The quote touches on the evolving landscape of literature within specific genres. It highlights how chick-lit emerged as a genre when it was still relatively niche, becoming more prevalent over time with an influx of writers and publications. Similarly, the speaker notes that young adult (YA) literature has experienced a similar growth trajectory, moving from a small corner in libraries to dominating shelves.
The underlying message is about the cyclical nature of literary trends and how genres can quickly go from being novel and unique to becoming overcrowded with content. This observation suggests a pattern where new genres emerge, attract many writers and readers, and eventually face saturation as more people seek to capitalize on their popularity. The speaker also references classic series like Nancy Drew and Judy Blume, noting that what was once limited to just one shelf in the library has expanded dramatically over time with the rise of chick-lit and YA fiction.
The quote is attributed to Emma McLaughlin, a writer known for her work in chick-lit and young adult literature. Her perspective comes from firsthand experience in witnessing these shifts within literary genres, offering valuable insights into how such changes affect writers and readers alike.
