Does All Writing Teach?
“If the writer has done his/her job, I come away with new understanding, hopefully having learned something.”
On her January post for the Absolute Write Blog Chain Challenge, Mary made the above comment which got me wondering: What exactly is a writer’s job? When we write should we always be focused on a greater lesson for our readers? Do we write to teach? Does all good writing leave us having learnt something?
There are some books I read simply for the pleasure of reading. As Mary also said, “I read to find out what happens along the way.” I read for the journey, the story, not the outcome. Do you ever feel disappointed if the outcome falls short? (Feel free to rewrite the ending in your mind as if you were the author - I do!)
Some books are just the adventure, but do we ever walk away from a good book unchanged?
I’ve often closed a lite romance novel with that small bubble of optimism and love but it swiftly fades as reality returns. Did I learn something? I don’t know. I don’t feel as if I’ve had a revelation. Do you?
Is this “reading for entertainment” only to be found with novels? Can a good non-fiction book provide an enjoyable, non-teaching pleasure? Do readers ever pick up a copy of a non-fiction book on a topic they know inside out? Do they expect to find something new to learn or do they simply love to read about their passion?
What do you think?
Check out the other writers involved in January’s AW Blog Chain.
This months topic, “writing”!
living my life all over again
Spontaneous Derivation
Jenn Hollowell: Working Writer
Peregrinas
Techtainment
Anything That Pays
Polenth’s Quill
wfg thinks out loud
Spittin’ (out words) Like a Llama
A Thoughtful Life
The Speakeasy
Virtual Wordsmith
The Writer’s Round-About
My Copious Notes Blog
Tennessee Text Wrestling
Writings
Twisted Fantasy
Colbymarshall says:
I don’t read a terrible lot of nonfiction, but yeah, I’ve been known to read those for enjoyment, too. And usually it is about something I’m already passionate about, but even so, the author will inevitably have a new take on the subject so I will have learned something.
Thomma Lyn says:
For me, it depends. Sometimes I read for pure fun. Sometimes I read to learn. My very favorite books are those that both (1) tell good stories and (2) illuminate for me some aspect of human experience or emotion I hadn’t thought about before. My favorite authors are those who take me to new places, whether external (in the context of the fiction) or internal.
Good post!
Catherine L says:
Hi Rebecca - non fiction can be entertaining too. And even if I read a book on a topic I know lot about, it’s rare that I don’t learn something new by the end of the book.
Novels are an amazing form of entertainment though. The writer can take a subject they feel passionate about and use it to educate others, who may not have learned about it otherwise.
Beth says:
I read nonfiction for entertainment. Or at least, I read them for pleasure. I enjoy learning new things from them. I usually get at least one nonfiction book at the library. I tend to choose from a small selection of topics that I enjoy learning about. Is it strictly pleasure reading, as I would a category romance? No, probably not. Why can’t I read for pleasure AND learning, though?
Nez says:
I certainly do (or have) read non-fiction for entertainment. I’ve been known to spend hours in the local bookstore just “perusing” when I’m really just “flittering” about from section to section.
Fiction can also teach, and a lot of who I am today has basis in some of the early books I read as a child.
So, yes, as Beth suggested, I do read for both pleasure and learning.
Jenn Hollowell says:
There are a number of non-fiction books I’ve picked up intending to read them for pleasure . . . only to have learned something in the end. Like Al-pha-bet-ica (an art book), Passionate Love Letters: An Anthogy of Desire (a collection of beautiful love letters, some in the writer’s original handwriting), and The Fragrant Year (I bought it for the pretty pictures hee hee), for exmaple. I honestly can’t think of a non-fiction that I haven’t learned from . . .
Arachne Jericho says:
I’ve read non-fiction for fun, too. In fact, I will often pick up an unknown non-fiction book before I pick up an unknown fiction book; non-fiction has a greater chance of success. Especially these days, when they do have to be entertaining and tell a story; not all non-fiction is reference. I believe the majority isn’t reference, in fact.
Non-fiction that people like to read shares much in nature with fiction that people like to read: story, characters, plot, good voice.
Online Romance Novel says:
[…] Does All Writing Teach? […]
MamaGeek says:
I do read non-fiction for entertainment every once in awhile. My husband even more frequently. A good book is a good book is a good book. Right? Right.
bunnygirl says:
I think it goes without saying that non-fiction should teach or illuminate something new about a subject. The most compelling non-fiction will educate in an interesting way, though. “Isaac’s Storm” and “The Children’s Blizzard” come to mind, although I’ve got whole shelves full of similar examples.
If I just want a rousing good yarn that won’t add to my knowledge of the world or challenge my thinking, there are plenty of fiction options out there. I don’t say that to denigrate the value of a good tale. I myself alternate between writing stories with subtle meanings and just plain tales. Both have their place in literature and we’d be poorer as a culture to lose either one. It does irk me, though, when people feel like they have to get “more literary than thou” and insist that every written word be fraught with hidden meaning.
Some writing is just for entertainment, but I don’t see non-fiction ever falling wholly into that category. If I happen to like bamboo, then a book about bamboo will entertain me as a matter of course, but I should still walk away having learned something or gained a new perspective, which is why we have non-fiction in the first place.
Susan Cogan says:
Some of my favorite books are pretty inconsequential but I still learn something from them. I now know a lot more than I would have about Minnesota because I love the Monica Ferris Crewel World books. (There’s a review of one of her books on my blog, but I can’t figure out how to get a link in this message.) It seems that you can learn something from anything you read even if it’s a cautionary tale about how not to write scenes or lay out a plot.
Les says:
Great site. I am an aspiring Christian writer.
Please can you take a look at my blog?
http://lchatwin.wordpress.com
Razib Ahmed says:
I love to read. I have read a great deal of fiction and non fiction in English and Bengali (my mother tongue). I love to read about history most and then novels.
Optimism? I think not « Aaron Crocco: Copious Notes says:
[…] Rebecca Laffar-Smith posted about endings to a book for the Absolute Write Blog Chain Challenge. In her post she says she ends her romance novels with a little optimism that quickly fades. […]
Aaron Crocco says:
I think that these are all great questions you post and the fact that the optimism fades is truly realistic. Great info!
Polenth says:
It’s not that unusual for me to get a dragon non-fiction book and find nothing new. That’s a potential problem if you specialise in a subject. I still enjoy reading them though. There’s nothing wrong with reading a book just because it’s fun. I don’t think it’s an obligation to learn something. I don’t learn anything when I eat a cake either, but that doesn’t stop me eating cake.
(EMP) E-Marketing Performance » : » Team Reading List 2.4.08 says:
[…] Does All Writing Teach? […]
Laurie Ashton says:
I think if my goal as a reader would be to learn something new with every book I read, then there would be no point in ever re-reading books. But I do re-read books, just like I re-watch some movies or television series. While I can see the benefit in learning something, I don’t think it’s always the point. I think, sometimes, it’s pure enjoyment.
I can think of “Much Ado About Nothing”, the movie version by Kenneth Branagh. I’ve watched that movie dozens of times, and usually after I’ve watched another movie that I know is likely to give me nightmares. That version of the Shakespeare play is so happy, so fun, so light and joyful, that it drives my nightmares away. But I don’t learn anything from it - I know the storyline inside out and backwards.
Anne McCaffrey’s Pern books are the same way. I’ve read the lot of them more times than I can count. If I’m depressed or blue, reading the Dragonson, Dragonsinger, and Dragon Drums ones are enough to lift even the darkest mood. But I don’t learn anything at all from reading them again and again.
I think if that phrase were changed from learning something to deriving some kind of benefit, I could get fully behind it.
Kathleen Frassrand says:
I actually love reading (good) fiction because it gives me amazing insight into the human mind. The characters have to interact and respond to each other and you get an inside view of their feelings.
