“All great works of literature either dissolve a genre or invent a new one.”
—Walter Benjamin
Can we introduce new genres into the literary world? Before we dive into the latest literary trends (Hi, Booktok!), let’s take a look back to the origins and the inevitable evolution of our most commonly seen genres.
Beyond the classic pillars of non-fiction and fiction exist constantly moving subgenres like fantasy, horror, romance, crime, etc., used as a way to organize and categorize literary works. Centuries ago, literature (namely dramas) came to be distinguished between tragedy and comedy. This distinction helped the reader understand the structure of the work before it was ever read, setting their expectations. However, the boundaries of each genre began and continued to evolve responding to new ways of thinking, living, and narrating.
Described by Thaís Caroline as “historical and cultural constructions, shaped by ways of living, modes of narration, and the symbolic needs of each era,” genres are not fixed concepts. Every literary form emerges from tradition as well as the tension with what already exists.
In the 18th century, the novel was born out of “the rise of the bourgeoisie, the valorization of the individual, interiority, and the everyday, establishing itself as a genre that accompanies the subject through their conflicts.” The novel emerged from the need of expression, acting as a vehicle for exploring individualism, social issues, and the human condition.
The 19th century brought along the popularization of romanticism, focusing more on emotion and nature, the connection between the individual and that which surrounds them. Later this century we dove into realism, a genre that emphasized character development and social commentary.
So on and so forth, bringing us to today where there are countless (limitless, even!) subgenres based on human experiences, societal expectations, niche interests, and even romantic tropes. There is quite literally something for everyone.
Today genres exist to guide readers in their selections and librarians and booksellers in the organization of their books. While largely seen as just a marketing tactic, these genres do so much more than tell you which shelf to find a book. The evolution of genres alone marks the incredible strides between generations of human experiences.
This brings us to the main question—can we as authors/writers create new genres?
In the same way language evolves over time and usage, so too do sub-genres. As mentioned before, genres don’t exist to limit or place writers in a box. They exist to put a name to the patterns of writing commonly seen in this current age.
A relatively new genre up for debate is “New Adult” fiction. Meant to fill the gap between young adult novels and adult fiction, New Adult seeks to create a space for readers aged anywhere from eighteen to twenty-five, sometimes thirty years old. A genre depicting the transition into adulthood, spanning sexuality, college experiences, and the pressures of identifying yourself within the curious peculiarity called your twenties. Like all genres, new adult has faced criticism and skepticism, mostly from those who see it as just sexually explicit or erotic romance, but still remains proof of the evolution of our society, demanding spaces for those unnamed and underrepresented.
Of course you can! Romantasy is currently having its moment, combining . . . you guessed it, romance and fantasy. Who’s to say you can’t write a mystery/romance? Genre-blending allows writers the freedom to be curious, a wider canvas to paint. Every time a writer stretches the boundaries of existing genres, literature grows in new directions. The next genre may begin with a story that simply refuses to fit neatly on a shelf. The literary world has space for every voice, should you choose to speak—or write.
REFERENCES
Allen, Paul Goat. “Cross-Pollination: The Future Is Genre-Blending.” Writer’s Digest, October 19, 2018. https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/cross-pollination-genre-blending.
Brooks, Lawson. “The Evolution of Literary Genres.” Vocal. Accessed March 5, 2026. https://vocal.media/writers/the-evolution-of-literary-genres.
Caroline, Thaís. 2025. “Have You Ever Wondered How Literary Genres Change Over Time?” Medium, July 3, 2025. https://medium.com/thaiscarolinebooks/have-you-ever-wondered-how-literary-genres-change-over-time-cfd102104ce8
Kennedy, Adrienne. “New Adult Fiction.” EBSCO Research Starters: Literature and Writing. Published 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/new-adult-fiction
Scharla. “The History and Evolution of Book Genres.” Tidepool Octopus, November 29, 2023. https://tidepooloctopus.com/blog/history-evolution-book-genres.
