Why do I read? Why write? Why do anything, for that matter

[shalanna]

When I read fiction, I do it in part to live other lives. To see into a world that appeals to me, but which I've never experienced. (And to "live" vicariously by experiencing events and thoughts through the filters of that main character.) Or sometimes I want to see my own world reflected differently, filtered through the consciousness of the main character, to whom my familiar sights may be novelties. (This is why I look at Southern gothics or read novels set in Dallas or small-town Texas. The familiar, seen differently. Sometimes even seen in "my" way or similarly.)

I also like to learn something when I read. A famous author advised that most readers like to feel they've learned something, even something as small as how to tip a cab driver in New York or how many inches of snow generally fall in New Mexico in December. So do I.

Maybe part of what that person meant when asking "why do you write" could be the answer to "why do you read?"

* * *
For those interested in fan fiction and why you see so much "slash" in it, here's a scholarly paper touching on that. I really am not a fan of fanfic. I think I talked about that earlier. I'm aware of it, but it's not my bag. Still, I think this paper might interest those who read fanfic or are into writing it.

* * *
I miss tan M&Ms.

In fact, I miss M&Ms in general. Can't have them any more. *pout*

Comments

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

An interesting post. I need to think about why I read and write, too.

And: How could I have forgotten tan M&Ms?

Why did they mess with the old colors? Silly of them.

And crayons--remember "copper" in the fancy box? I bet it's gone.

[ladyjaguar.livejournal.com]

I read the article you linked. (shaking head in wonder) I never have understood "/" fanfic. I'm afraid the whole concept boggles me. (shrug) Oh, well. Maybe I'm too old. (grin)

As to why I read, it depends on the mood and the material in question. I like to read a lot of nonfiction, and I do that to learn. I like to explore topics ranging from black holes to forensic pathology to all sorts of historical topics. I also read history, specifically, in large part because it provides the background for my genealogical work, helping to place the ancestors whom I figuratively dig up into their proper context. So I read a lot of social history, too.

I also like fiction -- especially mysteries, which I read mainly for escape and because I like the puzzles that mysteries present; and science fiction, because I like the idea of exploring "other" worlds, and I like the social commentary that is made in much of science fiction. Science fiction authors can say things indirectly, through their stories, about our society which some people would get their knickers in a knot about if they were said directly.