Jan
Politics
The races are underway, and Super Tuesday is right around the corner. I’m not much of a political watcher until after the primaries. Let me know exactly who I’m having to deal with and I’ll chose the lesser of two evils. I just don’t get all immersed in the political bandwagon, but I do vote.
I do know there are those out there who thrive on the political rush, the media slant this way or that, depending on which station you’re watching.
I also know some writers are very good at putting political themes into their books. Since I’m not a huge follower of the bloody battles and hair pulling contests, I don’t write a lot of politics into my stories.
If you find a book that has a strong political slant for the theme of the story, does it turn you off? Do you recognize issues, subtle or not, in the writing? Does it turn you off the author?
I’ve only run into a few stories where the political subtlety was more than an understatement to the story. One author even admitted to using his past experiences to shape one of the conflicts revolving around a homosexual relationship, that was a large part of the story. Personally, I also think some are just braver than me.
I can say it rarely turns me away from the author, or the story. I keep it between the covers, from the beginning to the end, and leave the politics there.
Here’s another question: Do you want to see more political slants in writing? Not necessarily to relate to something currently under the microscope, not a hot topic of contention, but broader, that can and has been used as a political platform? Does politics in a story add intrigue for you? Or do you like to keep them separate from your reading fun?
I’m very much a fairy-tale kinda gal so politics are of little interest to me - I don’t even like reading the newspapers since it’s never about good news - all we hear is the terrible crimes since all they want is headlines.
I wouldn’t turn away from a book if it has some political intrigue, but personally I most likely wouldn’t read a book if it’s full of political statements. However, a book using political intrigue as a part of the story - hey, as long as the story works I’ll ready practically anything
January 25th, 2008 at 7:54 amI agree with you Emily. I’m not much for strong politics in a story. There were some that I was reading that the political nuances (not relavent to RL) were sometimes hard to follow. Prime ministers, and counselors. But their places were needed because of the intrigue and depth of the plot. A lot of work went into the books. Scary hard work.
I guess that could also be why I’m not such an indepth writer when it comes down to it. I don’t personally need that much hard thinking in my own reading so I don’t write it either. It makes my brain hurt.
January 25th, 2008 at 8:14 amI subscribe to both Time and Newsweek, and I find myself reading fewer articles every week. Not that I’m an ostrich, but the world can be a pretty grim place.
Depending on the skill of the author, I’ll enjoy a book with a strong political orientation, particularly if it’s a historical. I’m generations removed from the injustices of the Clearances or abuses of power. But in a contemp, I’d rather concentrate on the h/h, not who they’re voting for.
January 25th, 2008 at 8:58 amIt doesn’t turn me off as long as the main story is focused on the h/h. I guess if the writer can do it well so that it augments the story instead of jarring me out of it. I’ve read some historicals that have done it well and others where it seems thrown in to make the heroine stronger because she has a cause to fight for.
Overall, I’m with everyone else. I like the fantasy
January 25th, 2008 at 11:25 amI’m a “take me away reader” too. Like that’s all that surprising.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:01 pmI’ve read several stories that had political characters but it wasn’t the focus of the story or even a main conflict (in most).
I did read one where the hero fell for a heroine of less than perfect character and he was very worried it’d ruin his chances of political gain.
Please keep in mind, I read mostly historicals *wink*.
As for the real deal..I couldn’t even tell you who is running for Prez.
January 26th, 2008 at 3:02 am