I guess what we are really seeing is how the author sees human relationships and inner turmoil. It is a neat way to delve into someone else’s mind and get a better idea of what things look like from their perspective.
End of the Line: A Final Farewell to the January AW Blog Chain : Spontaneous Derivation says:
[…] The Writer’s Round-About […]
(EMP) E-Marketing Performance » : » Team Reading List 2.5.08 says:
[…] Does All Writing Teach? […]
AURIA CORTES » January Blog Chain says:
[…] out loud Spittin’ (out words) Like a Llama A Thoughtful Life The Speakeasy Virtual Wordsmith The Writer’s Round-About My Copious Notes Blog Tennessee Text Wrestling Writings Twisted […]
Beth says:
“I think if my goal as a reader would be to learn something new with every book I read, then there would be no point in ever re-reading books.” -Laurie Ashton
I don’t know about that. When I re-read books I often find connections or subtleties that I didn’t see the first time around. In fact, my favorite books are usually the ones that I can read over and over without ever seeing it the same way twice. So much of reading is interpreting what you read according to your own world view. Your personal world view changes with time, though. So, your interpretation of the story also changes with time.
Mary Lewis says:
“Can a good non-fiction book provide an enjoyable, non-teaching pleasure?”
I read Blink and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell a month or so ago, and thoroughly enjoyed both books. And as soon as I started reading I realized I already knew the things I was reading. I recommend them.
Page 123 and the AW January Blog Chain — Writer’s Round-About - Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
[…] out loud Spittin’ (out words) Like a Llama A Thoughtful Life The Speakeasy Virtual Wordsmith The Writer’s Round-About My Copious Notes Blog Tennessee Text Wrestling Writings Twisted […]
Michele says:
I think I always learn something from reading. Even if it’s just an aha moment when I realize a concept I’ve never thought about before or I learn from that person’s strengths, failures, joys, journey, experience… Maybe I’ll learn a new recipe, or about a new product.
I learn something each time I visit a blog even: new spins on topics, new markets, new books I’ve never heard of…
As for romance novels, I think we learn from them : they’re fairy tales and aren’t necessarily in keeping with what reality has to offer.
That’s why folks read ‘em - a huge lesson, I think!
Smiles,
Michele
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
Thank you all, so much, for your comments. I’m sorry it has taken me so long to respond but I wanted to give you all thoughtful replies. It is interesting to see the range of thought, expression, and various interpretations of writings that teach.
@ Colbymarshall: I don’t read very much non-fiction either and when I do it is usually because I want to learn something about a topic. I often already know something about that topic because I’ll only pick up a non-fiction book if the topic is of interest to me. But fiction novels can teach as well. Have you ever considered lessons you may have learnt from fiction?
@ Thomma Lyn: Those writings that give me new experiences and broaden my imagination are my favorite too. That is what I look for in fiction and why high fantasy fiction draws me in so well. In those stories there are new worlds to explore and wonders that burst into possibility. The books I love best are novels that have deep inner weaves to their topics and themes. Novels that make me look at the real world differently and allow me to grow and learn, stretching my mind and tingling my senses are the best.
@ Catherine L: Learning from both kinds of writing is what I love about being a reader (and a writer). The written word gives us freedom to express our own ideas and to learn from others. The best thing about books is that we can take on the new ideas we want to and are ready to recieve. There is no pressure to believe if we don’t want to. Formal education is all about learning in someone elses way, with books and written language I’m always learning in my own way.
@ Beth: I think nonfiction that is enjoyable to read is fantastic. Learning a topic in a fun and interesting way creates a deeper understanding and encourages our interest. I think that is where a great deal of formal education flops. Their text materials are dull and it can be challenging to inspire a yearning to learn in students.
*takes a deep breath before continuing*
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
*exhales*
@ Nez: I always feel like the store staff will swat me on the shoulder with a frown, “Are you buying that?”, they’ll ask. With a guilty face I’ll draw my nose out of the book I’d settled in on the floor to read and mutter, “No, just looking.”
