Recently I listened to a discussion session on ABC radio entitled "Novels in a Time of Change". The discussion took place between some quality authors, and the gist of it was - what role do / can novels play in days like the ones we live in? There are many political, social and environmental issues that are currently at the forefront of many people's minds, climate change comes to mind as a perfect example.
I think that the general consensus seemed to be that authors must essentially write for themselves, although each author had a slightly different view. One author worried about writing about political issues and what effect this had on her writing, and then said she worried about worrying about it. Another author said that they just write what they want to write and don't really feel that the novel really can have a significant impact in a time of change. So, it seems that to writers this issue can be quite varied in how they view it.
The entire discussion goes for about an hour or so, but it is really fascinating. There is a link to it in the lower section of my side bar if anyone has time to listen to it. If you do, I would love to know what you think.
I think that the general consensus seemed to be that authors must essentially write for themselves, although each author had a slightly different view. One author worried about writing about political issues and what effect this had on her writing, and then said she worried about worrying about it. Another author said that they just write what they want to write and don't really feel that the novel really can have a significant impact in a time of change. So, it seems that to writers this issue can be quite varied in how they view it.
The entire discussion goes for about an hour or so, but it is really fascinating. There is a link to it in the lower section of my side bar if anyone has time to listen to it. If you do, I would love to know what you think.
Originally posted 4 February 2010 Page Turners
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