I see this question posted
often in places where writers ask each other (or ask publishing professionals.)~~
Is my writing literary?
And, for that matter, what does “literary” mean?
I’ve seen agents and editors say that literary writing is both
beautiful, rich in vocabulary, subtle, and layered.
Strictly speaking, any good book is all the above, and many
good books aren’t classified as literary.
My understanding is that literary writing makes allusions to
other literary writing. The layers are the reliance on literature that came
before. If you have not read old literature, you will miss the allusions and
the reading will not be as rich, but it would be satisfying,
regardless.
A writer is literary because they have studied,
read, absorbed much literature, and their writing can’t help but be grounded in past works. A literary writer inhabits the world of literature of yore.
Good writers who may
not be writing literary fiction tell stories in their own voice, which may be
matter of fact even as the stories have distinct style. Good storytelling does not have
to be literary, and literary fiction may at times not be great storytelling.
Regardless, it’s not something to worry about.
