Google Image Search
I know a lot of people don’t like messages in their stories. Personally, I think there is always something we can learn from a story. It might not be overt or intentional, but it’s nice to glean even a little tidbit of depth from an experience. Even a pure action adventure might display themes about perseverance, friendship, loyalty, continuing through loss, and other life events. With that said, here are some questions to get minds motoring:
- What is a story that held a message for you?
- Do you think messages are better when they are in the open or hidden?
- What advice would you give to an author who wants to include a message? (You cannot say ‘do not do it’.)
Legends of Windemere 
This made me think about The Gift of the Mago by O. Henry. The message was about love and true giving. If there is a message I like them unspoken but that’s hard to do. Advice about giving a message: make it subtle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The problem with subtlety is that most people won’t get it. These days, it seems subtlety is the easiest way to get your meaning missed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
1. Probably The Lord of the Rings trilogy and its message of heroism (some things being worth fighting for) while at the same time speaking against senseless wars.
2. I can’t speak for everyone, but I prefer the subtle approach. Many Twilight Zone episodes (the Rod Serling ones) had powerful messages couched in well-told stories. (Though some were more overt than others.) I never felt like the writers were telling me what to think.
3. Make telling a good story your primary goal. You won’t have to beat us over the head with a message if you first knock us out with your world building and great dialogue and descriptions. Those will enhance any message you have.
LikeLike
1. It’s funny. I took more of a message of friendship and loyalty from LOTR. I think the series can do multiple messages those.
2. As much as I like subtle, I don’t see it working that well these days. Either people miss the message or the author is too subtle.
3. Great advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, some people feel that audiences won’t get their messages, so they go the heavy-handed route. I don’t feel I have to shove a message at anyone.
LikeLike
It’s really hard to find that middle ground.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The story that held a message for me was The Old Man and the Sea.
I trust messages better if they are open and obvious. The subtle ones make me wonder about the actual intent.
I would tell an author who wants to project a message to make it open but not preachy or kitschy.
LikeLike
Never read that one, but nobody ever introduced me to Hemingway. Wonder if he was ever on school reading lists. Good advice on #3.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read most of his stuff.
LikeLike
I can’t think of a story that held a specific message for me. The usual thing–when someone asks, my mind goes blank. But many stories have made me think.
Personally, I prefer subtle messages. I don’t like to be bashed over the head with a message. I think it’s better to have a slow, seeping message that I can think about and work out for myself.
In my opinion, far too many children’s books these days have a ‘bash you over the head’ message. I don’t write children’s books, but I’ve read advice for children’s writers and they all seem to talk about the theme, or message, whatever you want to call it. What’s wrong with a good story on its own. I read many of these. It’s what got me into reading and subsequently, writing.
My books don’t have a conscious message, but you can draw on ideas of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, tolerance and many others if you look.
Advice I would give to a new writer? Don’t try to force a message. If there’s one there, it’ll become obvious as you write. And don’t try to make it too obvious. Readers like to find things out for themselves.
LikeLike
I think the children’s book problem depends on the age. Kids aren’t known for catching depth and subtext. So, the bash over the head thing is needed to get a point across. Is it that most books for kids these days are made for lessons and not entertainment?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the impression I get.
LikeLike
I’ve got nothing. I call my site Entertaining Stories for a reason. I write escapist fiction. There are some subtle messages in a couple of mine, but if someone misses them they aren’t lost.
LikeLike
That’s usually a safer way to go. If a story can stand while a reader misses the messages then it means it’s still good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charlotte’s Web
LikeLike
A classic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLike