In a discussion hosted by the University of Cambridge, Dr. Sarah Burton, Director of Creative Writing at that institution, talks about the journey fiction embodies “where the reader and writer have made a compact, where a point of view is shared, where common responses are exploited.” In that same discussion, Trevor Byrne, author of novels, short stories and essays, suggests that “fiction brings you to places, emotionally and imaginatively, which you never otherwise would have visited”, while Dr. Malachi McIntosh, a Fellow at King’s College, says that “fiction lets us press pause, rewind, zoom in, zoom out; it creates a space for us to think about ourselves and our world in novel ways.”
Imagine—all that from works of fiction.
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction and blogs about all aspects of the genre at A Writer of History. Her latest novel, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE is set in WWI France and is available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. Her debut novel, UNRAVELLED: Two wars. Two affairs. One marriage. is also available from these retailers.
5 Responses
Brilliant as always. You articulated clearly some things I’ve been trying to formulate for myself for some time. I took the liberty of posting it to https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7
Thanks for your comment, Caroline. I don’t think I’ve ever been called brilliant! It’s a real compliment when someone reposts my stuff!
I believe strongly in the power of story. I love history, but it is fueled by story. You lay it out more objectively than I do with my reliance on gut instinct.
Truly enjoyed this article. I really think sharing a story is a powerful experience that enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Many thanks, Jazzfeathers 🙂