In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in contemporary and realistic fiction’s landscape—a pivot toward stories that weave the fabric of lightheartedness and comedy into their narrative threads. As trends come and go, this move towards feel-good fiction is not just a breath of fresh air but a reflection of society’s collective yearning for escapism and happier times.
In this blog post, I talk about this genre and whether it is really here to stay and could it reshape the literary world as promising as its momentum is?
In a world where news cycles are often dominated by gloom, readers increasingly gravitate toward stories that offer a reprieve from reality. Jane Austen once said, “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” This defiance against the norm heralds the essence of feel-good fiction—it doesn’t need to fit into the tight moulds of literary seriousness to be impactful. Instead, it embraces the joy of life’s simpler moments and the humour in human imperfection.
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter,” says Mark Twain and we are taking it seriously.
Laughter has always been a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression. Stand-up comics are finally taking center stage and so is feel-good fiction.
While escapism is a key element, the best feel-good fiction also mirrors the realities of life, making stories relatable and genuine. It’s about finding humor and joy in the everyday, turning the mundane into something magical. This genre’s beauty lies in its ability to capture life’s essence without the need for grandiose plots or dramatic twists. It’s in the small victories, the shared laughs, and the warmth of human connections that these stories find their strength.
“If someone asks you how you are, you are meant to say FINE. You are not meant to say that you cried yourself to sleep last night because you hadn’t spoken to another person for two consecutive days. FINE is what you say,”
teaches Eleanor Oliphant.
Readers are drawn to characters that are not just relatable but also inspire a sense of camaraderie and friendship. I’ve seen that the most memorable characters in this genre often possess a blend of honesty, optimism, failure, resilience, and a dash of quirkiness—traits that endear them to readers and make their journeys compelling.
Interestingly, feel-good fiction doesn’t confine itself to a single genre. It often intersects with romance, mystery, or even fantasy, proving that lighthearted narratives have a place across the literary spectrum.
The Social Fabric of Feel-Good Fiction: Community, Connection, and Comfort
One cannot overlook the pivotal role of community in the ascendancy of feel-good fiction. These narratives often revolve around tight-knit communities, whether they be familial ties, friendships, or even a group of strangers coming together under unique circumstances. The emphasis on community speaks volumes about our innate desire for connection and belonging. It mirrors a societal shift towards valuing collective joy and support, especially in times of isolation or uncertainty. In editing manuscripts that highlight community, I’ve noticed a trend towards more inclusive, diverse representations of societal microcosms, reflecting a broader, more accepting notion of what community means in today’s world.
Connectivity Through Social Media and Book Clubs
The surge in popularity of feel-good fiction is paralleled by its prominence on social media platforms and book clubs. Book clubs, both online and in-person, have become havens for readers to explore and share feel-good stories. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, under hashtags like #BookTok and #InstaBook, have become bustling spaces for readers to discover and promote books that offer solace and happiness. These platforms have not only helped in amplifying the reach of feel-good fiction but also in building a community of readers who seek and celebrate stories that uplift and entertain. As an editor, witnessing the organic growth of these communities and seeing real-time feedback has been both enlightening and inspiring.
The Comfort of Predictability
In contrast to the often unpredictable nature of life, feel-good fiction provides a sense of predictability and security. There’s a comforting assurance in knowing that, despite the obstacles the characters may face, a positive outcome awaits. This does not detract from the story’s value or the skill required to tell it compellingly; if anything, it showcases the author’s ability to guide readers through a range of emotions while holding onto the promise of hope. This aspect of feel-good fiction aligns with our psychological need for stability and optimism, making these stories particularly appealing in tumultuous times.
Fresh Takes on Familiar Tropes
While feel-good fiction may lean into certain tropes, there’s a growing trend of authors putting fresh spins on familiar scenarios. Whether it’s through unconventional character arcs, unique settings, or blending genres in unexpected ways, these stories maintain their charm without feeling clichéd. The creativity lies not in avoiding tropes altogether but in how they’re reimagined and executed. This innovation within the genre keeps it dynamic and engaging, offering new perspectives on the themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
The Road Less Travelled
It’s often argued that feel-good fiction lacks the depth or literary merit of more “serious” genres. However, this perspective underestimates the genre’s capacity for nuanced storytelling and emotional resonance. Feel-good fiction can tackle complex issues and offer profound insights, all while maintaining a hopeful tone. It’s a testament to an author’s skill to balance light-hearted elements with meaningful content, challenging the misconception that a story must be dark or tragic to be significant.
Furthermore, stepping away from conventional narratives, feel-good fiction is increasingly embracing stories that feature non-traditional protagonists and explore themes beyond romantic love, including self-discovery, platonic relationships, and personal achievements.
Meeting Reader Demand
Publishers have responded to the rise in demand for feel-good fiction and related genres by diversifying their offerings and embracing new platforms for promotion. The overall book market has shown resilience and growth, with sales remaining strong and a notable shift towards backlist titles, partly due to the rise in online buying. This trend suggests that readers are not necessarily choosing feel-good fiction over other types but are expanding their reading habits to include both new discoveries and timeless stories that bring comfort and joy.
The transformation of romance publishing, particularly with the advent of platforms like TikTok, has significantly influenced publishers’ strategies. For example, the romance genre, including sub-genres like new adult romance, has seen a resurgence, driven by readers’ desires for stories that reflect their own experiences and aspirations for a passionate life. Publishers have made substantial investments in romantasy (a blend of romance and fantasy) and have launched imprints dedicated to romantic stories across various sub-genres. These moves indicate a strategic response to consumer demands for more complex, emotionally resonant narratives that still provide an element of escapism.
Furthermore, the impact of TikTok on book sales cannot be understated, with specific titles and genres receiving a boost from viral exposure on the platform. This has led to a surge in demand for both steamy romances and fantasy romances, highlighting a broader trend towards content that offers both an escape and a deep emotional connection. Publishers are capitalizing on this trend by reissuing self-published hits and focusing on books that appeal to the passionate communities that have formed around romance and fantasy on social media.
Publishers are actively adapting to the rising demand for feel-good fiction by exploring new genres, investing in digital marketing strategies, and responding to the evolving tastes of readers. This adaptability underscores the publishing industry’s resilience and its commitment to meeting readers where they are, both in terms of the content they seek and the platforms they use to discover new books.
Final Thoughts
Feel-good fiction represents a vital and vibrant facet of contemporary literature, providing both an escape and a mirror to our desires, fears, and joys. Its rise reflects a collective longing for stories that not only entertain but also comfort and connect us. As we continue to navigate through an ever-changing world, the value of these narratives and the community they foster cannot be overstated. For authors and editors alike, the challenge and joy lie in crafting stories that capture the essence of human experience—reminding us of the power of resilience, the beauty of laughter, and the enduring strength of connection.