Over the centuries, people have witnessed how literature has evolved. Trends like the romantic paranormal Gothic movement of the 17th century, or the exhilarating magic realism of the 20th century were once popularly used in novels and stories.

However, literary trends and movements have changed again. Various forms of literature have become popular while some styles have faded. What are current literary styles today? Find out in this post.

Rise of Dystopian Fiction

Dystopian literature usually talks about a fictional world that is in total disarray. After a pandemic, war, or invasion, humanity has crumbled and is being controlled by a totalitarian government. In the midst of despair, a hero will rise and will cause a great rebellion that will bring the world back to rights.

This genre has a long history that stemmed from George Orwell’s 1984 and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. But thanks to novels like The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner, it has reached a new kind of popularity with the young adult demographic.

This is because the youth understand what it is like to survive in a world filled with challenges and struggles – similar to what Katniss is facing. The false sense of societal breakdown also gives excitement to most people, and that is why it has become popular.

Waning of Paranormal Romance

With the rise of dystopian literature comes the fall of another genre – the paranormal romance.

Before The Hunger Games hit the big screen, Twilight was one of the most popular franchises out there. Who could resist a vampire that sparkles in the sun, right?

Although paranormal romance still has a solid fan base thanks to Beautiful Creatures and Mortal Instruments series, it seems like this literary trend is waning. This is because books of this genre have become over published, and the plot almost feels the same. Moreover, some people think that a love story between a vampire and a girl is already too clichéd.

More Empowered Heroines

Gone are the days when men were the only creatures who could become heroes. These days, though, women are making a mark in the fictional universe. Characters like Hermione, Katniss, and Tris Prior have become popular role models for girls because they proved that they also have the strength, wits, and skills to survive in their world.

Multimedia Series

To make literature more exciting for readers, publishers have come up with a new reading experience for them. 39 Clues, for instance, has interactive cards containing clues to an online game. Some books are also accompanied by a mobile app to help make reading more entertaining.

To wrap things up

As writers, it is very important to study the current trends and movements in literature. Using this knowledge, you can tell if a type of genre is popular or not. This will also help you avoid the styles that are not “fashionable” in the field of literature, or improve the techniques which you think have the potential to still make an amazing masterpiece.