Do you think fiction is supposed to entertain or to educate?

When you write fiction, is your purpose to entertain, educate or both? And which is more important to you? Why?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ekta R. Garg on April 16, 2012 at 5:44pm

I write fiction simply to share the story that is burning the brightest in my heart at the time. I hope I entertain people, and it would be nice to think that readers can finish one of my stories and identify or retain something from the story for themselves. But more than anything I write fiction to offer the world the stories I have to share.

Permalink Reply by Kelly Kirk on May 2, 2012 at 12:47am

When I write fiction my purpose is to write what is in my heart and head. I'm telling a story, nothing more. If others find subjects within it to mull over or philosophies that stimulate discussion, I'm happy. If readers enjoy the journey along with me through the story, I'm happy. Every reader brings their own life experiences with them when they begin the journey of a book. Everyone has a different experience.

Personally, the books that I enjoy the most, and tend to want for my personal library so as to revisit at a later date, always stimulate my intellect and my emotions.

Permalink Reply by Nigel Slater on May 2, 2012 at 4:27pm