What are the best experimental fiction books?

Virginia Woolf's 'The Waves' is also a great example. It has an innovative structure where the voices of different characters blend and flow like waves. The prose is lyrical and the exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and experiences in this way is quite unique in the realm of experimental literary fiction.

Experimental fiction can find a good home in many presses. Farrar, Straus and Giroux has been known to publish some very interesting experimental works. Their editorial vision allows for works that are different from the mainstream. Another press worth mentioning is Soft Skull Press. They often focus on works that are edgy and experimental, exploring new ways of presenting fictional worlds and characters. University presses like Duke University Press also sometimes publish excellent experimental fiction, especially those works that blend academic and creative elements.

For beginners, 'If on a winter's night a traveler' by Italo Calvino is a great choice. It's not as overwhelmingly complex as some other experimental works. It has an engaging structure that involves the reader in a unique way. Another good option is 'The House on Mango Street' by Sandra Cisneros. It uses a series of vignettes to tell a story in a rather experimental way, especially in terms of its form and the way it presents the experiences of the main character. 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka could also be considered experimental in a sense, and it's a relatively accessible read with its strange premise of a man turning into an insect.

Visiting independent bookstores can also be helpful. The staff there are often very knowledgeable about different literary genres. They can guide you to some of the best experimental literary fiction based on your interests. For instance, they might introduce you to works by Italo Calvino, like 'Invisible Cities', which is an experimental exploration of place and narrative through the form of a fictional conversation between a traveler and an emperor.

One great example is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's an experimental short story that challenges the readers' perception of a small town's traditions. The unexpected ending makes it a classic in the genre. Another could be Jorge Luis Borges' short fictions which often play with complex concepts like infinity and time in very unique ways.

The best experimental flash fiction is often highly imaginative. It breaks the rules of traditional storytelling. It may lack a clear - cut beginning, middle, and end, instead opting for a more fragmented or circular narrative. It can also blend different genres together, like mixing horror with comedy in a very short space. And the language used is usually very vivid and evocative, making the most of every single word to create an impact.

You could try publishing on well-known literary platforms like Wattpad or Medium. They have a wide audience and can give your work good exposure.

Experimental fan fiction is a type of fan - created work that pushes the boundaries of traditional fan fiction. It might play with different narrative structures, characterizations, or even mix multiple fandoms in unique ways. For example, it could have a non - linear story - telling approach that jumps between different time periods in the fictional universe. It allows fans to be more creative and explore new aspects of the existing fictional worlds they love.

Experimental fiction serves to innovate in the literary world. It allows authors to test new ideas, structures, and ways of expressing meaning. By doing so, it can expand the possibilities of what literature can be and offer readers something truly different and thought-provoking.

Not necessarily. Experimental films can be fictional, but they can also be non-fiction or a combination of both.