Genre categories are irrelevant. I dislike them, but I do not have the casting vote

Genre categories are irrelevant. I dislike them, but I do not have the casting vote

Tanith Lee was a prolific writer known for her diverse range of works that spanned across multiple genres. From science fiction and fantasy to horror and romance, Lee's writing defied traditional genre boundaries and often blended elements from different categories. As a result, she was a trailblazer in the literary world, challenging the notion that genre categories are necessary or relevant.

In an interview, Lee once expressed her disdain for genre categories, stating, "I dislike them, but I do not have the casting vote." This sentiment reflects her frustration with the limitations that genre labels impose on writers and their work. By confining literature to specific categories, genres can restrict creativity and innovation, forcing writers to conform to established conventions and expectations.

For Lee, genre categories were irrelevant because they failed to capture the complexity and richness of her storytelling. Her works often defied easy classification, blending elements of fantasy with science fiction, horror with romance, and creating unique and immersive worlds that transcended traditional genre boundaries. By refusing to be confined by genre labels, Lee was able to explore a wide range of themes and ideas, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and challenging readers to think beyond the constraints of genre categories.

Despite her dislike for genre categories, Lee recognized that they were a necessary evil in the publishing industry. Publishers and booksellers rely on genre labels to market and sell books, making it difficult for writers to break free from traditional categories. As a result, Lee understood that while she may not have the casting vote when it came to genre categories, she could still push the boundaries of genre conventions through her writing.