By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Thousands of novels are released each year in genres for every reader’s taste. So many wonderful and amazing books, and we’ll never be able to read them all. But we try.
What’s the fascination for story? Why do we crave the next novel and the next?
Here are seven reasons why people love story.
- Entertainment is the number one reason we love novels. When our work is done for the day, we can relax and lose ourselves within the pages of a highly-crafted story.
- Story is a slice of real life. I dare say every plot has its origin in facts. Readers see truth in a non-threatening environment, an opportunity to explore values.
- Characters draw us into their setting. A well-written story explodes on the page with characters we adore. We relate to their wants and needs and how they interpret life. Our imaginations are challenged and we become the character.
- Problems are solved within the story, and the reader seeks ways to make their own life easier.
- Heroes and heroines on an impossible journey inspire us to be better people, attempt new things, and see a goal to completion.
- Healing takes place within the storyline. Subject matter that touches our personal pain addresses ways we can survive our past. By exploring behavior, we gain new insights.
- Satisfaction of engaging in a story from the beginning to the end provides a sense of accomplishment.
Why do you love story? Let’s share ideas.
Please help me congratulate Tripp Davis who won last week’s story-ending! He selected the $35 Amazon Gift Card.
Comments 10
That was very interesting 🙂
Thanks, Nan!
Interesting how you mention how readers see truth in a non-threatening way. Totally agree. I agree with all seven. But number 2 stood out, because I recently read how a prophet had someone punch him, then he bandaged himself dressing the part needed in order to get King Ahab’s attention and tell him a made up story, as the prophet Nathan did to King David. I realized, chances are, the story was told to speak truth in that non-threatening way, and get a point across. David repented, not so Ahab. How many times did Jesus tell stories/parables to make that point and provide an illustration. Sometimes we do better with reading or hearing someone else’s story, that indirectly connects to ours in order for us to learn something.
Thanks for your insight, Debbie. Too many people have failed to come to Christ because they were presented the Gospel in a way that condemned them instead of highlighting truth.
So true! Yes!
Thanks, Julie, we are all a part of a grand story.
Thanks as usual, DiAnn. The stuff life is made of.
So true, Frances, we are all living our own story.
This list is brilliant, DiAnn. I was explaining to a non-fiction client yesterday about the importance of story. You have explained it better. Blessings Karen
Oh, Karen, that’s so sweet. Glad I could help!