Crossword Genius

Strange things to join together in works of fiction (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

novelties

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'strange things' is the definition.
'novelties' can be an answer for 'things' (I have seen 'Unusual things' mean 'novelties' so perhaps 'things' could also mean 'novelties'). I'm unsure of the 'strange' bit.

'join together in works of fiction' is the wordplay.
'join together' becomes 'tie' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'together' bit.).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'works of fiction' becomes 'novels' (I've seen this before).
'tie' going within 'novels' is 'NOVELTIES'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for novelties that I've seen before include "little presents" , "Small gimmicky knick-knacks" , "Small toys" , "Trifles" , "Cheap toys" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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