Write Dangerously

 

Gerry Everding posted an article on physorg.com, a science and tech website, about how the brain reacts when we read fiction.  (Seriously… click the link.  It’s fascinating.)

A new brain-imaging study is shedding light on what it means to “get lost” in a good book — suggesting that readers create vivid mental simulations of the sounds, sights, tastes and movements described in a textual narrative while simultaneously activating brain regions used to process similar experiences in real life.

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Nicole Speer, lead author of this study, says findings demonstrate that reading is by no means a passive exercise. Rather, readers mentally simulate each new situation encountered in a narrative. Details about actions and sensation are captured from the text and integrated with personal knowledge from past experiences. These data are then run through mental simulations using brain regions that closely mirror those involved when people perform, imagine, or observe similar real-world activities.

I’ve always known this was true. It’s true of television and movies as well, and even online roleplaying games. I mean how many times have you heard the stories about a real life marriage breaking up because someone fell in love while roleplaying an elven warrior who “pretended” to marry her dwarven hunting partner? Okay maybe only geeks like me hear those stories, but I have heard it plenty of times.

The brain simply does not know the difference between what we imagine and what is real. Reading is just like having a nightmare that leaves you breathless, even in the light of day, or getting mad at your sweetie because you dreamt she was flirting with a neighbour.

How does this affect us as writers?  I was reminded of this when I read Maria Schneider’s article on writing mad today.  Too many writers avoid things that make them feel bad, or as an old writing instructor of mine once said, “We avoid our own worst thoughts“.

Be aware of the emotional ride you want to your readers to take.  Without ups and downs, a story is stagnant.  So be aware, and be prepared to go on a ride along with them.  As the saying goes, “No surprise for the writer means no surprise for the reader.“  I’d venture to say that “No heartache/disappointment/thrill/love/obsession/passion” would fit in there just as well.