When you think about books, you might imagine dusty castles, epic journeys, or dragons flying through the sky. This is something we have been listening to all over the years. However, there is a type of book that is more relatable and relevant to our current lives. Yes, this is known as contemporary fiction or realistic fiction.
So, What is Contemporary Fiction Basically?
It is not very tough to know what are contemporary books. In simple words, contemporary fiction typically takes place in the present day or in a time that is not too far in the past. It’s as if this captures a moment of the world we inhabit, showcasing all its unique aspects, challenges, and the things that drive us.
Contemporary novels typically contain a variety of elements and themes that reflect the modern world and society. These books often explore current issues, delve into complex characters and relationships, and offer unique perspectives on life. Readers can expect to find engaging storytelling, thought-provoking ideas, and a glimpse into the contemporary human experience in contemporary novels.
What You'll Find in Contemporary or Realistic Fiction Book?
| Forget about spaceships or magical forests. These stories take place in ordinary towns, apartments, and perhaps even locations that closely resemble where you currently reside. |
| These characters could be people you see every day, like your neighbor or the barista who makes your coffee. They might even remind you of yourself. They experience everyday problems, have dreams, and occasionally deal with a messy life – things that many people can relate to! |
| Of course, there may be some wild and unexpected events, but the main emphasis is on how the characters handle their feelings, make decisions, and navigate challenging relationships. |
Why It Feels Fascinating?
Seeing Yourself: When you read these stories, they can feel like a mirror, reflecting on you and helping you gain insight into your own feelings and the decisions you make.
Getting Other Viewpoints: Reading this type of fiction allows you to explore different views and gain insight into the lives and thoughts of others, which can help broaden your perspective.
Exploring Big Questions: These books often dig into serious topics, prompting you to contemplate the world and your role within it.
Just Plain Fun: It’s all about having a great time! Realistic fiction is all about exciting plots, funny characters, and stories that are impossible to stop reading.
What Does It Consist of?
Contemporary fiction encompasses a wide range of genres and styles. Here are a few flavors:
- Looking for books that are serious and thoughtful, with a strong focus on the characters’ emotions and journeys.
- If you’re looking for an appealing story filled with suspense, intrigue, or even a touch of romance, then you’ll love these plot-driven novels.
- There’s a wide range of stories available, covering everything from friendship and coming of age to a touch of sci-fi or fantasy. But no matter the genre, all of these stories have a central focus on the world we live in today.
Here are Some Awesome Examples:
Are you looking for some ideas? Hey, take a look at these popular titles:
Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give” is a very engaging narrative that explores the themes of race and justice, which unfortunately remain pertinent in today’s society.
“Little Fires Everywhere,” a novel written by Celeste Ng. There are secrets and drama brewing in the seemingly perfect suburb.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a book written by Stephen Chbosky. I remember the challenges of growing up, navigating friendships, and dealing with all the awkwardness that comes with being a teenager.
Another example is “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. This book is both funny and heartwarming while also delving into important themes of loneliness and connection.
Want to Give It a Go?
If you like stories that:
- Feel like they could happen now
- Explore relatable characters and their emotions
- Makes you think about life and society
…then contemporary fiction is for you! A ghostwriter can also help you write your own version of such fiction, which you share with the world.
Why Contemporary Fiction Matters Significantly?
Contemporary fiction is able to capture the essence of our world, including both its joys and heartbreaks, as well as the countless complexities that exist in between. Contemporary stories are different from historical fiction or science fiction because they take place in the present. However, it’s not just about the setting. This genre provides a special connection with its readers. So, let’s explore what makes it so meaningful:
| Reflecting our Realities | The Power of the Now | Relatable Characters to Offer | Grey Areas |
| The Art of Storytelling | Human-friendly Conversations | Living in the “Now” | Exploring Different Worlds, |
| Starting Meaningful Discussions | Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Ourselves | The Impact of the Digital Age | More Than Therapy |
| Changing Relationships |
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Reflecting our Realities:
Contemporary fiction reflects our society. We often find ourselves dealing with various challenges on a daily basis, such as social inequalities, the effects of technology, changes in family dynamics, and the quest to discover our true identity. We can see reflections of ourselves, our communities, and the broader world we live in through the characters in the story. This reflection provides validation for our experiences and allows us to have insight into the lives of others, which helps us develop empathy and understanding.
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The Power of the Now:
Contemporary fiction feels tangible because it is rooted in the present. I understand the places, the challenges, and the way you express yourself. Stories that take place in our current era create a strong feeling of being present and relatable, making us more engaged in the story.
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Relatable Characters to Offer:
The archetypal heroes and villains of bygone eras have disappeared. Contemporary fiction often revolves around characters who have their fair share of flaws, making them relatable to readers. Their internal conflicts, the choices they have to make, and their messy journeys of personal growth can feel surprisingly relatable, just like our own. We can relate to the characters in this story, which makes it easier for us to see ourselves in them. Their experiences make us think about ourselves and discover new things about ourselves.
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Grey Areas:
It’s not often that life is simply black and white, and contemporary fiction understands and explores this complexity. The show delves into the moral grey areas and intricate dilemmas that we encounter in our everyday lives. These stories don’t always provide tidy solutions, but instead, they provoke deep thought and reflection. We are asked to think about uncomfortable truths, question our biases, and come to our conclusions.
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The Art of Storytelling
Contemporary fiction frequently explores different ways of organizing its story and telling its narrative. We encounter various perspectives, intertwining narratives, and timelines that do not follow a linear structure. These techniques enhance the storytelling experience by adding layers and requiring the reader to actively participate. When we gather the pieces and put them together, we start to see a bigger picture and feel a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
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Human-friendly Conversations:
Realistic dialogue is an essential element in modern storytelling. The characters communicate in a way that is similar to how we do, which helps make their interactions feel more believable and emotionally impactful. These conversations are relatable and often stay with us, giving us fresh perspectives on our own experiences.