I guess that’s what the library was invented for but somehow, the quiet lull of the library isn’t quite as captivating as fresh, new books bound by the bustle of a busy commercial district.
It is wonderful to reflect on where we are today and those influences that brought us to this point. I can’t imagine having a life untouched by books. What a sorrowful existance that would be. Just thinking about it makes me want to crate up some of my favorites (maybe buy more copies first) so I can ship it over to communities that are bookless.
@ Jenn Hollowell: I think we always take away a lesson of some kind from EVERY book we read. Even fiction has something to teach us and sometimes it does a better job at teaching us the more important things. Coming across a non-fiction book that is a subtle teacher and an enjoyable friend is like finding treasure.
@ Arachne Jericho: What great insight, Arachne. You’re right, non-fiction does need to contain the elements common to fiction to be enjoyed by a wider audience these days. People aren’t content to wade through study text, they want to enjoy their favorite non-fiction topics, to dabble in the delights of their hobbies and interests. I am more likely to explore multiple authors when looking for non-fiction because each author shares a whole new viewpoint. When it comes to fiction I gather my tried and true authors before exploring fresh blood.
@ Everyone: It sounds like there are a lot of readers who love to read their non-fiction because they love to read and they enjoy exploring their interests. Do we ever learn as much from fiction stories?
*takes another deep breath*
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
*and then continues*
@ MamaGeek: You’re certainly right! A good book IS a good book is a good book.
Congratulations on a hubby reader. Am I the only one who finds those rare?
@ BunnyGirl: You make some really interesting points, BunnyGirl. Non-fiction usually does have that NEED to share something new and enlightening. But, if you are deeply intrenched in a topic to the degree of an ‘expert’ would you stop reading non-fiction of that topic because they probably do not have new insights for you to learn? Can we saturate our need for non-fiction? Are there non-fiction books that simply restate what others have already taught?
I also wonder if even the light fiction we read simply to give ourselves some headspace might not hold their own lessons. They mightn’t come across as a profound learning experience, they’re gentler, tender, leaving us changed but the same. I read formula romance stories when I need a brain cushion, they’re predictable and always end happily. They’re also emotionally pulling (if well written) and truly a sappy woman’s (like me) coffee break. You mightn’t think these kinds of books could teach anything but I come away feeling like I’ve learnt new degrees of loving. I’ve learnt more about the human condition, relationships, families, etc. It might be fiction but it holds new experiences based on what life is all about. So, is it possible that ALL fiction is an opportunity to learn?
@ Susan Cogan: Your wish is my command. I hope everyone will check out Susan’s wonderful review, Embroidered Truths by Monica Ferris. Learning from anything we read is exactly what I was just pondering about with BunnyGirl above. I feel exactly the same way, Susan. If we go into every experience with an open mind and an open heart there are some magical lessons we will take away with us.
@ Les: Thanks for the praise, Les, and I hope your writing is going well. If you’re writing then you’re NOT aspiring.
The difference is all in the taking of action and it looks like you’re well into that stage so grasp that writer title. You deserve it.
@ Razib Ahmed: I’ve always wondered about books that are translated into other languages. I wonder if the tone, voice, and tendancies translate. Does a book written in English and translated to Bengali stay the same? Every time I read a book I get something new from the pages between the cover and my mono-language disability hinders my experience of translated texts.
Have you ever considered looking into historic fiction?
@ Aaron Crocco: Thank you, Aaron! I love your follow-up post about how your own writing leads readers into the darkness. Those books that offer the lightest relief and that bubble of optimism are usually romance books that I’m reading. Romance is known for it’s ‘happy endings’. It’s like children’s movies. Whenever my kids cry in a movie my reassurance is, “It will be ok in the end.” We know this because that’s the way those styles of books/movies are designed (99% of the time).
