What is Literary Fiction? by Gail Graham, Author of Sea Changes

Sea Changes is literary fiction. But what is literary fiction? One editor described literary fiction as being a work “with an untargetable market.” A better definition might be that literary fiction is, among other things, not genre fiction.

The whole idea of genre fiction has little to do with literature, although it has quite a lot to do with marketing. Genres divide books and their readers into neat and distinct categories, which make it easy for publishers’ representatives to sell books.

Genre isn’t about quality. It’s about a formula. When I was young, we used to call it pulp fiction. Reading genre fiction is like eating a Big Mac. You know exactly what to expect, and what you expect is what you get.

Sea Changes is not genre fiction. The plot turns around an (alleged) kidnapping and murder, but Sea Changes is not a mystery. A lonely woman meets a lonely man and they are attracted to one another, but Sea Changes is not a romance. There’s a parallel universe -- but Sea Changes is not science fiction, or fantasy.

Sea Changes draws you in. Sea Changes forces you – the reader – to decide what is really going on at any given point in the story. You may think it’s an allegory. You may think it’s an adventure. You’ll certainly find it a good read.

Some writers write for their own satisfaction, but I write for a particular group of discerning readers. I know my readers. I know what they like.

My readers like unusual books, novels that are different. Many of my readers belong to book discussion groups, and enjoy speculating about plot, and character, and intent. My readers insist upon what they consider good writing, and they like a tight, plausible plot. A million years ago, a New York agent named Scott Meredith wrote an article of advice to beginning writers. I still remember his succinct description of what constitutes a good novel. “An appealing character struggles against great odds to attain a worthwhile goal.” My readers would agree.

Does this sound like you? If so, you’re one of my readers. Write to me at gailgrahamseachanges@comcast.net and tell me what you think of Sea Changes. I look forward to hearing from you, because you – my reader -- are the reason I write.

To find out more about Sea Changes and Gail Graham's other books, visit her website at www.gailgraham.net.

SEA CHANGES VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR JUNE ‘09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join author Gail Graham as she travels the blogosphere in June 2009 with Pump Up Your Book Promotion Public Relations on her first virtual book tour to discuss her latest literary novel, Sea Changes (Jade Phoenix Publishing).

When Sarah’s husband dies suddenly, she is left with no anchor and no focus.
Grief is an ever-present companion and counseling a weekly chore with minimal results, but when Sarah decides to end her life her suicide attempt takes her to an underwater world where she finds comfort and friendship. Afterwards, back on the beach she wonders – Was it a dream? Was I hallucinating? Or am I going mad?

Her efforts to make sense of the experience lead to Sarah’s becoming a suspect in the alleged kidnapping of a young heiress. Now her worlds are colliding – and the people she trusts are backing away, not believing a word she says. She must decide what is real and what is not. Her life depends on it.

PRAISE FOR SEA CHANGES:

“This lyrical novel conveys incredible emotional depth within a fascinating storyline.” — Today’s Adventure

“An intriguing plot and fantastically detailed descriptions make Sea Changes a great book to read while pondering the possibilities of life.” — Holly Scudero, Sacramento Book Review

“…an avenue of hope and inspiration…” — Good Books in Bad Times

Gail Graham’s previous novel, Crossfire, won the Buxtehude Bulle, a prestigious German literary award. Crossfire has been translated into German, French, Danish, Finnish and Swedish. Three of Gail’s other books were NY Times Book of the Year recommendations. Gail lived in Australia for 32 years, where she owned and operated a community newspaper and published several other books, including A Cool Wind Blowing (a biography of Mao Zedong) Staying Alive and A Long Season in Hell. She returned to the United States in 2002, and now lives in Tucson, Arizona.

You can find Gail online at www.gailgraham.net

If you would like to follow Gail Graham on her virtual book tour, visit the official Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tour site at http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/.

Gail Graham’s virtual book tour is brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours, a virtual book tour agency for authors who want quality service for an affordable price. More information can be found on their website at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com.

THE SEA CHANGES VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '09

Sea Changes is a passionate look at one woman’s struggle with grief and independence. Love, loss and Sarah’s search for hope will inspire all readers to believe that ultimately, anything is possible.

When Sarah’s husband dies suddenly, she is left with no anchor and no focus.
Grief is an ever-present companion and counseling a weekly chore with minimal results, but when Sarah decides to end her life her suicide attempt takes her to an underwater world where she finds comfort and friendship. Afterwards, back on the beach she wonders – Was it a dream? Was I hallucinating? Or am I going mad?

Her efforts to make sense of the experience lead to Sarah’s becoming a suspect in the alleged kidnapping of a young heiress. Now her worlds are colliding – and the people she trusts are backing away, not believing a word she says. She must decide what is real and what is not. Her life depends on it.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Gail Graham’s previous novel, CROSSFIRE, won the Buxtehude Bulle, a prestigious German literary award. CROSSFIRE has been translated into German, French, Danish, Finnish and Swedish. Three of Gail’s other books were NY Times Book of the Year recommendations. Gail lived in Australia for 32 years, where she owned and operated a community newspaper and published several other books, including A COOL WIND BLOWING (a biography of Mao Zedong) STAYING ALIVE and A LONG SEASON IN HELL. She returned to the United States in 2002, and now lives in Tucson, Arizona.

You can visit Gail online at www.gailgraham.net.

TO SEE WHERE GAIL AND SARAH STOP NEXT, VISIT www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com