There’s a great deal of talk about chick lit being dead. Dead and buried never to be revived again type of dead. I’m thinking that’s an overstatement. It looks instead like chick lit (or whatever term you use to describe what we’ve historically called chick lit) finally found a reasonable level, as opposed to the flood-the-market issues we had a few years ago. As evidence of my theory, I point to this recently announced deal:
Best-selling novelist Jennifer Weiner has inked a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios.Under the seven-figure pact, she will create and executive produce series projects for the studio.Several of Weiner’s books have made the transition to the big screen. “In Her Shoes” was made into a 2005 feature starring Cameron Diaz. “Little Earthquakes” is in development at Universal, while her short story “The Guy Not Taken” is in the works at DreamWorks.
Weiner, who has no TV experience, is an interesting choice for an overall deal in the post-strike environment where such pacts are scarce. During the work stoppage, ABC Studios shed about 30 overall pacts with writer-producers.
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However, the deal with Weiner comes on the heels of ABC Studios’ successful collaboration with another popular “chick lit” author, Cecelia Ahern.
In fall 2006, Ahern sold her show idea to the studio, which paired her with veteran TV producer Don Todd for what became ABC’s breakout freshman comedy “Smanatha Who?”
Think about that. Weiner does not have any television experience and got a million (or so) dollar deal to push projects that the book industry insists no one cares about. Hmmmm. I’m thinking Hollywood believes chick lit is alive and kicking.
What about you guys? Are you still interested in chick lit…or whatever we’re calling it these days?
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I admit I’m not a huge fan of chick lit. The one exception I guess I’ll make is Bridget Jones’ Diary - book & movie #1. I think a lot of people enjoy it, but right now, it’s just not my thing.
by Stacy ~
on April 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 am
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I don’t think I have ever read a chik lit. Of course I have seen chik movies. Prefer to “see” them, not read them. Don’t really know why.
But Good for Jennifer.
by Pat L.
on April 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 am
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I think that chick lit has it’s place on my book shelf, of course the romance is overwhelming it.
by Patty L.
on April 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
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Generally speaking, I don’t care for it. Then again, I’ve little in the subgenre, so perhaps I’m missing the great stuff. Thing is, I don’t feel any overwhelming need to educate myself–too many books to read, as it is, in the genres/subgenres I love. 
by azteclady
on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
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Well, I absolutely ADORE chick lit. I read a lot of different genres from historical fiction to Sci-Fi, so I like a bit of diversity in my reading. But chick lit is always fun and refreshing and sometimes I just need a bit of humor to get me through my day. Chick lit is always good for that. Of course there is bad chick lit, just as there is bad paranormal, historical, etc., but the good ones are so much fun to read!
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I don’t read a lot of chick lit but I LOVE Jennifer Wiener. Her books are amazing. I’m a big fan of Marian Keyes also.
Maybe we’re calling it women’s fiction now?
I agree that the genre translates better on screen. Who doesn’t love Sex and the City? But I’m not sure I would be able to relate to those characters as well in a book, which has a more intimate, one-on-one feel.
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no i do not read it.
by kim h
on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
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I agree w/Lucie…Also heard recently of editors looking for it albeit under a different name. 
by Amie
on April 22nd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
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I’m still not sure which books are considered Chick Lit and which ones aren’t. 
by Susan
on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
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Azteclady - I hear ya. Whenever I discover a new author I love I have a feeling of euphoria followed by a how-am-I-gonna-fit-this-in concern. But somehow I always do. 
Susan - You are not alone. As Amie says, there seems to be change in what we call these books. My editor jokingly referred to it as smart and sassy women’s fiction. She said not to use the term chick lit if possible. Honestly, the term has never offended me, so I continue to use it.
Sounds as if several of you aren’t fans of chick lit (or the genre formerly know as chick lit and now known as…?). Do you guys like chick movies? I tend to think of those as chick lit set to film.
And it is interesting to note that when RT reviewed my current release, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW (a RT Top Pick!!), the reviewer referred to my chick lit voice. I had never heard that before but took it as a compliment.
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I’m not an avid reader of chick lit, but I have read Jennifer Wiener (I loved Good In Bed). I hope her foray into television is successful and it opens the door for other female authors to take their ideas beyond book pages.
by Robin
on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
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I’m not thrilled they even have to categorize books even though I understand why it makes things easier. I will read any genre that I think is a good book. I remember when “they” stated historicals were no longer popular. I just think it’s all a marketing ploy which probably does work for a while but I think an author ought to be able to listen to her own voice instead of trying to write for what is “in” at the moment. I know that’s not always practical but I do think the great books are the ones authors want to write and don’t feel they have to write. Just my two cents as a reader 
by catslady
on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
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I am not sure I know what chick lit is. I read all genres and enjoy them all.
by Estella
on April 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
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I’m not the biggest fan of chick lit - though I think some of the romance authors I read “blur the line” - or at least, have been labeled - whatever they’re calling it these days. I don’t actively watch it either, but I will agree it translates to film/tv better.
That’s great news for Jennifer Weiner. I really liked Good in Bed, but when I read In Her Shoes I felt like I was reading the same book… but with sisters. I tried another of her books, but wasn’t thrilled. I just don’t think it’s the genre for me - which is interesting, because I like my romance light and fluffy - like cotton candy.
by limecello
on April 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
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Hmm… I don’t think I’m a huge fan of chick-lit–I think of it as focusing more on the development of the female character rather than on the relationship, and I prefer the latter, which I think of as more the romance realm. There’s definitely overlap, of course.
And I doubt chick lit’s in any danger of disappearing! As long as there are strong independent women, there will be a demand for their stories, whether they’re labeled as chick lit or not.
by Fedora
on April 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
