It’s a well-known fact that “Friend” fiction has a feel-good factor.
Entertaining our readers is all-important for us.
Though a story might contain memorable characters and an engrossing plot, we would have to reject it if it was too hard-hitting or downbeat. It’s all about escapism for the readers; that promise of hope.
In literature and film, Marcus Zusak’s bestseller, “The Book Thief”, and the Hollywood hit movie “Forrest Gump” both deal with coming to terms with grief and hardship. But there is still optimism to the stories.
Here’s a brief summary of each story.
In “The Book Thief”, Liesel lives with her foster parents in Nazi Germany. She likes to steal books. Oh, and the narrator of the novel is none other than Death.
Tom Hanks plays the main character in “Forrest Gump”. Forrest has a low I.Q., but he also has a big heart. And that heart is tested through war, unrequited love and personal loss.
Promise of a rainbow
From the above summaries, there’s not much sign of optimism; the Grim Reaper as the omniscient narrator, and an overly humble hero who keeps facing obstacle after obstacle.
There may be tears found in both stories, but each story shines with hope and optimism throughout. And that is when readers and viewers alike will experience the feel-good factor.
It’s the same with “The People’s Friend” stories.
Our stories aren’t all about baking cookies and kittens stuck up trees. Our stories will often feature topical matters that readers are passionate about. And “Friend” readers want to be able to relate to pro-active characters.
But positivity is evident throughout our fiction. Our readers are realistic – they know that not every story has to contain a rainbow.
But the promise of a rainbow should still be there.
For more fantastic Fiction advice, click here for our Writing Tools.
Alan Spink I am a member of the “Friend” Fiction Team. I enjoy working closely with writers and being part of the creative process, which sees storytelling ideas come to fruition. A keen reader, I also write fiction and enjoy watching football and movies in my spare time. My one tip to new writers is “write from your imagination”.
