The distinction between literary and genre fiction is stupid and pernicious. It dates back to a feud between Robert Louis Stevenson and Henry James. James won, and it split literature into two streams. But it's a totally false dichotomy.
George R. R. MartinIt is being common-born that is dangerous, when the great lords play their game of thrones.
George R. R. MartinWho do you think our champion will be today? Have you seen Mace Tyrell's boy? The Knight of Flowers, they call him. Now there's a son any man would be proud to own to. Last tourney, he dumped the Kingslayer on his golden rump, you ought to have seen the look on Cersei's face. I laughed till my sides hurt.
George R. R. MartinI like grey characters; fantasy for too long has been focused on very stereotypical heroes and villains.
George R. R. Martin