Every Writer Deserves To Be Recognized and Compensated

— by Anna Hall In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, a chorus of new voices is rising, shattering the long-held narratives that have confined and constrained our understanding of gender. These are the trailblazers, the visionaries who wield the power of the written word to redefine the boundaries of identity and expression. “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” – C.S. Lewis As society evolves so does literature and, as literature evolves, so does society. The two walk hand-in-hand into a future influenced by the realities and the imaginations of the people who constitute their existence. Within literature, gender remains an ever-evolving subject. The transition from stringent stereotypes that have maintained a strict gender binary—with women as caretakers, damsels in distress, or measured by higher moral standards and men as strong, heroic, and stoic—has given way to more fluid interpretations of gender. Non-binary representation, along with characters that break from traditional binary gender roles, has grown in prominence. Over time, the authors have continuously pushed society’s ideas of gender, breathing life into characters with nuanced voices amongst a sea of cookie-cutter male/female dynamics. Breaking Gender Norms in Sci-Fi and Fantasy  Over the years, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels have enjoyed more freedom to break gender norms through more progressive and diverse gender representations (cite). This genre flexibility allows authors to imagine worlds that do not conform to traditional societal expectations. Becky Chambers, for example, uses the expansive possibility of science fiction to challenge conventional notions of gender in her Wayfarers series. Her characters span a broad spectrum of gender and sexual identities. Chambers creates species whose gender norms defy societal conventions, such as one that transitions biologically from female to male and ultimately allows individuals to choose their gender as they mature. She juxtaposes these characters with the human main character, Rosemary, who navigates her companion’s realities with curiosity and an open mind.  Tasha Suri’s The Burning Kingdom series takes a fantasy approach to gender subversion by placing women in traditionally male roles. Both main female characters are placed in conventional roles with non-traditional characteristics. Priya, a religious figurehead, is a caretaker whose compassion and strength shape her community. Malini, a political figurehead, is a ruthless and determined leader driving her forces to reclaim her kingdom with ferocity. Additionally, the series centers on a queer romance, defying heteronormative expectations often found in fantasy. Suri’s work illustrates how authors can use their imaginative settings to critique and dismantle patriarchal norms. Subverting Gender Norms in Literary Fiction While speculative fiction often receives attention for its gender-bending narratives, literary fiction also interrogates and redefines gender roles. Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel, Open Waters follows the deeply introspective journey of a Black British man navigating grief, love, and personal growth. By centering a male protagonist who is vulnerable, reflective, and emotionally expressive, Nelson subverts the traditional stoic and emotionally repressed male stereotype. In the novel, the main character is not out to save a damsel in distress, but readers watch as he tries to save himself and grow from his circumstances and pain. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel Chain-Gang All-Stars critiques systems of oppression, including those based on gender. By placing female characters in a position of power in a hyper-masculine world of death matches, Adjei-Brenyah interrogates how power dynamics shift when traditional gender dynamics are upended. Trailblazing Literary Figures: From Alice Walker to Today The contributions of contemporary authors build upon the foundation laid by literary pioneers like Alice Walker. In The Color Purple, Walker reimagines gender roles through characters like Celie. Celie evolves from a submissive wife and mother to a self-made businesswoman. She becomes the epitome of a self-made woman who builds a life for herself despite the role society places her in. Similarly, Shug Avery’s unapologetic embrace of her sexuality and independence defies traditional expectations of women during the time. These characters—and Walker’s broader body of work—paved the way for today’s authors to explore intersectionality, reject binary gender roles, and create more fluid, inclusive narratives. Looking Forward: Literature’s Gender Revolution As the literary landscape continues to evolve, more trailblazing voices are emerging to challenge traditional narratives around gender. Writers such as Becky Chambers, Tasha Suri, Caleb Azumah Nelson, and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah represent just a handful of those contributing to this cultural shift. As the new year approaches, new authors will emerge to join the list of voices interrogating and reimagining gender norms, ensuring that the conversation remains dynamic, inclusive, and transformative