What is it?

[Rhush]

Im confused about what exactly classifies Mainstream fiction. For example, in Fried Green Tomatoes the two women are together in a lesbian relationship. There is no sex, but there is a romance. But isn't this classified as mainstream? I am writing something similiar and don't know if it can only fit in gay/lesbian... or if it can go to mainstream.

[My-Immortal]

I'm no expert on what can be put where when it comes to genre - but I think as long as you write a good story, the publishers, editors, booksellers will end up deciding for you where they will put your book.

Good luck with your writing. :)

[Jamesaritchie]

Im confused about what exactly classifies Mainstream fiction. For example, in Fried Green Tomatoes the two women are together in a lesbian relationship. There is no sex, but there is a romance. But isn't this classified as mainstream? I am writing something similiar and don't know if it can only fit in gay/lesbian... or if it can go to mainstream.

Interesting. I never read Fried Green Tomatoes that way. I'll have to read it again.

But what can go mainstream is anyting the mainstream will buy. Mainstream really isn't a genre so much as it's a desire. If a publisher believes mainstream America will buy a book in large numbers, they push it as mainstream. And kind of book from any genre there is can be a mainstream novel IF the publisher thinks it has whatever it takes to attract a mainstream audience. Mainstream is a judgement call on potential sales numbers, not a particular kind of novel.

[johnnysannie]

Interesting. I never read Fried Green Tomatoes that way. I'll have to read it again.

But what can go mainstream is anyting the mainstream will buy. Mainstream really isn't a genre so much as it's a desire. If a publisher believes mainstream America will buy a book in large numbers, they push it as mainstream. And kind of book from any genre there is can be a mainstream novel IF the publisher thinks it has whatever it takes to attract a mainstream audience. Mainstream is a judgement call on potential sales numbers, not a particular kind of novel.
James, I had never read it (or viewed the movie) with any notion that the two women (Ruth and Idgie) might be lesbians. However, a few months ago, I saw some posts on another site about this so I re-read the book. Once aware of the idea that this was a lesbian relationship, then it seemed to be true. Personally, I still don't know if Fanny Flagg meant it to be a lesbian relationship or if it is just perceived as such by some readers.

But regardless of the relationship, I would still consider the book to be mainstream literature because the lesbian relationship is not the only focus of the book. Fried Green Tomatoes is as much about Mrs. Threadgoode and her new friend who loves to hear about Ruth and Idgie.

Many mainstream books contain hetrosexual relationships and are not classified as romance or another genre so why should an outstanding novel like Fried Green Tomatoes become a romance or be dubbed Lesbian literature?

It shouldn't.

[Jamesaritchie]

James, I had never read it (or viewed the movie) with any notion that the two women (Ruth and Idgie) might be lesbians. However, a few months ago, I saw some posts on another site about this so I re-read the book. Once aware of the idea that this was a lesbian relationship, then it seemed to be true. Personally, I still don't know if Fanny Flagg meant it to be a lesbian relationship or if it is just perceived as such by some readers.

But regardless of the relationship, I would still consider the book to be mainstream literature because the lesbian relationship is not the only focus of the book. Fried Green Tomatoes is as much about Mrs. Threadgoode and her new friend who loves to hear about Ruth and Idgie.

Many mainstream books contain hetrosexual relationships and are not classified as romance or another genre so why should an outstanding novel like Fried Green Tomatoes become a romance or be dubbed Lesbian literature?

It shouldn't.



I think some try to make lesbian/homosexual relationships out of close, loving friendships. I'd say that nine times out of ten, it just ain't so. It's almost so bad that two men or two women can't live in the same house without being considered lesbian/homosexual. I mean, when Bugs Bunny and Batman and Robin are seriously claimed to be homosexual, something weird is going on.

I don't know. I just finished Fried Green Tomatoes last night, and I still see noting in it that speaks of lesbianism.

But even straight lesbian fiction can still be mainstream. To a publisher, mainstream really isn't what the book is about, but simply whether or not is has characters real enough, and a story good enough, that the mainstream will read it. Every genre there is can be published as mainstream fiction.

Probably the easiest way to spot what publishers consider mainstream fiction in a bookstore is to look at the cover. If there is no genre identifier on it anywhere, it is, with very few exceptions, either going to be literary or mainstream. There are science fiction mainstream novels, fantasy mainstream novels, romance mainstream novels, mystery mainstream novels, western mainstream novels, and you name it.

Story, character, sometimes length, writing style, the way it ends, all can play a part in how publishers decide to classify something as mainstream, which, in a sense, really means refusing to classify it at all.

[johnnysannie]

True, James, I agree. In today's world, it seems that close friendships between same sex individuals are often perceived to be homosexual when they are not in all cases.

Earlier this year, a new book came out about Abe Lincoln in which the writer maintains Lincoln was gay. One of his reasons for this belief is that Lincoln shared a log cabin and a bed with one of his early law partners. To me, that is not enough evidence to say the man was gay. Historically, it was far from uncommon for men to share a bed or home.

I also had read a web site just the other day that purported to date word usage and origins in which it was said that the term "gay" for homosexuals dates back into the 1920's and even the 1890's. They cited some quotations and examples but it didn't wash with me. Sure, the examples could be read that way if that is what the reader is seeking but I don't think the term had any other meaning but happy, pleasant, etc until much later. Even in the 60's, Loretta Lynn had a song that included the line "The White House social season will be glittering and gay" and I have no doubt that Loretta meant anything other than glittering and festive.

[Jamesaritchie]

Even in the 60's, Loretta Lynn had a song that included the line "The White House social season will be glittering and gay" and I have no doubt that Loretta meant anything other than glittering and festive.

Maybe she was thinking about Lincoln?

[johnnysannie]

Good one, James. LOL!