Author tips | Creative Writing
What is ‘Slice-of-Life’ Fiction?
A genre that hooks in a new group of fans
First up… I should point out that my fiction writing background is dominated by churning out adventurous fantasy (and LitRPG) novels. Like many fantasy authors, I’m drawn to writing stories with high stakes, battles, intrigue, magic, horrifically evil baddies… and so on.
Not everyone takes that path, however.
In contrast: slice-of-life fiction. Within the fantasy genre, slice of life (SOL) is all about showing everyday events. What happens when characters go shopping? Do the orcs have a favorite cafe? How does the library work in your sprawling fantasy metropolis?
Now, of course, many novels have some of those elements sprinkled in. Think about Bilbo Baggins’ handkerchiefs, or Harry Potter enjoying butterbeer at Hogsmeade.
However, in an SOL novel, these things are the main focus.
To think about it another way, if you enjoy video games, do you like ones where the emphasis is on building and domestic life (FarmVille? The Sims?) Or do you prefer games with quests and battles?
Different things appeal to different people. And of course, some games (Minecraft, for example) can be played in…
