Let's open this column with a loaded question: what makes someone a writer? An unconditional love for the craft? Skill? Talent? Artistry? Publication credits? Prestigious awards? Calculable sales figures? A Michiko Kakutani review (biting or otherwise)? A tattoo of the Latin word "scriptor" on one's upper right shoulder or a semi-arcane "Paradise Lost" quote on the upper back? (No, I am NOT referring to anyone sitting at my keyboard right now!) In my opinion, the first four qualities make a writer, while the second four make for a (possibly) financially successful and well-known writer, perhaps even studied and celebrated by posterity. Of course, number nine makes one an AWESOME writer (but that probably only matters to me). I won't even get into what makes a good writer ... not now, at least.

Since we know some things that I think make a writer, let's delve into the type of writer this column will focus on (though not only be geared toward): the burgeoning and hopeful literary fiction writer. In order to discuss related issues in depth, however, it is necessary to first discuss the differences between the two main phyla of fiction: literary and genre. Since those differences color every facet of the craft, the importance of understanding them is paramount. Among writers, this understanding is commonly intuited rather than ascertained; as that is the case for myself, I have often found it difficult to explain it to laymen. When I began writing, I would turn that nose up at the mere mention of workhorses like Stephen King and Anne Rice while sycophantically crying tears of ecstasy over anything written, thought or sneezed on by the likes of Marilynne Robinson, Flannery O'Connor, Vladimir Nabokov, etc. ad infinitum. I now work on both sides of the fence (albeit under different names) and have spent some time researching genre fiction craft in-depth. Recently, I came across a comparative definition that succinctly and respectfully limns the major distinctions.

"Literary fiction" is said to be the fiction of ideas. Its primary purpose is to evoke thought. The writer's goal is self-expression. Literary fiction is usually considered to be more concerned with style and solid writing, to stress character development and good descriptions, and to be paced more slowly than genre fiction. It is sometimes referred to as "serious fiction," compared to genre fiction, which is considered "commercial." "Genre fiction" is the fiction of emotions. Its primary purpose is to evoke feelings. The writer's goal is to entertain the reader. Any consideration of self-expression, if one exists, is usually secondary. Genre fiction is typically characterized by a great deal of dialogue, characters that readers can easily identify with, and plots that are fast paced. As a rule, publishers expect to make a substantial profit from selling a genre fiction book, which is not always true of a literary fiction work.

H. Thomas Milhorn, Writing Genre Fiction: A Guide to the Craft (2006)

There is obviously much more that can be said on the subject—and I'm sure I'll say it eventually—but going forward, the excerpt from Mr. Milhorn's treatise will serve as my working definition. In the future, expect discussions about craft, publishing, writer’s self-esteem, motivation, literary journals, and various rants about whatever it is I find interesting (I apologize in advance that the word 'interesting' will be a blatant lie in reference to some of my musings). As someone hoping to make a name for myself in the grand tradition of myriad artists and wordsmiths who have come before, I'll close with a Vladimir Nabokov quote that sums up my personal attitude toward literary fiction: "A writer should have the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist."

And now I’ll cry those aforementioned tears.