"Writing is writing, and stories are stories. Perhaps the only true genres are fiction and non-fiction. And even there, who can be sure?"

The quote by Tanith Lee, "Writing is writing, and stories are stories. Possibly the only real categories are fiction and non-fiction. And even there, who can be sure?" invites an extensive reflection on the nature and categorization of literature. At its core, the declaration challenges the conventional understanding of literary categories and their borders.

To start with, the expression "Writing is composing, and stories are stories" stresses the essential essence of storytelling, irrespective of its category. Whether it's a novel, a poem, a play, or a screenplay, writing remains a car for expressing human experiences, feelings, and creativities. This suggests that the act of storytelling transcends narrowed meanings and resists confinement to specific categories or styles.

Lee then presumes that the only real classification may be the department in between fiction and non-fiction. Fiction describes stories born from the imagination, while non-fiction is grounded in factual reality. This binary distinction has traditionally directed readers and authors alike. Nevertheless, the quote's concluding concern, "And even there, who can be sure?" bring into question the rigidness of this boundary.

In an age where innovative expression often blurs lines-- such as in imaginative non-fiction, historic fiction, or autofiction-- it's obvious that the borders between fact and fiction can often overlap. Memoirs may consist of embellishments for remarkable impact, while imaginary narratives might integrate real-world facts and insights. The declaration shows a postmodern suspicion about the reliability of classifying any story as simply fictional or non-fictional.

For that reason, Lee's quote presses us to consider that literature's power lies not in its classification, but in its capability to communicate, provoke thought, and elicit feeling. This invites readers and writers alike to check out and value stories for their artistic benefit and impact, rather than limiting them to predetermined genres. Through her words, Lee advocates for a fluid understanding of literature that commemorates its variety and intricacy.