“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?” –John 18:38 KJV
I write in a variety of genres, varying from Christian suspense to science fiction. And it’s important to keep the reader entertained. But as I continue to write short stories, screenplays and books, I become more and more convinced that entertainment is not enough, especially in this day and age.
The world is full of entertainment, some good, a lot of it terrible. But I believe that deep down, people are looking for something substantive, something meaningful. In other words, truth.
Now, there is a great deal of difference between facts and truth. If you want facts, just ask ChatGPT or countless other AI helpers. But I sincerely doubt they are going to be that helpful when it comes to finding truth. Or better yet, Truth, with a capital T. Because Truth is often elusive. In fact, it can be elusive even to the writers who are sharing it.
I challenge my writing students at the beginning of the semester with the question: What life philosophy influences your writing? Most never come up with a substantial answer, but I want them to begin thinking about it. Because it’s important. C. S. Lewis writes that who we are, what we consider important and valuable in life will come through in our writing, regardless of what we write. That’s our Truth.
It’s also important not to be heavy-handed once you find that Truth. It’s tempting to use Truth as a sledgehammer, when it’s better used as a sewing needle. Readers want substance, but just like salt, a little goes a long way.
What is important to you? What would you be willing to die for? If you have a handle on that, you have something important to share. And it will give your entertaining story a lot more substance if you include it as an underlying theme.
“Fiction is the lie that tells the truth.” –-Neil Gaiman
The Great Adventure 