Comments on: Meaning in the Literary Fictional Story http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/2009/11/meaning-in-the-literary-fictional-story/ Blog Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:15:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: William Coles http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/2009/11/meaning-in-the-literary-fictional-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1173 William Coles Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:19:10 +0000 http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/?p=257#comment-1173 Thanks for your comment. Appreciated. I agree with your thoughts. Meaning often does, maybe always, blossom with the writing. It is a healthy writing process that creates meaning. And multiple interpretations are also a strength. Every story has special meaning to each reader that is unique. And multiple meanings are also desired, especially as multiple character enlightenments emerge. Here too, every reader should take away his or her own meaning. But there is a caution needed. All you've said (that I've repeated above) should be in control of the writer. The structure of the story, the prose, the syntax, the narrative description, the internal reflection, and especially the dialogue, should be created so the reader is directed to their own interpretation of the story. That is the strength of fiction. And writers get in control of meaning with repeated drafts, pondering alternatives, and meticulous revision. Most writers, even successful writers, do not accomplish this to their full capabilities. And their writing fails to reach its maximum potential. For example, if a writer is rewriting a segment of narrative or dialogue, and does not have a clear purpose related to story and meaning for the segment, the effect of the segment on the reader overall is only a percentage of what it might be if the writer has established a clear purpose and has a general meaning for the story that is to be expressed through conflict, action and resolution. When is feisty better than plucky, or ballsy? When should a character react to the death of a friend with anger, fear, sadness, ironic humor, sarcasm, etc. The writer is always subconsciously evaluating every decision based on purpose for writing (segment and story) and the relationship to meaning, character, and logical motivation. There needs to be a flow towards meaning created by the writer that is not necessarily specific. But it should also not be too obscure. Good writing should bring out meaning rather than obscure it to be guessed at. Working with these intricacies, as you are, will undoubtedly improve your stories no matter how your opinions crystallize. I hope this helps. WHC Thanks for your comment. Appreciated. I agree with your thoughts. Meaning often does, maybe always, blossom with the writing. It is a healthy writing process that creates meaning. And multiple interpretations are also a strength. Every story has special meaning to each reader that is unique. And multiple meanings are also desired, especially as multiple character enlightenments emerge. Here too, every reader should take away his or her own meaning. But there is a caution needed. All you've said (that I've repeated above) should be in control of the writer. The structure of the story, the prose, the syntax, the narrative description, the internal reflection, and especially the dialogue, should be created so the reader is directed to their own interpretation of the story. That is the strength of fiction. And writers get in control of meaning with repeated drafts, pondering alternatives, and meticulous revision. Most writers, even successful writers, do not accomplish this to their full capabilities. And their writing fails to reach its maximum potential. For example, if a writer is rewriting a segment of narrative or dialogue, and does not have a clear purpose related to story and meaning for the segment, the effect of the segment on the reader overall is only a percentage of what it might be if the writer has established a clear purpose and has a general meaning for the story that is to be expressed through conflict, action and resolution. When is feisty better than plucky, or ballsy? When should a character react to the death of a friend with anger, fear, sadness, ironic humor, sarcasm, etc. The writer is always subconsciously evaluating every decision based on purpose for writing (segment and story) and the relationship to meaning, character, and logical motivation. There needs to be a flow towards meaning created by the writer that is not necessarily specific. But it should also not be too obscure. Good writing should bring out meaning rather than obscure it to be guessed at. Working with these intricacies, as you are, will undoubtedly improve your stories no matter how your opinions crystallize. I hope this helps. WHC

]]> By: Davel http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/2009/11/meaning-in-the-literary-fictional-story/comment-page-1/#comment-1164 Davel Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:25 +0000 http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/?p=257#comment-1164 I have done some writing and a lot of reading. Usually I do not have particular 'meaning' intended when I write a story. However, there always seem to be one by the stories end. Those who have read my story sometime agree with my interpretation of meaning, but others declare they found another. I have decided that most readers will come to their own conclusion as to a stories 'meanin.' I have done some writing and a lot of reading.
Usually I do not have particular 'meaning' intended when I write a story. However, there always seem to be one by the stories end.
Those who have read my story sometime agree with my interpretation of meaning, but others declare they found another.
I have decided that most readers will come to their own conclusion as to a stories 'meanin.'

]]> By: William Coles http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/2009/11/meaning-in-the-literary-fictional-story/comment-page-1/#comment-514 William Coles Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:48:17 +0000 http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/?p=257#comment-514 Many thanks for your kind comment. WHC Many thanks for your kind comment. WHC

]]> By: Shankha http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/2009/11/meaning-in-the-literary-fictional-story/comment-page-1/#comment-513 Shankha Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:54 +0000 http://storyinliteraryfiction.com/blog/?p=257#comment-513 Sir, Being a fiction writer is my last goal of life. Your post has contributed significantly to my knowledge. Will surely come back for more. Thanks, Shankha Sir,

Being a fiction writer is my last goal of life. Your post has contributed significantly to my knowledge.

Will surely come back for more.

Thanks, Shankha

]]>