Yes, I am Generation X (and proud) and yes that makes me completely biased, but in true Gen X fashion if you don’t like it feel free to leave.
Generation X refers to those born between 1965 and 1980. This particular generation came of age during major events such as the end of the Cold War and the rise of the internet, influencing their views and behaviors.
Defined by authors such as Stephen King, Judy Blume, and VC Andrews, there was no consideration given to age appropriateness when selecting reading material or movies. Unfiltered is a good way of describing societies’ impact upon the Gen X kids.
Amongst many personality traits synonymous with this particular generation, they tend to think innovatively and are often indifferent to the reactions of others. They also tend to be direct with their comments, which can sometimes evoke strong reactions.
The children of this generation had no privacy, no boundaries, and respect was not a two-way street. You gave it and expected nothing in return.
They are known as the forgotten generation for their ability to stay firmly beneath the radar. Raised in a time when children were still seen but not heard meant minimal supervision which in turn meant they got away with a heck of a lot.
Gen X became hardened by harsh and uncensored life experiences. Pain and suffering was a burden to carry alone. Bad shit happened and you just had to deal. Nothing in life stopped for your trauma. Of course, no matter how deeply we bury it, pain will always find a way to manifest. For Generation X that came in the form of sarcasm, dark humor, and zero tolerance for bullshit.
But what is it about this generation that makes them the best fiction writers?
Filled with suppressed emotions that for most are easily accessible, they find no difficulty in writing scenes that others may struggle with. In fact, for many it’s a cheaper alternative to therapy.
Whatever pain, betrayal, fear, or danger a fictional character has to endure, Gen X has on some level either experienced firsthand or had exposure to. They have an uncanny ability to tap into an ocean of dark and frankly petrifying thought processes.
Internal conflict is their jam. There was no acknowledgement of mental wellness and self-care for the latchkey generation. For the ones able to access their complicated and scarred feelings without going into full breakdown mode, they have the ability to infuse their stories with an unparalleled emotional depth.
Gen Xers are the most self-taught generation. Adaptability and critical thinking were a necessity for their survival. It was quite simple. You figured out a way to solve problems or the problem remained unsolved.
Locked out of the house? You figured out a way to break in.
Missed the last bus? You figured out a way to get home alone.
They concealed injuries and school reports and fights and theft from parents and teachers. They handled being bullied and assaulted and threatened on their own. Any advocacy skills they now possess are completely self-taught.
They are the ultimate observers. Being invisible, as many were growing up, gave them the unique opportunity to study the actions of those around them. Having encountered the less positive side of human nature led them to develop a deep understanding of the human psyche, the good and the bad elements. As damaging as extreme exposure can be, it sure as hell aids in building a believable and engaging fictional world. It also fosters a culture of confessional and introspective writing, where they can explore personal experiences with depth and authenticity.
Many experienced early adulthood with paper files and rotary phones but adapted easily to each new digital wave. From dial up internet (wasn’t that fun), to cloud computing. They were the generation who learned to type on typewriters but transitioned to keyboards without skipping a beat. They view technology as a tool, seeing it as a resource for achieving goals, solving problems, and enhancing human abilities. In this view, a person's value is based on their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, not on their mastery of a specific piece of hardware or software.
They write the best fight scenes period. A combination of what they have observed, participated in, or fantasized about (I mean all that pent up rage needs to go somewhere right?) and a byproduct of the inappropriate material they were exposed to during their formative years.
Generation X are noted for being overly critical, with severe trust issues. The positive side of this flaw is that they have the tools to create the ultimate double-crossing characters, fucked up betrayal storylines, and they know exactly how close to breaking a person can be pushed…normally because they’ve walked that line themselves on more than one occasion. They also know what the other side of broken looks like.
The publishing world is not an easy one to navigate. No one’s skin is thicker than that of a Gen Xer.
They are less likely to give a shit about the opinions of others. How much damage can words do to a generation raised in a society where friends neighbors and teachers were allowing to physically assault them? And, if they do give a shit about your opinion, you will never know, their poker face is unrivaled.
Key term, there is more than one way to skin a cat. When it comes to writing, Generation X is often drawn to independent publishing, opting to self-publish their work or use new digital platforms to reach a wider audience. This group is also known for being highly entrepreneurial, and they are not afraid to take risks and forge their own path.
Gen Xers have navigated economic ups and downs and are known for maintaining a work-life balance, qualities that can contribute to resilience and the long-term dedication needed for writing.
The ability to find ways through obstacles, a trait noted in most Gen X individuals, is essential for overcoming the challenges of the writing process, such as writer's block or the resistance of the publishing industry. They don’t quit. Quitting was not an option for them; they are the true generational grafters.
And so, for all these reasons and many more, Generation X make the most fanfuckingtastic fiction writers today.