From: Raymond E. Feist
Date: 04 August 2009
You know, in all the years I've been writing, that's the first time anyone's asked about the emotional response. I guess, in a way, it's as valid a jumping off point into the discussion as the cognitive side.
You toss your story out there and you want people to get something from it, but that "something" tends to be vague, because it's a very weird dialogue we have, us writers and you readers. You hear both sides; we only hear one. And your dialogue comes long after we're done with ours and moved on.
That's as close as I can get to answering. Most people take from
entertainment what they take from it, diversion, distraction, escape, grins and giggles, whatever, but occasionally there's a resonating emotional reaction that surprises me. People who tear up at a death scene or who laugh out loud at something funny or joyous. That's always unexpected.
Best, R.E.F.
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