By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Thousands of stories are released each year. 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 7 reasons we love story.
- Entertainment is the number one reason we love story. When our work is done for the day, we can relax and lose ourselves within the pages of a highly-crafted novel.
- 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 and 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. The reader seeks ways to make their own life easier and more purposeful.
- Heroes and heroines travel on an impossible journey. They 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.
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Library Tip: The celebration of story is a year-round event. While we encourage children to read by providing incentives and prizes, consider the same to entice adults to read.
Available to order from your favorite ebook retailer!
Comments 14
Reading stories reminds me that I have a story too. As much as I love living out my own story, sometimes I welcome the break from my story to ride the coat tail of an intriguing character’s story.
I love the way you phrased your reply. A magic carpet ride is good ease the stress of our own lives.
I love traveling vicariously through stories that take place in locations that I’ve never visited!
Oh, such fun too. We can “be” there within our imaginations.
I love reading, especially books that have such deep character development that I don’t want the book to end. It’s like they become a part of my life. I’m reading The Bone Garden by Nancy Mehl and I know I will miss these people when I turn the last page.
Sherry, that’s every fiction writer’s goal!
I love stories because I enjoy sharing the stories with others. I love reading aloud. 🙂
Melissa, reading aloud makes a story more real!
Of the many things I love about writing and writers is that they understand what I mean by the words “vicarious experience.” What joy can be found when we lose ourselves in a well-crafted story. As a young boy, I spent many days in the forest with my best friends… books. In them, I found great joy and comfort. To this day, books are my “Happy Place.” Thanks for this post Ms. DiAnn Mills.
J. D., Your “Happy Place” reminds me of my own. I spent many days up in the apple tree. There were limbs that made a perfect bench with a back and a foot rest and I spent a good part of my day there with my book.
Thank you! J.D., As a child, books were my escape and my Happy Place. Thanks for the reminder.
Paula, mine was along a creek bank that flowed through our small farm.
Stories are others’ experiences: Humble confessions, pain, hurts, griefs, sorrow, disappointments, struggles, joys victories, and the other common parts of life on earth. We learn from each other (even
from those who “have blown it.” Stories are travellers helping each other on a journey. It begins with God’s word, the best collection of stories, including that of one man’s victory over sin for us all.
Frances, I always look forward to your words of wisdom. This is a keeper: “Stories are travellers helping each other on a journey.” Thank you!