I spoke to a small group of writers last evening and we touched on the subject of showing your readers’ a good time. How some writers, without leaving home, can go out into the world and be sociable with ink on paper.
These people are excellent blind-dates who, nevertheless, work in complete solitude.
Being able to write well involves this element of seduction. When he or she puts your narrative down your reader should feel that something astounding and unexpected has happened.
That an ordinary, even mundane evening, has been transformed by the company of a stranger or an old friend who is wiser by far, but who has lost none of the charm or promise of youth.
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Jun 22nd, 2006 at 6:59 pm
I always like the seduction metaphor in relation to reading. Seduction is the art of turning a no into a yes, and therefore the art of revealing that we don’t always know what we mean or what we want. Seductive literature should entertain us, but it should also challenge us on our meanings and our desires too.
Jun 23rd, 2006 at 5:03 pm
Yes, you sum it up really well, John. This so perfectly describes the best parts of reading experience.
I suppose that is one reason why reading appeals so much to us introverts — we don’t have to go anywhere to get all these sensations!
best wishes
Maxine.
Jun 25th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
I was at your talk, and found it most thought provoking. Many, many thanks
Jun 25th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Hi Alex. Thanks for dropping by. I recognised you from the photograph on your site.