Love this post and the analysis. I agree with your findings. I see it all too much. And I see it speeding up even in adults. We need to encourage people to think, daydream, and enjoy the possibilities outside of the box!
Wow, that's a lot of research, but it's correct. I saw this in my godson and wanted to help him expand his mind. It's one of the reasons I started writing. I can see the difference in kids now from when I grew up. By and large, imagination is completely absent by the time they hit their teens. Reading combats this by flexing those mental muscles. It was and is my goal to write adventure stories for boys (no offense ladies but I was a boy once and I understand them) to help them discover or improve their imagination and empathy. The way technology works now, we could make the world better so much faster now if we just apply a little imaginative thinking to the world's problems.
...thats,....RIGHT there....THAT is what I'm talking about.
Yes, DW, 107% with you on this. It's one of the main reason I've been doing this since 1990...and why I find SO much joy in bringing stories to youth.
Now we can do this through games, and oh, BTW, I was talking about you to friends, chatting on and on about your world, and about my new addiction to steampunk.
In fact, I met another author, and HE (*cough* *cough* *nudge* *nudge*) had a BOOK to buy....and it was Steampunk TOO....so I bought it.
Now, if only the author I'm SUCH A HUGE FAN OF would publish an eBook on Barnes & Noble, because I don't use Kindles....I would BUT IT.
Love that you have the data to back this up. My kiddos read to me every night & they have started world building & writing their own stories. Love to watch the light in their eyes as they learn & grow.
As a parent I appreciate this post as it gives me a rubric to measure my children against and what we should aspire to.
As an author I’m grateful for this post as it gives me a clear rubric to measure my work against and what I should aspire to.
You were right Jaime. We do have the same values (and I can see us becoming good friends), but I’m in awe of your knowledge and depth of understanding of the power of story. You are able to articulate what I feel subconsciously.
One idea that struck me when I started to read this would be to write books that are basically open premises, stop shortly after the consequences of the first complication of the inciting incident and end with the phrase, “okay, now it’s over to you. Here’s the space for YOU to say how the story goes… Good luck”
You know what I love most about storytelling, Jon?
Each of us has the ability to craft a unique experience to aid readers in unlimited ways.
You just have to fund YOUR way...and lean into it when you find the right feel. Never encroach. Just craft stories where readers discover themselves in the walls of their own mind.
Love this post and the analysis. I agree with your findings. I see it all too much. And I see it speeding up even in adults. We need to encourage people to think, daydream, and enjoy the possibilities outside of the box!
Couldn't agree more.
With all my heart, I'd like people to come play!
...doesn't have to be on LoF, but please, PLEASE take the time and stretch your brain and imagination with the kids.
Have fun. Talk. Dream.
Create!
I particularly love that risk taking and empowerment are increasing through fantasy fiction! 🧗🏻♂️💥🙏♥️
Wow, that's a lot of research, but it's correct. I saw this in my godson and wanted to help him expand his mind. It's one of the reasons I started writing. I can see the difference in kids now from when I grew up. By and large, imagination is completely absent by the time they hit their teens. Reading combats this by flexing those mental muscles. It was and is my goal to write adventure stories for boys (no offense ladies but I was a boy once and I understand them) to help them discover or improve their imagination and empathy. The way technology works now, we could make the world better so much faster now if we just apply a little imaginative thinking to the world's problems.
SEE?
...thats,....RIGHT there....THAT is what I'm talking about.
Yes, DW, 107% with you on this. It's one of the main reason I've been doing this since 1990...and why I find SO much joy in bringing stories to youth.
Now we can do this through games, and oh, BTW, I was talking about you to friends, chatting on and on about your world, and about my new addiction to steampunk.
In fact, I met another author, and HE (*cough* *cough* *nudge* *nudge*) had a BOOK to buy....and it was Steampunk TOO....so I bought it.
Now, if only the author I'm SUCH A HUGE FAN OF would publish an eBook on Barnes & Noble, because I don't use Kindles....I would BUT IT.
(REPEAT *cough* *cough* *nudge* *nudge*)
As it happens, I have 3. *coughs URL* https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22D%20W%20Dixon%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall
Those look amazing....do they come in eBook?
Hindsight being what it is, they don't have numbers on them but The Buchanan Brothers and the Botanical Bandits is book one.
I prefer to buy Nook books to print. Trying to save trees.
Yep, they should each have an ebook option.
Bought all three.
Thank you. =)
No, thank you! I will start putting my shorter books on B&N around May when my KU time expires.
I told you I'd been converted...
Love that you have the data to back this up. My kiddos read to me every night & they have started world building & writing their own stories. Love to watch the light in their eyes as they learn & grow.
YAYYYY!!!
Keep going supermom!
I love hearing this.
You should see my face when one of my grandkids come to tell Papa and Grammy the new book they read, and then describe how the story goes.
I love when they tell me their favorite parts...or better yet, the parts they think should be changed 😁
As a parent I appreciate this post as it gives me a rubric to measure my children against and what we should aspire to.
As an author I’m grateful for this post as it gives me a clear rubric to measure my work against and what I should aspire to.
You were right Jaime. We do have the same values (and I can see us becoming good friends), but I’m in awe of your knowledge and depth of understanding of the power of story. You are able to articulate what I feel subconsciously.
One idea that struck me when I started to read this would be to write books that are basically open premises, stop shortly after the consequences of the first complication of the inciting incident and end with the phrase, “okay, now it’s over to you. Here’s the space for YOU to say how the story goes… Good luck”
You know what I love most about storytelling, Jon?
Each of us has the ability to craft a unique experience to aid readers in unlimited ways.
You just have to fund YOUR way...and lean into it when you find the right feel. Never encroach. Just craft stories where readers discover themselves in the walls of their own mind.