I like to read quotes and advice from other writers. I enjoy knowing about their work habits, thought processes, beliefs about writing in general.
But I'm seeing a lot of quotes lately, regarding "raw" fiction. Some writers are saying that if you're not writing something that scares you (and the reader), challenges your own beliefs, or forces you totally outside your comfort zone, then you're not writing true.
Allow me to disagree for a moment.
Sure, I do think there's a place in fiction for a raw quality, for naked truth, for making readers uncomfortable in order to challenge them. And there are plenty of readers who enjoy that sort of thing.
But sometimes, reading needs to be an escape from the grittiness of real life. Sometimes, I think, readers want to be drawn into a lovely world. One with light and beauty and friendships and romance and comfort. Not to say that the story isn't dramatic, or the characters aren't flawed and interesting. They definitely should be. But I think there can still be "truth" in fiction without making the reader squirm with discomfort.
By writing "cozy" women's fiction, I feel I can provide readers with an escape from their own realities. I can give them a world they can't otherwise reach -- one where things work out, relationships triumph through troubles, characters grow and learn and experience truths. And yes, where there are happy endings. And speaking as a reader, I enjoy reading those books (I'm currently reading Rosamunde Pilcher's Shell Seekers for the third time -- a perfect example of "cozy" women's fiction).
So, to those writers who think that the only "real" writing has to be raw and dirty and naked (sometimes literally!) and gritty? I say phooey on that. Cozy fiction can still be valuable. It can still have depth and truth, while providing light and comfort in a dark world.
And I don't see anything wrong with that. ;-)
Traci, I couldn't agree with you more! A cozy read is just like going on a vacation... it takes you away from the day to day worries and transports you to another place and time. It also gives your mind a much needed break from the fast-paced life we lead. Thank you for this great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen! I appreciate the comment! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see your post, Traci! Not only do I think there's still a place for cozy fiction, but I believe our society needs it. There's too much focus on the negative, and that tends to produce more negative behavior. Fiction, tv, and movies once promoted a higher plane for us to strive for, but if we're prompted to drift toward the dark side, it's going to have an effect--and it has, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI believe many others would like to read more cozy fiction, but they don't want to admit it.
Thank you for commenting! I agree with you -- there at least needs to be a market/place for cozy fiction as an option for readers. I'm hoping that pendulum is starting to swing back around. *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about the need for cozy fiction. A book in hand at the end of a day or any time of day, takes me on a "vacation trip" for a few moments away from all the facets of my life. I look forward to reading your cozy books.
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