: Re: How to write a story that argues an idea I apologize for the wording of my question; it's probably not very clear. I've got this idea for a book that explores a sort of philosophical theory.

This question has deep roots which go back to the American Dream, democracy, the free market economy, and The Jam.

The public gets what the public wants.

After a recent debate on this site the consensus suggested the overwhelming reason for writing was to make money. (I do not hold this theory).

However, 'individuals' may be smart people' are stupid - like children. If you ask 5th graders to design their own lunch menu they'd live on candy, McDonalds and ice-cream.

Oh wait, is there currently an obesity and diabetes epidemic?

To answer your question: the majority of successful novels push very rudimentary themes and agendas. "Good always overcomes evil", however it is always a skewed point of view. Citizens of the country your villain comes from may not see your villains as evil by default. "If you work hard enough you can accomplish anything." "True love conquers all."

If you attempt to push an unpopular agenda or moral you will invariably lose sales. Or you need to bury it so deep the 'stupid' public won't get it.

e.g.

In order to win the hand of the princess and the keys to kingdom, the prince goes to another realm to fight his enemies (dragons etc) and to bring back riches to set before the king. The prince fights the dragon and steals the gold. But the dragon is only wounded he is not dead. The dragon recovers, summons demons and trolls from the dark realms. Together they enter the prince's realm breathing fire and burning villages . . .

Nobody is going to say: "Oh, I get it . . . we went to Iraq to steal their shit now everybody from the region is trying to blow us up."

The reader always identifies with the hero. It is extremely difficult to push an agenda on them that they don't like. "Dances with Wolves" springs to mind but successful attempts are rare.

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: I have a CreateSpace ISBN but want to Publish a New Edition through another Publisher I have a CreateSpace-Assigned ISBN but I want to publish a collection of my books that are currently on

@Shelley992

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: I want some critique on my writing Laying in a pool of vomit at one o clock on a tuesday morning in the room of a lousy hotel room was not a situation peter ever thought hed find himself

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: I don't know your personal experience but there are some things that cannot be researched. There is almost no question here. Throughout time, and to many of those who have experienced love,

@Shelley992

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: I'm a true believer that creative writers should be 'creative' - get your own heroes, villains and themes. But (commercially) we are in strange times. Publishers have become global corporations

: Re: How to write a story that argues an idea I apologize for the wording of my question; it's probably not very clear. I've got this idea for a book that explores a sort of philosophical theory.

More posts by @Shelley992

: I have a CreateSpace ISBN but want to Publish a New Edition through another Publisher I have a CreateSpace-Assigned ISBN but I want to publish a collection of my books that are currently on

: I want some critique on my writing Laying in a pool of vomit at one o clock on a tuesday morning in the room of a lousy hotel room was not a situation peter ever thought hed find himself

: I don't know your personal experience but there are some things that cannot be researched. There is almost no question here. Throughout time, and to many of those who have experienced love,

: I'm a true believer that creative writers should be 'creative' - get your own heroes, villains and themes. But (commercially) we are in strange times. Publishers have become global corporations

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