Future Of Fiction Books, Is Fiction Dead?: Four Women Authors Discuss

Storytelling is fiction. We need it in all forms, regardless of how it changes. The future of fiction books was discussed on a panel at Women Writer's Fest 2022. The speakers were Sonia Bahl, Madhulika Liddle and Purba Ray.

The writer Madhulika Liddle is best known for her works that feature Muzaffar Jang, a 17th-century Mughal detective. Travel writing, humour, and writings on classic movies are all genres of Liddle's non-fiction writing. Sonia Bahl has worked in advertising for a significant portion of her life. She has written commercials for everything from coffee and cars to condoms and candy while daydreaming of turning her 30-second spots into full-length features. While Purba Ray can be found on microblogging sites as a prolific writer who writes about everything from fiction to fact.

The three women talked about the future of fiction in 2023 and shared their favourite genres, reading preferences, and preferred media. Kanchana Banerjee, who moderated the panel, is also an author and has previously written for a number of publications and businesses. She is now a full-time author.

Future Of Fiction Books, Is Fiction Dead?

Madhulika Liddle said, "No, one cannot say it's dead; there's no chance of its being dead. There are a lot of people who still read fiction. The majority of literary awards are given to fiction. So I don't think it's safe to say fiction is dead." "What unites people, it's stories, and nothing is more powerful than stories, and nothing can stop it, no enemy," Sonia Bahl said. She added, "When I think of fiction, I think of storytelling, and to say that fiction is dying is dramatic. I refuse to believe it's dying."

Purba Ray stated that she thinks of fiction as a shape-shifting form, that fiction is very much alive, and that everything that is far from reality is fiction. The format may be changing, but it's not dying.

Different Mediums Prefered To Read Books And Why

Sonia Bahl said she tends to shift between various mediums. She said, "When I am travelling, walking, or driving, I prefer audiobooks that I save on my phone. I only read paper books before going to bed. And I mostly prefer reading an electronic book like a Kindle."Madhulika Liddle shared that listening to audiobooks was one of her horrible experiences. She reads one book on her phone or tablet and one book as paper book. As much as she loves paper books, she admits that electronic books are more convenient. Additionally, Purba Ray agreed that electronic books are convenient because they offer too many tools and options for your ease compared to paper books.

What Genre Is Normally Not Reached Out For?

Liddle admitted that she wouldn't read erotica. She went on to say that she had only ever read one erotica that was sent to her for review. She claimed to be extremely comfortable with everything else. Sonia also stated that she does not read erotica or horror.

Comments On Books By Women Authors

Liddle said she can't generalize, as she admitted that she has read female authors who she didn't find good and male authors who she found so well written. She feels it is impossible to generalise, and it goes from book to book. Bahl stated that she cannot differentiate between male and women authors, but she adores women writers.

Watch the full interview ">here.

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