Do You Like to Learn New Things When Reading Your Fiction?
A number of years ago, I printed out a check-list from Dan Brown's web site about how to write bestselling fiction. As the author of the blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code, he spoke as the voice of authority. One item, as I recall it, was about the inclusion of factual information in your book. The idea was your readers would be made to feel as if they'd learned something new, and gotten an extra bonus from having read your book.
As a writer, I have wondered about this. Too much factual information as a reader tends to bore me. That was one reason why long ago I quit reading James Michener who wrote, for instance, the long Chesapeake. Michener included all sorts of facts in his novels. They overwhelmed his main narrative. Or at least that was my reading experience.
The other problem is the reader gets annoyed if they think you're trying to show off your brilliance. So, I try to weave any facts into my storylines, striving to make them not stick out or jar the reader's attention. I also look for how other authors handle doing this.
As a writer, I have wondered about this. Too much factual information as a reader tends to bore me. That was one reason why long ago I quit reading James Michener who wrote, for instance, the long Chesapeake. Michener included all sorts of facts in his novels. They overwhelmed his main narrative. Or at least that was my reading experience.
The other problem is the reader gets annoyed if they think you're trying to show off your brilliance. So, I try to weave any facts into my storylines, striving to make them not stick out or jar the reader's attention. I also look for how other authors handle doing this.
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Pamela
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Aug 02, 2012 08:29AM
I do like to learn something when I read. Some authors are heavy-handed about this. And sometimes you only get a little sprinkle. I recently read a 'cotton-candy' type mystery that called itself a "Scrapbooking" mystery. I know almost nothing about scrapbooking and I am interested. Well... it was a nice little mystery. But the scrapbooking parts... A sprinkle is all I can say I got from the book. The author did a good job of making the scrapbooking parts fit-in and not jar. But I was left wanting more. So my answer is yes. I do want to learn something new. Often it will be about a town I have never been to. At least I hope these things are about the actual town and not just the author's fiction. Have you ever tried to visit a place you read about in a novel and find everything skewed? That has happened to me and it was at first unnerving, second irritating, and finally interesting. But it took a few days to get past the irritating part. --keep writing Ed- I always enjoy your words! (sorry this is so long)
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Pamela wrote: "I do like to learn something when I read. Some authors are heavy-handed about this. And sometimes you only get a little sprinkle. I recently read a 'cotton-candy' type mystery that called itself a ..."No problem. I've been rethinking my blog post a bit. I can see a historical novel using a lot of facts, for instance. Westerns also need to be accurate in their information and the facts used. I like to use fictitious towns and cities, but they're based on the places I've lived and visited. I can see your point on the scrapbook mystery. Many are themed like that now, it seems. Thanks for your comments!
I like to learn something new, but when reading fiction, I take everything in the book with a grain of salt. It is, after all, fiction. :)When reading fiction, it is difficult for the reader to know true from fictional "facts" unless they are somehow told, or unless they take time to look it up and confirm it.
Based on this, I am not sure I would agree that facts themselves are a bonus. I do think factual information likely assists the author in painting the picture for the reader, though.
Deborah wrote: "I like to learn something new, but when reading fiction, I take everything in the book with a grain of salt. It is, after all, fiction. :)When reading fiction, it is difficult for the reader to..."
I really like your take on this. It IS fiction first. It reminds me of the CSI TV shows that are hardly like the real world CSI. But for their entertainment value, the CSI shows have been very popular. I appreciate your comments. Thanks for responding.
Reading is learning. A good author has done his research. Fiction novels makes the learning fun and more interesting.History was my favorite subject in school so it is important for me to have faith in the authors veracity. I also like to clear my mind every few reads with something that is just a fun read. with no object of learning any thing.
sarg wrote: "Reading is learning. A good author has done his research. Fiction novels makes the learning fun and more interesting.History was my favorite subject in school so it is important for me to have fait..." True. Research and getting it right are important for fiction. I like your idea to clear the mind. I spell my fiction reading with nonfiction works. It gets boring to read in the same genre all the time. Thanks for your response.
I love learning new things while reading fiction. frequently fiction has sparked my curiousity into learning more about the subject mentioned in the fiction. especially historical fiction.
A good fiction novel that has individuals that you can identify with makes a more interesting read than a bland History book that only gives facts dates and places.I am in the process of reding:Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever|10587120]it reads more like a novel rather than a bland history book
Michele wrote: "I love learning new things while reading fiction. frequently fiction has sparked my curiousity into learning more about the subject mentioned in the fiction. especially historical fiction."Same thing here. Reading fiction has piqued my curosity on historical events or individuals. Historical fiction hasn't been as frequent on my reading list as when I was younger.
sarg wrote: "A good fiction novel that has individuals that you can identify with makes a more interesting read than a bland History book that only gives facts dates and places.I am in the process of reding:Kil..."That's a fascinating historical episode. I believe you can take a tour of Booth's escape route though I've never looked into it.
I like your balanced approach. Killer Angels, by Jeffrey Shaara, is a great example of how it can be done.
I don't like Dan Brown's work because he crosses the line between historical fact and his opinion. And unfortunately he comes across as a voice of authority. Don't exceed the boundary between truth and beliefs.
I don't like Dan Brown's work because he crosses the line between historical fact and his opinion. And unfortunately he comes across as a voice of authority. Don't exceed the boundary between truth and beliefs.
Dave wrote: "I like your balanced approach. Killer Angels, by Jeffrey Shaara, is a great example of how it can be done. I don't like Dan Brown's work because he crosses the line between historical fact and hi..."
I keep meaning to read Killer Angels. I've heard great things about it over the years. Thanks for the reminder and comments, Dave.
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