The worlds of genre fiction and literary fiction frequently merge, but in practice, they tend to be taught and published separately. My work attempts to show that the two spheres function best when combined. A writer can use widely popular fiction to promote positive change and reflect on important aspects of the human experience (YA authors like Tracy Deonn do this particularly well). To demonstrate, I've created a writing portfolio that contains pieces from both before and after my time in the MAPW program. I've composed intertexts that track each piece's conception and development, with the goal of providing a helpful reference for future students. At the end, I've included a chapter of the novella I drafted during my last two semesters in the program: All the World Shall Know. In it, I hope to use the popular fiction format to reflect on systemic injustice in the United States in front of a wide audience.
portfolio, genre fiction, fiction, science fiction, fantasy, guide, Creative Writing
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