Darker tales and fiction that trades on the inner cynic or that secret place inside us all that loves to be scared and is intrigued by taboo thrives on those kinds of stories. They come in their common genres too which makes it easy for readers to know when they’re choosing a book if it is the kind of story they want to read before they even read the synopsis. For example, I ALWAYS steer well clear of the ‘Thriller’ category. That is just TOO dark and TOO real for my poor, fragile mind and heart. lol But I know others LOVE a great Thriller.
*Wow, so many comments. Why didn’t I get to these sooner? There is so much fantastic discussion here!!!*
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
*Almost caught up with you all. :-)*
@ Laurie Ashton: I love to re-read my favorite books to but I often find I have a whole new experience and thus, learn new lessons, each time I delve between the pages. This is especially true in fiction but also true in non-fiction. A book is a great deal to absorb and each thing we read varies based on our personal histories. The book you read mightn’t be the same when someone else reads those identical words. Thankfully, we read BECAUSE we love it first and formost and I think that is the greatest worth of all.
I am the same way about “Pride and Prejudice”. In fact I have a few of the movie versions and I love them all. They each express the same Jane Austen classic in different ways and the characters all have their unique spins. The same story but so very different. It becomes harder to recognise the lessons as we rinse and repeat the action, especially when I often use such a movie to help me relax into sleep, but I find I explore different aspects in each viewing. As writers we can constantly learn new things about the importance of character, dialogue, etc. from these stories.
I know we definately ALL benefit from reading. Any reading we do ofters a miriad of benefits from relaxation, entertainment, vocabulary, insight, etc. The list is quite possibly endless. But learning? That is one benefit that we mightn’t all agree exists which makes for great discussion. Perhaps an alternative word could be “growth”. Do you grow from every re-viewing or re-reading? I know I do.
@ Kathleen Frassrand: *chuckles* You’re parenthesis made me chuckle, Kathleen. Unfortunately, BAD fiction gives me amazing insight into the human mind, usually horrifying, gut wrenching, insights that make me wonder a) who would WRITE this stuff - b) who would PRINT this stuff - c) who would READ this stuff.
I love your own insight into the reading experience. You’re so right, even in non-fiction we’re seeing the world through new eyes. Seeing people or things from the pen of a third party. It is this truth that proves we ALL have a story to tell (but not everyone could write theirs to be read).
@ Beth: I’m glad you picked that up too, Beth, because I agree completely. Each reading is a new experience.
@ Mary Lewis: I’ll have to find those books. I asked above if it’s possible that the non-fiction market could become saturated in some topics as a readers understanding of the subject grows. I’m sure there is a point when we know more than some books could teach us in that subject. But is that true? I wonder if there were any lessons you learnt without realizing it. Perhaps simply by reading about the subject in a new way. I know I continue to learn and absorb new information all the time, even from non-fiction books I’d read before. The fact is, I don’t absorb that wealth of information in the first reading, or the second, or the third. Do you ever find that?
@ Michele: Reality (and fiction) provide a playground for Life Learners like us, Michele! I feel the same way. I learn from all I read, see, hear. Life is about learning in every experience. It’s all about that journey of discovery through the wonders of everything.
@ Everyone: Thank you all so very much for a gripping and enthralling conversation. Please, feel free to return with new insights, comments, varying opinions, or hearty affirmations. I’d love to know more about your thoughts. And if anyone new stumbles along, you’re welcome to join the discussion too!
Rebecca Laffar-Smith says:
@ Polenth: Opps, I missed you! I’m so sorry, Polenth. I love books about dragons too and while there are often many things that stay the same some writers approach the topic very differently. It is interesting to see the various styles and creations brought to this topic depending on the author. I think the thing I love most with dragon books is the graphics. Artists always have their own perception of dragon-kind. Perhaps the real problem is that too few fiction authors create a dragon almanac.
ronnie says:
Writing can come in different tones and intents, i.e., to inform, entertain, storytell, inspire, remind, among others. To teach values regardless of intents and tones is always the noblest of them all.