At lunch on Saturday, I was enjoying my super tasty empanada (thank the gods that Missoula is attempting to get in more culturally diverse foods--this land of burgers and fries is killing me), and we got to talking about what goals we set out for ourselves for our books. Thanks to the amazing Kris Dinnison for bringing it up, as it got me thinking long after our conversation ended. Anyhow, the gist of it all was about whether or not we were setting out to get some kind of deeper meaning across with our writing, or just to have some fun. This is obviously a spectrum from one to the other, and I was sitting there thinking that I absolutely fall onto the fun-book end of the spectrum. While I enjoy reading a book with a whole lot of deep meaning and powerful story, when I pick up a novel, you can be sure it's for some kind of pleasurable escape.
Why? Because I read deep books about difficult topics all day. Every day. And then I teach college students about deep topics. Like, why race isn't biologically a reality yet the #BlackLivesMatter movement is vitally important (don't believe me? message me and we'll talk). Helllllooooo deep topics. So when I get time to read a novel, you'd better believe that I want something that's going to help me relax and enjoy someone else's reality for a while. And the more magic and non-real-world-ness going on is going to totally make me even happier.
So, I could be attempting to get deeper thoughts and topics across in my writing. For sure. And I know they creep in, because how could they not? I spend at least 10 hours a day at work thinking about these things, so of course they are going to spill into my writing. But do I want to be consciously thinking about my deeper thematic elements while I'm telling a story I find interesting? Not so much. I'm looking to entertain myself and the reader. To tell them a tale.
To be totally honest, this makes me feel like less of an author. More of some hack. But oh well. That's the truth of the matter. And while I did feel a little odd explaining this to the other authors there, who all were in the deep-theme end of the spectrum, well, I just had to shrug. I write because I enjoy it. I like telling myself fun stories and working to make them as cool as I can. And I especially like to get other people to enjoy my stories and escape from this world as much as possible. Because, well, we all need that from time to time.
I find it perfectly understandable why you read and write what you do and I don't think you should think of yourself as a hack. An active brain needs a rest! Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective on writing, Meradeth. I'm in the camp that your motives are your own, and they are perfectly legitimate no matter what end of the spectrum you fall into (though I recognize it can be hard to accept yourself one way or the other...the grass is always greener and all that!). It's funny that you say you write for the enjoyment because I've certainly enjoyed your stories, but I've always found them to be thoughtful and meaningful as well.
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't read looking for deeper meanings. I read to be entertained! Swept away! Tho, yeah, if the deeper meanings are there, then great. And I do find w/the books that I super enjoy, it generally is there, just not in a 'thump you over the head w/it' way. =) And cute sign! Glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteI think there's an art to working important issues into entertaining fiction. Themes can be woven in in small ways that don't seem preachy. In fact, people will learn from that FAR faster. Think of what we've learned about other cultures and viewpoints by reading fiction throughout our lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I love being entertained by books. At times I want something deep, but usually I am looking to laugh, cry, think, have fun, and be surprised.
ReplyDeleteThe book festival sounds like tons of fun. Glad you got to be a part of it! :)
Always good to look back at our goals to keep us in the track.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post... until I got to the "hack" part. No way by any stretch of the imagination are you a hack! I think (and this is my opinion) that MOST readers read a book for escapism. I know I do! And although I’m reading The Book Thief now (on the advice of someone I respect), I still long for that escape from the heaviness of reality. So, repeat after me… I am not a hack, I am not a hack, I am NOT a hack. There. Let that sink in.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!!
Michelle :)
Fantastic post! I can sympathize with you on the feeling like a hack part. I write to entertain too, and most days, I'm okay with it. Then those few days, I just want to hide away embarrassed that I'm not contributing more than some fun. Most people I know read to escape and want to be entertained. So I say we're doing wonderfully! :)
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense to me, Meradeth!
ReplyDeleteLove your post. I agree with you,it's good to read about deep subjects but there must be also time to read only for entertainment :)
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