When a couple has been together 35 years, they develop a sort of code for sharing opinions. For example, when I tell my husband that his guy movie is “hilarious,” he knows I mean idiotic. (Think anything with Chevy Chase.) Likewise, when he remarks that a book is “literary” or “poignant,” what he really means is too descriptive and boring. If it’s overly long or slow paced, he says “thick” in a drawn-out flat tone. 

When it comes to certain books, I tend to agree with his code. 

Too often, writers, editors and publishers label esoteric manuscripts with more pages of descriptive prose than plot as “literary.”  Yet, literary is the adjective form of literature; and literature is defined by Merriam-Webster as “written works having excellence of form or expression and dealing with ideas of permanent interest.” That definition applies to books of every length and every genre. 

In a recent article for Women Writers, Women’s Books, I shared practical tips and examples for using literary tools that take your writing to the next level – creating engaging page-turners with literary chops. Read the full article here.