Unraveling the Torture of Reading: Michael Crichtons Insight

The Torture of Reading: Michael Crichton's Insight As readers, we often find ourselves engrossed in stories, questioning what is going on and feeling the emotions of the characters. This is precisely what Michael Crichton alluded to when he said, “readers need to be tortured.” Let’s delve deeper into what he meant and explore the methods writers use to captivate their audience.

Michael Crichton's Vision

Michael Crichton, the renowned author of the book.1 was well-versed in the art of captivating his audience. He understood that a good writer’s job is not just to tell a story but to put the reader through emotional and intellectual paces. Readers, in essence, need to be ‘tortured’ if they are to be fully engaged with the narrative.

"One of my creative writing tutors, a wonderful old Dutchman named Chris Van Rooy put it this way: ‘Make em laugh, make ’em cry, make ’em sweat.’ We need to draw in our readers to get them involved with the story. If we make our characters real enough, the reader will live the story experience through their situation.’”

Engaging the Reader

Creating emotional investment in the reader is crucial. A good writer keeps the reader guessing and curious, ensuring they are always asking questions about what will happen next. Chris Van Rooy succinctly summarized the essence of this art: make the reader laugh, cry, and sweat. This emotional manipulation is what compels readers to remain invested in the story.

Character Investment and Reader Engagement

Writers aim to make their characters relatable and emotionally complex. When readers become emotionally invested in a character, they are more likely to follow the narrative to its conclusion. This emotional connection keeps the reader turning pages, eagerly waiting to see how the protagonist is delivered from evil and triumphs at story’s end.

Stressful Sections and Emotional Peaks

While readers might enjoy the high points of a story, they often find the stress and tension during the critical moments more compelling. These stressful sections create a sense of anticipation and suspense, which keeps the reader engaged and attentive. As Chris Van Rooy aptly put it, the readers need to be lifted and pulled through the narrative, providing a rollercoaster of emotions that keep them invested in the journey.

Rooting for the Protagonist

A good writer wants his readers to feel the same emotions as the characters. The reader should feel elation when the protagonist feels happiness, confusion when the protagonist is mystified, and pride when the protagonist discovers a plot twist. Moreover, it is vital to create a sense of triumph for the protagonist. When the reader sees the protagonist delivered from evil and emerging victorious, it provides closure and a sense of satisfaction, making the climax of the story even more memorable.

Emotional Zest and Sustained Engagement

The ultimate goal of a writer is to make the reader unable to put the book down. This is akin to the emotional torture described by Michael Crichton. The reader should be so hooked that they can’t resist finding out what happens next. This sustained engagement is what keeps readers invested in the story, making them want to return to the narrative world again and again.

Conclusion

In summary, the idea of ‘torturing’ readers is not to make them miserable but to ensure they remain deeply invested in the story. By creating complex, relatable characters and building emotional and intellectual tension, writers can create a narrative that is both engaging and rewarding. As Michael Crichton and Chris Van Rooy have demonstrated, the key to great storytelling is not just good writing but the ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The next time you pick up a book, consider the narrative journey it takes you on and the emotional investment it demands from you. Happy reading!

1 source: the book title or Michael Crichton's mentioned work