The universe is made of stories, not of atoms – Muriel Rukeyser
It has never been easier in the history of humankind, to write and send out one’s writings to a larger potential audience in the world, than it is today.
The internet has not only opened up the possibility of creating stories to anyone who cares to do so but the technology now exists that has so simplified publishing to enable those stories to be placed in the hands of readers everywhere in as many forms as one can dream of, even going beyond the traditional form of books and their more recent electronic cousins. It’s mightily easier than finding and learning to use a Gutenberg press and sending finished manuscripts out on the backs of mules, taken by monks, to far away lands.
But what type of story works? Is there a type that’s sure to succeed at the expense of others? How different can successful works of fiction be?Take Salman Rushdie and his Midnight’s Children. It’s a story about a group of children born around midnight of August 1947, during India’s independence, who discover that they possess magical powers. Winner of the Booker Prize in 1981. Winner of the 25th and 40th anniversary Best of the Bookers. When I read that book, right from the beginning, I was struck by his sheer command of the English language, how the language became such a malleable tool in his hands that he could not only twist, stretch and fold words back and forth at will to produce all sorts of constructs but he could figuratively transmogrify words to create entirely unimagined configurations. About halfway through the book, when a major twist is revealed about the hero of the story, all the clues that had been dropped here and there all drop into place and it clicks. But the shock of reading the words for the first time was like a physical assault. I really mean physical.
Now if that is what successful writing was required to be, we’d all despair of becoming writers and resign ourselves to being avid readers, envious of the beauties that populate the Milky Way and accept that a trip out there was forever beyond us.
If that is what writing was all about…but it isn’t. As a contrast to Rushdie’s book, consider the diametrically opposite An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro. A retired artist reminisces about his career leading up to and during World War 2 in Japan. It has none of the fireworks seen in Midnight’s Children. In fact, it has nothing that could remotely be mistaken for fireworks. The characters do not forcefully express themselves through their actions or words. The inner world of Ishiguro’s characters is one where feelings, thoughts, truths and what is imagined to be truth, all occur subtly. If you’d watched The Remains of the Day, the Academy Award nominated movie starring Anthony Hopkins, you’d recognise the subtleness I am referring to. That movie was based on another of Ishiguro’s classics.
There is no single correct way that works in the Universe.
So An Artist of the Floating World is all subtle presence, sans fireworks and yet, possesses a palpable power in the storytelling – how the same events can be perceived entirely differently by witnesses, the weaving and revealing of what had happened in the past that (only just) hints at terrible things that occurred. Instead of a full blown hammer-punch to the face from Rushdie that knocks the stuffing out of you, Ishiguro delivers a subtle martial art-like bending of the opponent’s fingers that drops a large figure down to his knees, utterly helpless.
Both are masterworks. Examples of the variety of such successful literature are numerous. Take The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the novella with language that could be understood by a school kid. How powerful an impact has it had? Published in 1943, the book’s year-to-date sales have exceeded 140 million copies worldwide. It is a classic of 20th century literature, with deep messages about life that resonates in different cultures till this day. Simple words, enduring impact.
The point of this for us – readers, writers and everybody else – is that there is no single correct way that works in the Universe. As humans, we learn quickly what works and stick with it. We think there is one successful way to: Write a book. Build a startup. Take care of family. Dress. Eat. Balance work and home. Live on this planet. We look and think that there is the way to do it and if we can’t do it that way, we should stop right now.
But it turns out, like silent supernovas, lonely planets and sizzling comets, that each book is unique in its execution and purpose, as different as they come, and always without a doubt, deserving of their respective places in the known Universe. And instead of ‘each book’, we may as well substitute it with ‘each life’.
Footnotes:
+ Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, 1981. Winner Booker Prize 1981. Winner Best of the Bookers 25th & 40th Anniversaries in 1993 and 2008. In 1984, Indira Gandhi took Rushdie to court for a sentence in the book which she alleged had defamed her. Rushdie eventually agreed to remove that particular sentence.
+An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro, 1986. Shortlisted for the 1986 Booker Prize. Winner of the Whitbread Book of the Year Award 1986 (later called the Costa Book Awards).
+The Remains of the Day, 1993 film adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s 1989 Booker Prize winning novel of the same name. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins) and Best Actress (Emma Thompson). Anthony Hopkins won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
+The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 1943. In French, it’s known as Le Petit Prince. It has been translated into 300 languages and dialects, per Wikipedia. Translated languages include Korean, Portuguese, Sardinian and Esperanto. In 2003, a small asteroid moon, Petit-Prince, discovered earlier in 1998, was named after The Little Prince.
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Loved One Quotes From Great People
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Quotes from great people
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Eternal Love Quotes From Great People
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this information, you can help them greatly.
