<DIV><BR>The genre of fiction known as "chick-lit" has been a lightning rod for debate in the world of literature, raising questions such as <I>Is chick-lit really literature or just harmless fluff? Is this really an accurate portrayal of the lives of modern women?</I> Eighteen renowned authors?including Jennifer Coburn, Raelynn Hillhouse, Harley Jane Kozak, Cara Lockwood, and Rachel Pine?weigh in with the best of chick-lit, proving that this genre deserves as much, or more, respect as any other. In addition to their story, each author elaborates on her feelings about the ?chick-lit” label and recommends literary fiction writers that have inspired them.</DIV>