Sometimes, when I read something, I want it to be more than just 'entertainment'. I want to be made to think, or to be challenged in some way.

Not necessarily all the time though. Sometimes, I want a 'beach book' something that's a page-turner, where the plot and characters whiz me through fast. Then, for a short while I will immerse myself... but if, a few months later, someone asks 'Did you read xxxx', I'll struggle to recall it.

Do you consciously try to 'say something' about how you perceive the world when you write?

Vanessa

Yes. But as my stuff is comedy - I'm not sure anyone realises.

Yes. That's often where I start. So with QM it was something like, 'Do we ever see reality? Or do we always edit, like the makers of fly-on-the-wall documentaries?' Out of that came characters with appropriate biases and flaws, and a situation where an MC was forced to revise her understanding of the people around her, and the way Fate operates.

A broader message that links all my books is something like, 'Be grateful for what you have; crying after the moon only makes you unhappy.' A bit Now Voyager, really.

I began thinking about writing a novel regarding the older generation and how the youth of today perceive them. I felt quite strongly about it (perhaps because my father is 83yrs and lives in an area where kids disrespect everyone). How I ended up with a supernatural thriller I'll never know!!!

Ditto, Snowbell.

I think every decent writer seeks to explain something about the world around them, even if it is accidental. There is a danger of 'preaching', and I think that wrapping one's beliefs or observances in flawed characters can be very effective. The trick is to make the reader see through the character's eyes, rather than the writer's, and maybe catch a glimpse of themselves in the process.

I also favour books that make me think about things in a new way. I've never been a fan of 'entertainment for entertainment's sake'.

JB

Then again, even the lightest work of fiction writes from a world view, doesn't it? The message may simply be, 'Baddies always get their come-uppance' or ' It's the good girl who gets the guy' but it's still a perspective on life, isn't it?

All books are thematic? An interesting suggestion, Lammi, and one that I expect is completely true.

JB

Well, one of the reasons we read is to compare our world view with others'. Sometimes we want our perspective confirmed, other times we don't mind having it challenged.

Plus there's mood to take into account. In an optimistic mood I might find a literary, gloomy, introspective text plain annoying. I might be tempted to throw it to one ide and say of the characters, 'Get over yourselves, you bunch of whingers!'

In a darker frame of mind I might feel irritated and even betrayed by a light and cheerful read, the kind where everyone gets their just deserts and all ends are tied up neatly.

I don't think you can help your world view coming over in what you write, though you may not realise it because it seems obvious to you. Mine is probably 'it's not as simple as that.'

But I do also specifically thread themes through my work: usually as I get into the first draft I start seeing links and connections between disparate characters their situations and bits of plot, and quite a lot of second-drafting is to do with bringing those out. I may even change plot to make more of it. Some of TMOLs big themes were lost children and voyeurism, among the new one's themes are story-telling, pilgrimage and uncles (I know the last one sounds odd).

Emma

Ah, yes, Emma - well, they always say that the Great Avuncular Novel has yet to be written...

Rosy

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But to answer the question... definitely. I'm always banging on about stuff. My editor has had on a number of occasions to tell me to 'get off my soapbox'. Evidently the trick is to indoctrinate the reader to one's world view subtly - I have yet to learn the art!

I agree that themes seem to emerge in work (mine or anyone else's) whether or not it's intended. I guess we all have topics we're drawn to, and keep going back to without necessarily meaning to.

Deb

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But I guess it depends on the quality of the writer whether those themes end up being thought-provoking or not.

they always say that the Great Avuncular Novel has yet to be written...

LoL, Rosy.

Just off to meet my agent, so she can tell me what doesn't work about the new novel. I'll try that on her...

Emma

But I guess it depends on the quality of the writer whether those themes end up being thought-provoking or not.

And the tastes of the reader. Even an excellent book with interesting themes well developed won't catch the enthusiasm of every reader. Which is why - it seems to me - it's a mistake to follow other people's ideas of what your book should be 'about'. How you tackle what it's about is something that good feedback is hugely helpful for.

Emma

Hi Nessie,
I don't think I consciously try to 'say something' about how I, myself, perceive the world in writing, I just hope that what I've not said through characters is as clear as what I have said through them, and hope something resonates.
Becca.