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I to find this topic to be actually one thing which I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely large for me. I am having a look ahead on your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Love You Quotes From Great People
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Quotes from great people
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Falling In Love Quotes From Great People
We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Love Life Quotes From Great People
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is really annoying. A good web site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
It?¦s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I?¦m happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic points, I likewise believe this s a very wonderful website.
Hey very nice site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally…I’m satisfied to seek out numerous helpful information right here in the put up, we want work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.
I want to express thanks to you just for bailing me out of this dilemma. After browsing through the internet and seeing solutions which are not pleasant, I was thinking my life was over. Living devoid of the approaches to the problems you’ve fixed all through your main guide is a critical case, and the kind that could have badly damaged my entire career if I hadn’t come across your blog. Your actual expertise and kindness in playing with a lot of things was tremendous. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a point like this. I can also at this point look forward to my future. Thanks a lot so much for your expert and effective guide. I won’t think twice to suggest your web sites to any individual who needs and wants guidelines about this subject matter.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
Needed to create you that very small word to be able to say thanks the moment again on your remarkable information you have documented on this site. It is simply seriously open-handed of people like you giving extensively what exactly many individuals would have advertised for an ebook to get some dough for themselves, primarily given that you could possibly have tried it in the event you decided. These secrets likewise worked as the fantastic way to be certain that the rest have similar dreams really like mine to know a good deal more on the subject of this matter. I’m sure there are several more pleasurable instances up front for individuals who looked at your website.
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
You are my aspiration, I possess few web logs and often run out from post :). “Truth springs from argument amongst friends.” by David Hume.
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you
You made some respectable factors there. I regarded on the web for the issue and found most individuals will go along with along with your website.
You have remarked very interesting points! ps decent website . “The world is dying for want, not of good preaching, but of good hearing.” by George Dana Boardman.
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
I was very pleased to search out this internet-site.I wished to thanks to your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be really something which I feel I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and very extensive for me. I’m taking a look ahead for your next submit, I?¦ll attempt to get the grasp of it!
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
I as well conceive thus, perfectly indited post! .
I was examining some of your blog posts on this site and I think this web site is really informative! Retain putting up.
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance. I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this. Also, the blog loads very quick for me on Safari. Outstanding Blog!
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
ProNerve 6 nerve relief formula stands out due to its advanced formula combining natural ingredients that have been specifically put together for the exceptional health advantages it offers.
What is Gluco6? Gluco6 is a revolutionary dietary supplement designed to help individuals manage their blood sugar levels naturally.
I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a meticulously crafted natural health supplement aimed at helping individuals maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Developed by Jeffrey Mitchell, this liquid formula contains 24 scientifically backed ingredients meticulously chosen to target the root causes of blood sugar imbalances.
What Is FitSpresso? The effective weight management formula FitSpresso is designed to inherently support weight loss. It is made using a synergistic blend of ingredients chosen especially for their metabolism-boosting and fat-burning features.
I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re working with? I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?
I simply couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide on your guests? Is going to be back ceaselessly in order to inspect new posts.
I’ve recently started a website, the information you offer on this site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The word ‘genius’ isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” by Joe Theismann.
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website genuinely stands out : D.
What Is Puravive? Puravive is an herbal weight loss supplement that supports healthy weight loss in individuals.
Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your website in internet explorer, may test this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large section of other people will leave out your fantastic writing because of this problem.
What Is Sugar Defender Supplement? Sugar Defender is a plant-based supplement and it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels in the body.
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up. “When you make a world tolerable for yourself, you make a world tolerable for others.” by Anais Nin.
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
You have brought up a very good points, regards for the post.
You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent site.
Java Burn is the world’s first and only 100 safe and proprietary formula designed to boost the speed and efficiency of your metabolism by mixing with the natural ingredients in coffee.
Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Just wanna remark that you have a very decent web site, I enjoy the style it actually stands out.
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the superb work!
Exceptional post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thanks!
Nagano Lean Body Tonic: An IntroductionNagano Lean Body Tonic is a dietary supplement designed to help lose unhealthy weight.
Awsome info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a new blood sugar-balancing formula that has been formulated using eight clinically proven ingredients that work together to balance sugar levels.
I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I observed this on google .
I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic primarily focuses on burning and eliminating belly fat.
Lottery Defeater Software is a digital tool designed to assist individuals in improving their chances of winning in various lotteries.
I like this web blog very much, Its a really nice situation to read and get information. “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” by Ernest Hemingway.
Great write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much unquestionably will make sure to don’t forget this web site and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.
As soon as I detected this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am happy to show that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most unquestionably will make certain to do not forget this site and give it a look regularly.
What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a natural blood sugar support formula created by Tom Green. It is based on scientific breakthroughs and clinical studies.
Some truly interesting details you have written.Assisted me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
I’ll right away grab your rss feed as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Thanks for the complete information. You helped me.