The Right Way to Integrate Philosophical Ideas Into Ones Own Book ...

Virtually any novel might be enriched by including an aspect connected with beliefs. What it actually equates to is contemplating big themes, and genuinely seeking the answers.

A number of novels attempt to carry out something like this, whatever the genre. The struggle is to accomplish this adequately, without becoming preachy or pedantic. Only a few works of fiction achieve the ideal tone, and some of those that do oftentimes go on to be remembered as timeless classics.

I have been investigating and lecturing on philosophy and religious studies for more than a decade and a half. Hence, I?m certainly acutely aware of the fine equilibrium between rational inquiry and entertainment value. Both of these are necessary, but to actually succeed at achieving this, entertainment value is far more crucial.

When a person is pulled into a gripping story, they are able to discover possibilities that were normally closed to them. In other words, a skilled storyteller can stimulate philosophical inquiry in the mind of the reader without him or her actually being aware of it. And when you include a good measure of creative imagination, along with the fresh possibilities that it adds, you have a decent fantasy story.

However, some writers take a heavy-handed approach. These writers have already decided to make a certain point, and bend the storyline with the goal of accomplishing this. This approach is ultimately ineffectual.

But still quite a few authors do just that in their books. Often they are convinced that they?re being philosophical by taking this approach. Yet the truth is that there isn?t much authentic inquiry going on in their stories. They have already arrived at their conclusions, and aren?t investigating other perspectives. Instead, they set out from the beginning to persuade us that their way is the right way.

What ever that is, I am reluctant to define it as philosophy. It is more like spiritual fundamentalism, without the religious beliefs. True storytelling is all about taking the readers on a trip during which they undergo the emotions that we undergo throughout the course of our lives. It isn?t about proving a point or being pendantic. That may be what preachers and gurus do, not authentic authors.

The prime directive is to always choose what is best for the integrity of the story. When in doubt, choose the path that is most appropriate for the story. If there is a message, it ought to develop organically out of the story on its own.

It is actually completely acceptable to start off with certain themes planned, but the conclusions shouldn?t be predetermined. Otherwise the whole endeavor is artificial, and your readers will probably perceive this fact.

The author is a film critic for Best Fantasy Movies. For more expert articles similar to this, head over to the Fantasy Forum.

Source: http://www.idoarticles.com/the-right-way-to-integrate-philosophical-ideas-into-ones-own-book/

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