I thought I’d end International Chick Lit Month with this postcard from PostSecret along with a few chick lit quotes. Enjoy!
The only thing I have to say that I don’t like about chick lit as a genre is the name. I’m 44 years old, I’m not The only thing I have to say that I don’t like about chick lit as a genre is the name. I’m 44 years old, I’m not now nor have I ever been a ‘chick’. I hope it changes to ‘contemporary fiction’ or something equally suitable. I’d like something that says I write commercial, comedy fiction for all genders.now nor have I ever been a ‘chick’. I hope it changes to ‘contemporary fiction’ or something equally suitable. I’d like something that says I write commercial, comedy fiction for all genders. Heather Hill : CHICK LIT – AN OPEN LETTER TO REAL BOOK LOVERS
But as much as I love to prove chick lit’s critics wrong, maybe it’s not worth it. Moreover, it’s probably not necessary. Chick lit authors are making millions, having their books made into Oscar-nominated films and receiving fan letters by the sackload.
The genre’s thrived for 12 years and counting and dominates bookshops all over the world. Chick lit doesn’t need me or anyone else to defend it – its success speaks for itself. Diane Shipley: In Defence of Chick Lit
I think plenty of chick lit’s well-written and smart. And I do aim high. I think all authors do. Jennifer Weiner: # 1 New York Times Bestselling Author
We never know where life’s circumstances will lead us. This could be your story one day, if it’s not already. Missi’s Dating Adventures.
Carol Balawyder 
“Chick lit authors are making millions, having their books made into Oscar-nominated films and receiving fan letters by the sackload.”—I think that right there says it all. 🙂
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It sure does. 🙂
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I’ve never liked the label either but those babies sell. ❤ ❤ ❤
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The thing is, it’s not listed as chick lit on the bookshelves of book shops. Not here in the UK anyway. It’s simply placed under the heading Fiction. I love what these authors have to say about it and when I read it I’m not ashamed to say I’m reading it. One of my favourite books is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.
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Thanks Carol, you are quite right. Chick lit authors are up there with the top sellers, as well as with the top figure grossing films of all time. All power to the male AND female chick lit writers. And thank you so much for the ping back 🙂
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Heather, I really liked your post. I thought it very inspiring and thought provoking. 🙂
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This has been a very insightful series. I hadn’t paid much attention to the sexist connotation around the term- although it has affected me, come to think of it. My memoir is a woman’s journey and I’ve been told to expect it to not have a big audience because of that- and its specific topics- part of me has been wondering whether to make it more “mainstream” palatable. I know this isn’t necessarily the same as fiction but I do think the dynamics are similar. Thanks for the awareness. I wonder if the Outlander series is considered chic lit- either way, some of the richest story telling has come out of those book as evidenced by the powerful tv series it has become.
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Oh, Diahann, don’t listen to those comments about not expecting your book to have a big audience. Expect grand things instead!
It’s a tough decision to know what style to take in our writing but I always read it’s an unwise decision to try to write simply what you think will sell. For one thing, the market can easily change. What people liked to read one season has been replaced with something entirely different.
I tend to believe that to write the kind of book you’d love to read keeps the passion alive. And that passion will come through in your words, whether fiction or non-fiction. What you like to read is not only about genre, plot and setting but also about style and tone.
All the best in your writing process.
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Thank you, Carol. I love that- “expect grand things instead!” I am going to take that in.
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Long live chick lit, and it will, no matter what we choose to call it. 🙂
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Well said, Debby! 🙂
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I’ve often wondered why they are classified as chick lit but I love reading them – they make me laugh and cry sometimes.
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it. 🙂
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I’m reminded of “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Perhaps “chick lit” is simply one of those other names….
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Delightful comment! 🙂
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I like all sorts of books, would love to read yours, Carol. I will write it down and pass it to the library committee who approves of buying books. When I moved into my little one bedroom apartment from a large three bedroom with finished basement house, Great room and den, I just had to downsize my life. Now, I am slowly and carefully re-building my life. My house is small and the world is large, Carol! Hope you will understand. I appreciate literature aimed at women or men that are romantic and sympathetic at heart! (I generally don’t call the movies ‘chick flicks’ nor the books, ‘chick lit’ but they are definitely “Chic!” (or Cool!)
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I totally understand, Robin. Blogging can be very overwhelming and time consuming. I know. That’s why I’m shortly going to take a summer break to recharge.
“Chic” how cool!
Thanks for being here, Robin. 🙂
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I agree about the name “chick lit.” The same thing for films. It’s very demeaning and probably was started by men. Women shouldn’t have taken it up as a name, but instead insisted on calling it something else.
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Great series, Carol. Thanks for challenging me on the labels I toss around haphazardly and take for granted. The bottom line for me is regardless of whether it’s romance, chick lit, women’s fiction, mainstream or whatever, I am just so grateful for writers (women writers in particular). They have given me many happy hours.
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So well said, Ann. 🙂
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