tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post1207358837403077723..comments2024-03-03T23:03:20.977-08:00Comments on Talk Stephen King: Dwight Allen Is Not A Constant ReaderUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-77951007629460322362015-11-25T13:28:45.392-08:002015-11-25T13:28:45.392-08:00I only have one full year of college under my belt...I only have one full year of college under my belt but I took many literature classes, and I remember the sort of snobby attitude that certain genres were "art" and others were mere entertainment, and that a novel that was entertaining was worthless.<br /><br />But those who got it worse than ever were so-called "genre" writers. First of all, I hate the entirely false notion that "genre" writing is about "escaping reality". Sorry, no. It's about visiting other realities. In so doing, we often can learn more about the reality we are in. Speaking as a person who has written in both horror and fantasy (full novels in both cases, still seeking publication) I can say with certainty that you cannot write either one without extensive research INTO REAL LIFE.<br /><br />One can learn much about humanity and what drives us, scares us, makes us what we are, entirely through genre fiction. Sometimes it makes it even more obvious thanks to being so removed from settings we recognize (fantasy, at least).<br /><br />It sounds like Allen is one of those guys who ascribe to the idea that the only fiction worth their time is A) not genre, B) about something Important and C) something that lends itself well to endless classroom discussions. I would argue that all fiction can be discussed to death in a classroom setting, but people like Allen, and my college professors, cannot possibly believe that anything that doesn't fall into the first two categories (especially the first!) could possibly fall into the third.<br /><br />King has a lot to say about idiots like that. I like that a response was written.WriterJoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-46705315787079757432015-11-25T12:57:50.016-08:002015-11-25T12:57:50.016-08:00Is it bad that I really wish I'd gotten to rea...Is it bad that I really wish I'd gotten to read that comment?WriterJoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-40522514397596436282013-05-22T04:12:05.909-07:002013-05-22T04:12:05.909-07:00The problem with snobs is that they think snobbery...The problem with snobs is that they think snobbery is a virtue. It's not, and it doesn't suggest breeding either. It's a variant of "hate," and with Allen's education, I can't imagine why he hates writers like King.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-32947843335782969242012-07-10T02:56:32.822-07:002012-07-10T02:56:32.822-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-35275534757287806302012-07-08T14:25:22.604-07:002012-07-08T14:25:22.604-07:00I would call King a genre writer, but anyone who c...I would call King a genre writer, but anyone who can't see the fact that his novels are more about the characters and their reaction to whatever horror genre situation they are in are most definitely 'snobs.' I don't read King or any other author or book for that matter to escape from life, I read because I love a good story that can take you to different places, have you meet different people, and make you feel all the emotions that a human can feel. And that doesn't have to come from a book by an author deemed "great" by the literary establishment, it can come from any story that is simply told very well. <br /><br />Also, if you have to keep emphasizing the fact that you are not morally superior, YOU PROBABLY ARE.Michele (TheGirlWhoLovesHorror)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03309044766117909683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-54904810774640654732012-07-07T17:41:57.117-07:002012-07-07T17:41:57.117-07:00I get what Allen is saying. He's at least hon...I get what Allen is saying. He's at least honest about the fact that he's a snob, I guess. All I can say is that he's entitled to his opinion, and I'm entitled to ignore it.Bryant Burnettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01189356171455609865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1175798629534874434.post-34771500947941531802012-07-07T13:48:22.379-07:002012-07-07T13:48:22.379-07:00Once more the so called literary establishment spe...Once more the so called literary establishment speaks it's mind. A curious paradox as it doesn't all that interested in books.<br /><br />In fact, one Allen mentioned the words "Good and beautiful" I remembered a book of literary theory written by Edmund Burke using very similar words, the difference was Burke championed fairy tales and stories of suspense and adventure as the "Good and beautiful."<br /><br />As for Allen, I think it's interesting that Christine is the book he read through. If he's as much a snob as he says he is, I don't think he'd have finished the book. The fact that he did is interesting.<br /><br />I think Allen finished the story of Arnie Cunningham because though he might deny it on the surface, subconsciously he identifies with Arnie Cunningham ("Arnie was a natural out").<br /><br />If Allen in some sense sees himself as Arnie, all I can say is people like that need all the help (and prayers) they can get.<br /><br />ChrisCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com