It’s time to reclaim joy and gentleness, and publish more books that recognize the flip side of our human condition.
Both life and art seem to have taken a darker turn recently. Political chaos, economic anxiety and even natural disasters have been affecting many lives and weighing heavily on many minds. Maybe yours too? At the same time, darker types of fiction have been most prominent on bookstore shelves in the last few years: crime novels, psychological thrillers and chilling tales of tragedy. But living in what feels like newly dark times, some people are starting to lose their appetite for such dark fiction. Perhaps you too?
I can say with certainty that the pendulum is beginning to swing back. A growing number of people are saying, “Enough is enough! Let’s see some of the good that still exists in this world.” And I quite agree. Though we sometimes forget, the world continues to have its store of kindnesses. And that’s why I’ve been so taken with Up Lit lately and would like to encourage authors writing on Up Lit themes. But what is Up Lit exactly?
Defining Up Lit
A newly recognized genre of literature, Up Lit focuses on human connections and life-affirming stories filled with joy, kindness, humor, heroism, hope, empathy, compassion and love. The goal here is not to bury our heads in the sand and write off our turbulent times. Up Lit is simply modern literature with the power to remind ourselves of – and celebrate! – some of the many joys to be found in our human existence.
Up Lit Books
Take a look at your bookshelf. Have you read an Up Lit book recently? Some popular Up Lit titles include: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, The Pretty Delicious Cafe by Danielle Hawkins, The Trouble With Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon, How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor and The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. There are many other worthwhile titles as well, but the common thread remains their focus on kinder, gentler human connections.
Up Lit isn’t strictly limited to fiction either. We’re also seeing a greater interest in nonfiction books that channel optimism and our human capacity for change. These books shine light on what we can do to become better people (for both ourselves and for others) and what we can do to make the world a better place. They emphasize that despair and complacency are not the answer.
Calling Up Lit Authors
Has this article struck a chord with you? Are you drawn to stories and experiences of joy, kindness, humor, heroism, hope, empathy, compassion and love? Would you like to make a difference in others’ lives, or in the world? Then please listen carefully.
Dudley Court Press is looking for fiction and nonfiction authors with a positive message to share. We are looking to publish more books on Up Lit themes and work with more authors who desire to inspire others and effect change.
Publishing Meaningful Books
Dudley Court Press is a publisher of meaningful books and a publishing resource for authors with an important message to share. We work closely with authors – first-time authors and experienced authors alike – to develop their ideas, make their books a reality and connect with audiences in just the right way. We believe that books have the power to change lives.
If you’re interested in writing on Up Lit themes or would like to know more about the types of books we publish, then I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch by phone at info@DudleyCourtPress.com. Or check out our newest online programs Writer’s Sprint, Memoir Writing Made Easy and Aspiring Author to Published Pro.