What Does It Mean?

“I cried all the way through your book. It is an incredible love story.”

That kind comment from a reader of Relentless Grace highlights an interesting aspect of writing: words may mean one thing to the writer and quite another to each member of the audience. I’m fascinated by the assortment of thoughts and emotions prompted by the same story.

Some readers see a romantic love story, others see a tale of God’s grace. Some focus on adversity or a succession of unfortunate choices, while others center on a message of hope in difficult circumstances. Every individual experiences the various themes at different levels of intensity.

A writer’s task involves touching readers with a variety of pictures, emotions, ideas, and characters. But it’s impossible to predict which aspects of a story will resonate with any particular reader.

This phenomenon provides a great reminder about communication. Each listener or reader carries a unique set of experiences to a story, and that background inevitably colors interpretations and perceptions. Central themes for one may comprise less essential setting for another. A story assumes true meaning only within the context of each reader’s perceptions.

Question: What’s one experience or idea that seems to impact your perceptions?

If you’d like to learn more about the story of Relentless Grace, please visit my website: www.relentlessgrace.com

 

Please leave a comment, visit my website, and/or send me an email at rich@richdixon.net

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