Just about any original story may be enriched by means of incorporating an aspect connected with beliefs. What it ultimately equates to is pondering important issues, and genuinely looking for the answers.
A number of books attempt to carry out something like this, no matter what the genre may be. The challenge is to accomplish this skillfully, without seeming preachy or pedantic. Only a few novels strike the right balance, and those few that do oftentimes go on to be remembered as timeless classics.
I have been learning and lecturing on philosophical literature for more than a decade. For this reason, I am continually aware of the intricate balance between intellectual exploration and entertainment value. Both are essential, but to truly do well at pulling this off, entertainment value is way more vital.
When a reader is drawn into a compelling novel, they are able to experience new possibilities that were normally off limits to them. In other words, a gifted storyteller has the capacity to spark philosophical inquiry in the mind of the reader without him or her even being aware of it. And when you include a healthy measure of imagination, together with the new possibilities that it can bring, you have a fine fantasy story.
Regrettably, some writers take a pedantic approach. Authors such as these set out to make a particular philosophical point, and manipulate the narrative with the goal of accomplishing this. Such an approach is ultimately ineffectual.
Yet many authors do this in their books. Often they are convinced that they are being philosophical by taking this approach. Yet the reality is that there isn't much authentic inquiry taking place in their books. They've already reached their conclusions, and aren't exploring different points of view. Instead, they plan from the start to persuade us that their perspective is the only way.
No matter what that is, I'm reluctant to define it as philosophy. It really is more similar to faith based fundamentalism, minus the religious beliefs. Genuine fiction writing is centered on taking the book lover on a trek during which they go through the emotions and thoughts which we undergo throughout the course of our everyday life. It certainly is not about demonstrating a position or being preachy. That's what preachers and gurus do, not authentic writers.
The most important task is to always protect the integrity of the story. Whenever in doubt, choose what is most appropriate for the story. If there is a deeper meaning, it ought to grow organically out of the story on its own.
It is totally fine to begin with certain motifs in your mind, but the conclusions ought not to be predetermined. Otherwise the entire endeavor is artificial, and your audience can pick up on this.
Author Resource:
Darren is a frequent contributor for Best Fantasy Movies . To discover more essays like this, head over to the Fantasy Writing Discussion Board.