From The Well of Lost Plots, by Jasper Fforde:
"Well," I sighed, trying to get my head around this idea. "I had always thought novels were just, well, written."
"Write is only the word we use to describe the recording process," replied Snell as we walked along. "The Well of Lost Plots is where we interface the writer's imagination with the characters and plots so that it will make sense in the reader's mind. After all, reading is arguably a far more creative and imaginative process than writing; when the reader creates emotion in their head, or the colors of the sky during the setting sun, or the smell of a warm summer's breeze on their face, they should reserve as much praise for themselves as they do for the writer--perhaps more."
This was a new approach; I mulled the idea around in my head.
"Really?" I replied, slightly doubtfully.
"Of course!" Snell laughed. "Surf pounding the shingle wouldn't mean diddly unless you'd seen the waves cascade onto the foreshore, or felt the breakers tremble the beach beneath your feet, now would it?"
"I suppose not."
"Books"--Snell smiled--"are a kind of magic."
Librarian, You're a grand old
11 years ago
1 comment:
Reader Response theory, put into fiction. Nice.
I tend to combine Reader Response, authorial intent, and theological reading into my own warped lit theory when I read. I think, however, I've been giving a lot more weight to reader response lately. It's interesting - I should send you some stuff about it when I have time.
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