"I think the difference between a lie and a story is that a story utilizes the trappings and appearance of truth for the interest of the listener as well as of the teller. A story has in it neither gain nor loss. But a lie is a device for profit or escape. I suppose if that definition is strictly held to, then a writer of stories is a liar–if he is financially fortunate."
--John Steinbeck, East of Eden
That about sums it up.
ReplyDeleteSo they're lies only if they bring a profit. Makes sense. I've got nothing to worry about.
ReplyDeleteHa! If that is the case, then I've nothing to worry about either. Steinbeck, on the other hand, wasn't exactly a starving writer by this point in his career...
ReplyDeleteI just thought this was an interesting way of trying to define fiction storytelling. There are many flaws in his logic, but I still find it intriguing to think about.
That said, I wouldn't mind being a little bit of a "liar," as long as that little bit came with a paycheck.