?
Historical Slipstream merges historical fiction with speculative elements, injecting surreal or fantastical features into real historical settings.
What is an Example of Historical Slipstream Fiction?
“The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” by Michael Chabon envisions an alternate history for Jewish refugees.
It’s notable for its meticulous historical research blended with a speculative twist.
Who Should Write Historical Slipstream?
If you’re a history buff with a creative streak for ‘what-ifs’ and you enjoy blending facts with fiction, Historical Slipstream is your ideal genre.
Are you ready to try writing in a new genre?
And there you have it—a guide to eleven new genres that are ripe for exploration.
Take a risk and venture into new literary landscapes.
Your next story is waiting.