“Is Writing Fiction Making Me a Better Person?” No more so than writing anything, I suppose. Writing should involve research, thought, introspection, and a million other little things. As they say, “Reading is fundamental.” Not just to intake information, but to grok it – since we’re talking about sci-fi. Personally, I try to read more from people whose opinions fly contrary to my own. After all, I already know (pretty much) what *I* think, I don’t necessarily need someone to reassure me on what I already believe. I’d rather read an opposing view so I can either pick it apart, gain empathy, or, on occasion, change my point of view. Then, after the reading, comes the writing. Armed with knowledge and opinions from a diverse range of sources, you are better able to take on the role of the other. And that enables you to make your characters more relatable and “human” -- depending on what kind of sc-fi you are writing 😊 – and once you start seeing the humanity in others, despite their differences from yourself, you can’t hardly help but be a better person.
"Writing the book has opened my eyes to the world around me" sums up my opinions on the matter quite nicely -- at least the matter of whether or not writing making you (or one) a better person. Basically, if you are writing right, I’d say yes.
Good thoughts here, Jim! As I read what you wrote, I started thinking about non-fiction that I've written in the past (including this newsletter). I think that the pieces I have the least regard for now are those in which it was just me telling about my thoughts and not engaging in the way you describe here. Well put!
Classical instrumental musicians performing other peoples' new music inspires thoughts similar to yours above, more like being professionally cast as "grist for another's' mill". We get to perform their new work and inspire... many changes to the work, for better or worse. It's almost all totally abstract (since it's almost all instrumental/wordless), so that could boil down to: one person's reality is another's fiction? But there's definitely empathy being built, understandings coming to light.
“Is Writing Fiction Making Me a Better Person?” No more so than writing anything, I suppose. Writing should involve research, thought, introspection, and a million other little things. As they say, “Reading is fundamental.” Not just to intake information, but to grok it – since we’re talking about sci-fi. Personally, I try to read more from people whose opinions fly contrary to my own. After all, I already know (pretty much) what *I* think, I don’t necessarily need someone to reassure me on what I already believe. I’d rather read an opposing view so I can either pick it apart, gain empathy, or, on occasion, change my point of view. Then, after the reading, comes the writing. Armed with knowledge and opinions from a diverse range of sources, you are better able to take on the role of the other. And that enables you to make your characters more relatable and “human” -- depending on what kind of sc-fi you are writing 😊 – and once you start seeing the humanity in others, despite their differences from yourself, you can’t hardly help but be a better person.
"Writing the book has opened my eyes to the world around me" sums up my opinions on the matter quite nicely -- at least the matter of whether or not writing making you (or one) a better person. Basically, if you are writing right, I’d say yes.
Good thoughts here, Jim! As I read what you wrote, I started thinking about non-fiction that I've written in the past (including this newsletter). I think that the pieces I have the least regard for now are those in which it was just me telling about my thoughts and not engaging in the way you describe here. Well put!
Classical instrumental musicians performing other peoples' new music inspires thoughts similar to yours above, more like being professionally cast as "grist for another's' mill". We get to perform their new work and inspire... many changes to the work, for better or worse. It's almost all totally abstract (since it's almost all instrumental/wordless), so that could boil down to: one person's reality is another's fiction? But there's definitely empathy being built, understandings coming to light.
Great insight from a different perspective Karl! Thanks