The Next Great American Novel

I've been asked sometimes why I write easy fiction instead of trying to go for something "important", something "meaningful". There's two reasons, really. One: most attempts to make something meaningful out of the box end up being awful stories. The story has to carry the idea, not the idea carrying the story. And two: I just like writing too much.

What do I mean by I just like writing too much? Great novels aren't something you can just write. To do on purpose takes time, angst, probably a sordid lifestyle involving hookers and alcohol. It doesn't involve giggling at your keyboard as you land your character in yet another scrape. It doesn't involve playing silly music while watching your baby and typing without ever looking at the screen. (why, no, that's not what I'm doing now, why do you ask? *grin*). They involve misery and Great Themes. Probably a war, or at least a war background.

It's possible to just sit down and write a Great Novel, probably. People do. But I'd much rather write things that are entertaining. If they end up having meaning for people, that's great. If they end up being assigned in an English class somewhere, I'll be happy as heck. (so many copies to sell!). But does that mean I'm going to write with that in mind? No.

Because I want people to enjoy my writing. And even more, *I* want to enjoy my writing. It's not something I'm doing to suffer for my art's sake. It's something I do because I love it and because it's what I want to do. (and now all I need is to get paid for it, and I have the perfect job!) If I was trying to write Great Fiction, I'd hate it. And what's the point of that?