Why so many “Literary” people scoff at the word “Genre” when it comes to Fantasy and Science Fiction
There are those who have a blind hatred for the sci-fi/fantasy and won’t crack the cover unless looking for something to take a jab at. Funk those people. The majority of people who read (and more importantly, who buy books) look for entertainment within their substance, and will suspend disbelief for a good enough yarn. What elevates a good science fiction/fantasy novel from the base term of “genre” is usually the development of characters. All other factors are important, but the thing that is the same about almost all “genre” novels, is the cast of half sketched archetypal, flat characters, while lavish details of scene and exposition of the ‘world’ thicken the book without connecting, thus slowly disconnecting the reader from the character. Good fiction develops interesting characters until you feel like you know them, and when their decisions surprise you, even then you understand the choices. So, for those who write something they despise being considered “genre-dreck” or whatever, consider the strength of your characters as well as the people you’ve chosen to share your work with. Some have plugged their ears entirely, but most just need a little extra convincing. But don’t forget that people love a good saga. Just ask Issac Asimov, JRR Tolkien, Ursala LeGuin, CS Lewis, Frank Herbert etc etc.