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Living in the “Now”
Contemporary fiction is different from stories of the past or far-off fantasies because it is based on the present moment. I can really relate to this feeling of ‘right now.’ Consider books that explore the impact of social media or feature a character navigating a challenging job market. These topics resonate with many of us and draw us in further.
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Exploring Different Worlds,
Contemporary fiction allows readers to explore a wide range of experiences from different parts of the world. Today, authors come from a wide range of backgrounds, sharing with us a variety of stories from all over the globe. By reading, we have the opportunity to explore various cultures, gain insights into different perspectives, and expand our horizons, all without leaving the comfort of our reading spot.
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Starting Meaningful Discussions
Great contemporary fiction doesn’t avoid discussing difficult subjects. This show directly addresses important topics such as social injustice, mental health challenges, and the intricacies of relationships. These stories initiate important discussions and inspire us to contemplate the world we inhabit. It’s interesting how fictional situations can sometimes help us understand our own lives better.
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Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Ourselves
This genre doesn’t simply offer straightforward solutions; it challenges us to confront uncomfortable realities and engage in critical thinking. This show introduces us to characters who don’t fit into the usual social norms or puts us in situations where it’s not easy to determine what is right or wrong. I believe this challenge is really important because it encourages us to explore fresh perspectives and think differently about the world.
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The Impact of the Digital Age
Contemporary fiction captures the essence of our modern lives, which are heavily influenced by technology. This film delves into the impact of smartphones, social media, and constantly advancing technology on our identities, relationships, and future directions. I often find myself contemplating how technology might shape the future.
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More Than Therapy
It’s interesting how reading about characters who face challenges similar to ours can actually bring us comfort. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone, and observing how fictional characters tackle problems can inspire us with fresh ideas for our own lives.
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Changing Relationships
The world we live in today is quite different from the world our parents or grandparents experienced. Our family structures, friendships, dating, and the way we work have all undergone significant changes. Contemporary fiction explores these changing relationships, giving us insight into the dynamics of the modern world we inhabit.
What are the Characteristics of Realistic Fiction?
It offers a unique lens through which to explore the world as it is today. If you’re an aspiring writer, understanding the elements that define this genre will give you a strong foundation for crafting your own compelling stories. Let’s break down some of the most important characteristics of realistic fiction:
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Setting: The Power of “Now”
Unlike historical fiction’s journeys into the past or science fiction’s leaps into the future, contemporary fiction anchors itself in the present—or the very recent past. This setting creates an immediate sense of familiarity for the reader. We recognize the places, the technology, and the social landscape these characters inhabit. While “recent” can be flexible, the crucial thing is that it feels relevant to present-day life. This is one of the most vital characteristics of realistic fiction.
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Society Under the Microscope
Some of the best contemporary fiction acts as a commentary on our times. It reflects, explores, and sometimes even critiques the world we live in. Think of stories tackling social inequalities, shifting norms around family and gender, or the anxieties triggered by the rapid pace of technology. By utilizing these real-world themes in your writing, you add depth and spark discussion.
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It’s All About the Characters
Modern fiction thrives on relatable characters. Gone are the stereotypical heroes or villains – instead, readers want to see flawed, complex people they might recognize from their own lives. The focus is often on a character’s inner turmoil: their tough choices, their emotional roller coasters, and how they evolve (or don’t!) in response to life’s challenges. When your characters feel real, they become anchors for the reader’s engagement.
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Navigating Moral Gray Zones
Life rarely offers easy solutions, and contemporary fiction embraces this. It dives fearlessly into morally ambiguous situations. Maybe your character makes a questionable choice for understandable reasons, or a story confronts complex issues without providing neat resolutions. These shades of gray force readers to think for themselves, lingering long after the final page.
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Narrative Experimentation
Contemporary fiction often plays with storytelling structure. Multiple viewpoints, nonlinear timelines where the ‘present’ unfolds alongside flashbacks, even stories nested within other stories—these techniques add layers of complexity and intrigue. If done well, this experimentation helps the reader feel actively involved in piecing together the bigger picture.
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Dialogue That Feels Real
Forget lengthy speeches and flowery language. It aims for conversations that sound like those we overhear in a coffee shop or have with our friends. Natural rhythms in speech, slang, and the occasional ‘um’ or ‘like’ all contribute to building believable characters and making the world of your fiction feel grounded.
What Are Contemporary Books Market Worth?
After understanding what is contemporary books, you will have these questions in mind about their market value. They are very popular and sell well. Present-day stories are often relatable, which is why they tend to become bestsellers and contribute to the success of the publishing industry. Additionally, a lot of these incredible stories are transformed into movies, TV shows, or even stage productions, which helps to spread their impact and popularity to an even larger audience.
A Special Kind of Magic
I believe that this kind of fiction possesses a special ability to assist us in comprehending the ever-evolving world we live in. Reading allows us to connect with characters, delve into ideas, and enjoy ourselves. Have you ever thought about exploring the incredible potential of “now” through a book?
Key Takeaways:
- It is set in the here and now, or the recent past, capturing the complexities of modern life.
- Stories often center on everyday people facing struggles, choices, and emotions that mirror real-life experiences.
- Contemporary fiction often tackles social issues, cultural trends, and the impact of technology, sparking thought and discussion about our world.
- These stories don’t always offer clear-cut answers; they explore the gray areas and challenge readers to consider different perspectives.
- While external events matter, the focus is often on characters’ inner journeys, emotional development, and personal growth.
- It utilizes conversational language that enhances relatability and makes the stories easy to engage with.
