The Psychology of the Novel article goes into an in-depth analysis of the psychology of the author and reader and the intertwined relationship they share.
As any person who has read a novel that has gripped them from beginning to end knows and as the article rightly states, you analyze, ponder and cannot wait for the story to unfold. The proverbial question on your lips is what happens next? Interestingly, this question occurs even when you abhor the novel, and like a car crash you cannot look away. The reader has invested time, money and far more importantly has made an emotional commitment which impels him to move forward and turn page after page. A novel is a far more intimate experience than a play or movie. You are much more connected to the private thoughts of the characters especially the protagonist whose journey you keenly follow. You are not on the outside peeping through the keyhole, but you are actually on the set so to speak even as part of the furniture. As you read with only words as your companion you create your own canvas of images. And while the author is the producer and director you certainly become co-director or a partner with the author as you create mental images in your head. There are separate relationships being created depending on whether the novel is written as a narrative or first person, but the creative journey is the same path taken by the author. You retrace his careful steps in the writing process and in doing so develop a bond. Newer generations might need convincing of the merits of reading a novel in this high tech world where we demand mediums where our images are created for us in 3-d and 4-d and instant gratification is received. However, as any cerebral person who has lost themselves in a novel knows reading is a habit which is difficult to break.
The experience of writing as seen through the eyes of the author is just as interesting. He needs inspiration to unleash the creative flow while still breaking for breath to concern himself with the obvious logistics. The author has a message to deliver which he needs to justify as he begs for the attention of the audience. A novel is not just written to fulfill the creative needs of the author, he also writes for his readers and he needs assurance and affirmation. He needs a response and reaction whether positive or negative. His attention seeking narcissistic nature seems to cry out love me or hate me, but do not ignore me, hear me out. A novel that has never reached publication or has never been read is like a still born child. A mother nurtures the child in the woman, develops a close bond and mourns for what could have been. However, beyond his relationship with the reader, there is a relationship he shares with himself. The writing experience is like sitting in the chair of the therapist and getting things off his chest. It is a release of pent up emotions and emotional baggage that he has been carrying around. With this release he is free and at peace with himself. He has spoken and he has been heard.
The author and reader without knowing each other are inextricably bound, just as the leaves of the book are bound. They share a special enduring relationship that feeds each others needs. When the author starts the writing process and the reader the reading process the psychology of both are changed forever. Finally, I am reminded of the age old adage, never judge a book by its cover. Certainly not, allow the words to reach your soul as you float over the intricate canvas and then pass judgment. Like it or hate it you are richer for the experience.
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