When I tell people I study creative
writing, they usually respond that it must be a nice hobby. While I do enjoy
creative writing, I have never seen it as just a hobby. It annoys me they consider
it a frivolous activity to study because they assume it does not have a practical
use in our society.
That's not the case. Storytelling performs many important functions. For example, the narratives of the Aboriginal peoples played an integral role in bringing the Stolen Generations to the forefront of Australian consciousness. Storytelling is also valued in business, politics and in human rights campaigns.
The ability to tell a good story is a part of what makes us human. It shows that vulnerability is a necessary part of dealing with our emotions, and it provides a window into the souls of those who are different from us.
That's not the case. Storytelling performs many important functions. For example, the narratives of the Aboriginal peoples played an integral role in bringing the Stolen Generations to the forefront of Australian consciousness. Storytelling is also valued in business, politics and in human rights campaigns.
The ability to tell a good story is a part of what makes us human. It shows that vulnerability is a necessary part of dealing with our emotions, and it provides a window into the souls of those who are different from us.
Stories are
important. And that goes for romance as well.
What
does this mean for romance fiction? What does it mean for all fiction written
to entertain? Watch this short video about
a man who found a life for himself through Star Trek.
It’s
a touching scene. Like all popular genres, science fiction is meant to be
entertaining. However, the power within it lies in the ability of storytelling to
facilitate emotional connection. We connect with each other through story.
Romance as a genre is
uniquely placed to convey the emotional connection of storytelling.
Think
about Anne Gracie’s work. I’m not sure how many books she has published but her
readers are devoted. Many of them say her stories are important because they
add value to their own lives. Scroll down to the fifth myth on this page.
Whether or not stories are meant to entertain, they are important; they convey representations of our dreams, our fears and our fantasies in the past, present and future.
Whether or not stories are meant to entertain, they are important; they convey representations of our dreams, our fears and our fantasies in the past, present and future.
What do you think?
Are your personal stories important? What
book or story have you read recently that has had an impact on you or someone
else? Imagine a world without storytelling or romance fiction. What would it be
like?
Love to love: eating icing out of the
bowl.
Love to laugh: sitting on a banana
peel my son had left on the lounge.
Love to learn: Robert McKee’s Story HarperCollins E-book.
Hi Jenny. Intriguing post. Yes, story telling is important in many ways. For me, it brings to life events from the past and from the present so we can connect and empathise with the characters, be they real or fictional.
ReplyDeleteI read stories not so much for entertainment but to see into the lives of others and how they live those lives. If the stories hit me emotionally, they are not forgotten. I love stories where the characters face adverse odds too terrible for anyone to have to face, but they fight their way through using only their wits and determination and win against the odds. That shows great strength of character winning against fear and vulnerability.
Thanks Enisa. I agree. We all love to follow the characters to watch when they both win and lose. Stories allow us to experience everything from hatred, pain and high adventure to lusty flirtation and aching commitment. I think that makes it a powerful medium.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing I like more than losing myself in an emotionally fulfilling romance (except maybe Lindt chocolates and Jacob's Creek Pinot Noir NV :) ). Identifying with characters on an emotional level, experiencing vicariously the highs and lows of falling in love, is one of life's great pleasures, I think. I agree with you, Georgia, about Anne Gracie's storytelling power. Her 'Brides' series embodies all that's lovely about romance.
ReplyDeleteYes, chocolate has a very large hold on me too, Marilyn. Actually, the two go together for me. I love to curl up with a book and eat chocolate. Mmmmm.
DeleteOh, my...a world without stories...
ReplyDeleteThat would be like a world without colour...very very drab.
My family history would be lost...my family are storytellers from way back. They take actual events and elaborate on them until they become something like legend. The truth of what really happened is there but they've added emphasis here and there for entertainment value.
I know. A world without stories would be a terrible thing. Family stories are very precious too. I have a couple, I'll be passing to my kids.
DeleteSpeaking of family histories, I have a copy of an interview my 83-year-old mum was recently asked to do by the Oral History and Folklore section of the National Library. She was born in Canberra in the 1930's, has lived there all her life, and was able to give some fascinating insights into the way Canberra has grown from a tiny settlement into the city it is today. Along the way she told stories of my family I had never heard before. Wow! What an amazing resource to be able to pass down to my kids.
DeleteThat does sound amazing, Marilyn! I have some copies of letters written by my great uncle to my grandfather just after my grandfather had settled his young family in the sticks at a place called Gymea. Fascinating.
DeleteI love listening to people's stories, Georgia, and reading them. I pretend I don't like biographies but every time I read one I get blown away. But oh, curling up in my fave chair with a hot coffee and some fabulous fiction - bliss! Bring it on!
ReplyDeleteMalvina
Right on, Malvina. I don't read biographies as much, but I got a taste for them last year. There's an awful lot you can learn from them.
DeleteFamily history is immeasurably valuable. The people of the present learn a lot from those who lived in the past. Things that help shape the future.
ReplyDeleteI grew up hearing tales of ancestors who lived 600 years before. Then my father wrote them down. Great treasure to pass on to future generations.
That's awesome, Enisa. Wow, 600 years can hold a lot of stories! You're very lucky he wrote them down.
DeleteThanks for the lovely words, Georgina. And thanks to Dee for alerting me.
ReplyDeleteI believe storytelling is part of the human condition and is a basic need.
You're welcome, Anne. I'm sure this is nothing new to you. Your readers have made it clear they love your work. I agree, it is a basic need. We all need to tell our stories.
DeleteWhat would we be without folklore, myths and legends? Even paintings on cave walls tells us a story about the people who lived there. I love that story can come from anywhere at anytime, on a bus or waiting in line for coffee. I agree with Anne. It's a basic human need.
ReplyDeleteYep, so true, Cassandra. Think of the fairy tales. Where would we be without them?
Delete