I've finally come to the realization that I'm stuck between two worlds, fiction and non-fiction. On one hand, I'm tired of the dry theological/philodophical books I've been reading. But the idea of writing fiction without a point is unthinkable to me. When you write fiction, people tell you not to push an agenda. But I say, what's the point of writing if you're not trying to dig deep into the psyche or soul? So what should I do? Make a choice or just say, screw it and write for me and myself alone?
Stuck between Worlds
- Thread starter erika
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I don't think anyone's suggesting "writing fiction without a point", just that the story needs to be primary. If someone wants to hear a sermon they can go to church.
But is the story primary? Or is the story a vehicle for the message/sermon/point? For example, Ayn Rand or George Orwell.
Writing fiction that does not push an agenda does not mean you should not explore the human condition or psyche. Your work can have a theme, a point as you state it, but fiction, IMO, is meant to entertain first and educate second. If the story is not primary, at least on the surface, why choose fiction to relate it? Why not write an essay?
In allegorical writing, the story still needs to come first. The story elements are just more representative or symbolical in nature.
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I think a lot of fiction has an agenda without pushing or preaching. Octavia Butler's work often addressed issues of slavery at a very deep level but never felt preachy for a second. I recently wrote a vampire erotica story that was accepted for an anthology on that theme--the editor probably never gave much thought to its anti-death penalty message (if she even really noticed it-but it is very much there).
erika said:
I don't think anyone says fiction shouldn't have an agenda, but agenda can't override story and character, or no one will read it. Why would they want to?
You aren't stuck between worlds, you just haven't read enough fiction. At least not enough of teh right kind.
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I think that good fiction can be most affective when it relates to real life. I love the stories that teach me something. I think it is a finely honed craft to give a message that is embedded in the story.
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I love it when the message creeps up on you. One of my Favorite books would have to be 'I am Legend'.
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