29 November

A new way to write. With engaged readers. A dialogue.

by Jon Katz
Different way to write

I stumbled across something pretty powerful this evening, at least for me, a new and somewhat collaborative way to write, to engage my readers, to get help, and to learn. I was writing a short story about a women who has to decide whether or not to put her aging Golden Retriever down. The dog was very old, and fading but not critical, so it was a tough choice for her. I am never happy with the names I come up with for dogs, and I like to use real names in my stories – makes them feel more authentic to me. So without thinking much about it, I posted a message on my Facebook wall asking for the real names of any Golden Retriever owners, and then I could sift through them and pick the one I like.

I posted this query in the late afternoon and then I went out to dinner. When I got back a couple of hours later there were nearly 200 messages on that topic on the Facebook page. They kept coming in all evening.  I was shocked. They were very useful to me. Good names – “Gus” and “Ralph” and “Honey” and “Nikki” names I would not have thought of and the messages were very useful and revealing to me as a writer as well. From the stories, tone and brief anecdotes I learned a lot about the love of dogs, things I can always use and that really help my writing. And about grieving, too.

FIrst, it was touching to me how viscerally helpful people are, not something you would believe from listening to the news.

Secondly, I realized belatedly that this was a very helpful and different writing tool. Lots of other names, voices, sentiments for me to relate to and grasp. The blog is a monologue in one sense, but Facebook has added another dimension: a dialogue as well. There is a sense of community, and encouragement that means a great deal to me. And I share as much of the creative process as I can, which, to my surprise, is meaningful to book lovers and readers of my books. It seems a good deal all around, a place interactivity has led me that I wouldn’t have thought of myself.

It is fashionable for writers and academics to whine and squawk about the death of reading and culture, from the Internet and e-books. I don’t think so. I think we are seeing the rebirth of both in many ways.

Readers can participate in the construction of a story. They can shape it, own it in a way, and follow it as it evolves. I would imagine they might very much want to read it when it comes out in book form. And it is stimulating, and enhances my creativity. Instead of just relying on my own interior whirlings, I can interact with people who love my subject matter and can give me a sense of energy, creativity and authenticity. I loved reading these messages. They keep me fresh and current I think.

So I will think more about how to use this tool, perhaps working with my readers (not turning over the story but opening it a bit) to come up with names and even some characters and voices.

I don’t want to lost control of my stories. But I’m willing to share, it seems exciting and creative to me.

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