To all you upcoming writers to or even established authors, do you really know the difference between literary and nonliterary? And is it important? Surprisingly this is something that most people know nothing about, and it is not a new concept nor is it something that is kept hidden. Rather, it is something that traditionally divides the "academic" world from the "regular" world. But it's not quite as black and white (or as insulting) as smart writing and dumb writing. However understanding the difference can help influence and strengthen your writing. The simple definition would be that literary writing contains metaphors, symbols, allegories, etc. and are texts that are used in schools and universities, whereas nonliterary writing is read by the average person simply for entertainment. Let me explain:

Literary texts tend to teach the reader some kind of life lesson through the main character evolving and changing as the novel or short story progresses. It utilizes metaphors and symbols to show and enhance the protagonist's (the main character, usually the hero) adventure throughout the novel. These texts are usually read to teach rather than for entertainment because literary texts range from easy to understand to something that has to be read more than once and analyzed. These types of texts always have a reason for being written rather than simply on a whim. Literary texts, such as Shakespeare, Faulkner, Emerson, and Langston Hughes, bring up large issues of society or flaws in human nature that explored and exposed for the problem that they cause and some even go a step beyond this to offer a way to repair them or even futuristic predictions. Literary texts are well constructed and take time to compose creatively and meaningfully.

Nonliterary texts permit the reader to like what they are reading. With no incentive to instruct the reader, the only reason that nonliterary texts exists is for entertainment. There are no metaphors or symbols to contend to but the main character does seem to go through growth on their "quest". The texts usually say what it means without the multiple layers of difficulty. The life lesson, if there is one, is usually fairly simple and easy to point out. Nonliterary texts are more than just gibberish; however they don't have enough substance to be taught in a classroom.

To compare literary and nonliterary texts, literary texts usually have a situation in the text that creates problems to the original situation. Nonliterary texts are straightforward with no complicated lessons. Since nonliterary texts seem to be more "character driven," the author can deal more with the lives of the characters instead of giving them a purpose. Literary texts seem to be more "plot driven" with an underlying reason behind the plot instead of worrying about the characters.

In conclusion, nonliterary texts are for the everyday reader because they are easier to read. On the other hand, literary texts take longer to read because the reader tries to explain the deeper meaning behind the text. In order to reach the average person with their writing, many authors lean towards writing nonliterary. The audience that enjoys reading literary writing may either write fiction or nonfiction or just read it for leisure. The crucial objective of an author is to acknowledge the difference between the two and learn to combine them. The works should be attractive and have significant features of nonliterary texts while imploring the layers that literary text creates. This creates something that appeals to both, the literary world and the nonliterary world. Remember, try to create a broad enough audience so that you can develop a following.