Defining Chick-Lit

Warning: The opinions expressed in this blog may not reflect the views held by the publishing community at large. Thank goodness!

What is chick-lit? Great question. The way I see it is any book (literature) that is enjoyed by chicks (the female kind, not the poultry kind). So, to answer Natasha's question, sure Jane Austen qualifies. Maybe more so in her day, but plenty of us chicks (read: cool women) enjoy reading Ms. Austen even today.

The "industry" (and boy do I use that term loosely) may define chick-lit in very different ways. When the genre first appeared on the scene (think Bridget Jones' Diary), it typically included a single gal living in the city, addicted to shopping and fashion, booze and sex, and generally being a ditz. Luckily for us, the genre has evolved to include any book with a female protag, as long as she has a bit of spunk. Voice is the primary thing that defines the genre these days. If the tone of the novel is witty, I tend to classify it as chick-lit (and read it!).

With the expansion of the genre into Mom-lit, YA-lit, Chick Thrill, Paranormal-lit, Lady-lit, etc, there is something for women of any age and stage in life to enjoy. Smart, funny characters that reflect smart, funny readers.

Talking Chick-Lit

Dead? I think not. Check out this USA Today article.

Another writing blog features an interview with chick-lit author Melissa Senate.

Marian Keyes defends the genre at the Hay festival.

Word is out about Emily Griffin's latest release, Love the One You're With. The excerpts I've read put it in the intriguing category.

Reviews are mixed over Lauren Weisberger's latest, Chasing Harry Winston, but this article hints at a not-so-gloomy future for chick lit.

Is it Dead?

If you read anything about the publishing industry (and I read most everything), you have probably heard that Chick Lit is dead.

For a while, when people asked what I write, I would turn my head and mumble under my breath, "Chick Lit". Gradually I changed my answer to "humorous women's fiction". That's right. I cracked under the pressure. The pressure to adhere to the whims of the industry. Well, no more.

**Standing on rooftop, shouting** "I write Chick Lit! And I'm proud of it!"

I love making people laugh. Laughter is the greatest gift you can give another person. It's certainly my favorite thing to do. You may have noticed that there isn't a single serious book in my favorites list. Sure, occasionally I read tearjerkers or thought-provokers, but honestly, I'm reading to escape serious. I'm reading to enjoy myself. It's why I pick up the romantic comedy at the video store. And it's why I reach for the pretty covers first.

Now, don't get your Spanx all in a wad. I don't just judge a book by its cover. But that certainly can prompt me to pick it up. Then there's the back cover copy (please stop putting useless quotes or your inflated picture where the back cover copy belongs!). If that interests me, I'll read the first page. If you can make me laugh in those sixteen lines, there's a high likelihood that I will buy the book.

Case in point: While reading an agent blog, I saw an announcement for an upcoming release. The short blurb hooked me enough that I visited the author's website. Smart lady that she is, she had posted her first chapter there. It ranks as the funniest first chapter I have ever read. And now I had to wait several long months before the release date. (Can you say pre-order?) During that time, I revisited and reread the excerpt more times than I can count. And I showed it to everybody I know. The rest of the book didn't disappoint. Great cover, great blurb, great first page. I'll do a complete review of Eileen Cook's debut Unpredictable soon, but trust me. Just go buy it now.

All that rambling to say this. Chick Lit is only dead if its fans stop buying it. They can repackage it, or call it a different name, but women will continue to read it. Who doesn't want to experience life's twists and turns with a little bit of funny?