Now that I’ve done long and short stories, I find my long-terms goals and general aims haven’t changed much. The philosophy of sorts I came up with years ago, as per the paragraphs below, are still there. Some people may find it odd as many artists do art for art’s sake, but for me, that’s a goal I was never content with. I wish I can aim a little higher with my art.
Everyone has different ideas of what their art should be about and who it should appeal to – and there are often arguments between advocates on both sides of the fence. I don’t have much interest in arguing about “high art” or “low art”. I consider myself a story-teller above all, and what my art looks like isn’t as important as what I will be able to say through it.
My Aims
First, I wish my stories to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. That doesn’t mean everyone, because somewhere out there are many people who hate my art and stories and will never like them in a million years. That is fine. But it’s true – I like to appeal to the Blockbuster Megaplex movie-going crowd. As a result, I always try to make my stories fall within a certain popular genre, though not bowing to the limitations of that genre. I realise to tell a good story that appeals to a wide audience, you have to have elements of the familiar; yet a non-formulaic approach. Thus, my short stories section is my experiment ground for genre-testing.
The reason why I try and appeal wide is not because I want to start my own cult, or become rich and famous (though I wouldn’t mind at all if any of these came my way). It’s because I want my stories to inspire people to widen their horizons and discover a new genre or subject matter they like, and can learn more about. Cultural education is important. Learning about the world, history, other cultures and having an appreciation for things outside your own little box is important. All through my admittedly-short life, I’ve considered myself a Citizen of The World and loves to travel and learn about as many things as I possibly can. I consider it almost a duty to impart what I’ve learned so far to people who read my work. Hence, the need to appeal to a wide audience.
Last of all, I like trying a diversity of genres because I enjoy testing the limits of my own ability. So far there are plenty of limitations, but for all that I know these limitations may no longer be there in 10 years time. I’m also interested in exploring differing types of narratives – especially interlocking narratives, alternate sequences, and telling stories out of time sequences. Of course, if I were to attempt any of these, they should not be mere stunts but have an important role to play in the story. (Update: As of now, I’ve pretty much done most of these things).
Philosophical Intent in My Stories
The reason why I’m so interested in interlocking story threads has a lot to do with my interest in human nature, sociology and anthropology. One of the things I find infinitely fascinating about genre-based story-telling in general is the environment the story is set in, and how that influences the character’s morals, values and actions.
This concept of cause, choice and consequence is an endless source of inspiration. Everyone is undoubtedly shaped by (a) the environment they grew up in, (b) the sum of life experiences they’ve had, (c) the environment they are in right now. How a person reacts in any given situation, their beliefs, who they choose to associate with, their judgement – are a sum of these 3 things, and more.
Above all, I am interested in stories where the characters make decisions that holds great significance for their life and the lives of those around them. The process that leads up to that decision, and the consequences of that decision, are ripe grounds to be explored. For now, it’s a good place to explore the fabric of human nature from – how your experiences will change you, how your actions affect other people, how bad luck can turn into good luck further down the track, and just the random perfidies of fate…
These are lofty goals, but it’s a philosophy I like . It gives me a purpose and a meaning, and something to strive for every time I start a new story. Time will tell what I reap out of it.
Last Updated: 11th May, 2011