Summary

Shaunta Grimes discusses the collaborative nature of reading and writing, emphasizing the emotional connection between authors and readers, and reflects on John Green's insights into this relationship.

Abstract

The article delves into the concept that every reading of a book is a unique collaboration between the reader and the writer, as highlighted by author John Green. Grimes explores the idea of writing for a singular, magical reader, aiming to evoke deep emotional responses akin to those she experienced with certain books, movies, and songs at pivotal moments in her life. She references Green's work, including his upcoming Hulu series "Looking for Alaska," and his brother Hank's joint venture, Nerdfighters. Grimes also shares her personal goal of writing something as impactful as Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay," which she encountered in "The Outsiders." The piece concludes with a brief introduction of Grimes as a writer and teacher, active on social media, and the author of several works.

Opinions

Grimes believes in the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and sees her role as a writer as a collaborator with her readers.
She is uncertain about the origin of the John Green quote but finds it meaningful and true regardless of its source.
Grimes has a deep appreciation for John Green's work, particularly "Paper Towns," and is excited about the upcoming adaptation of "Looking for Alaska."
She is moved by Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" and aspires to write something with a similar emotional impact.
Grimes values the connection with her audience and encourages other writers to consider their own "one reader" when creating stories.
She acknowledges the influence of various media forms, not just books, in shaping the emotional landscape of her writing.
Grimes is enthusiastic about the Green brothers' Vlogbrothers series and recommends it to her readers.

Every reading of a book is a collaboration.

John Green on the reader/writer relationship. (The Commonplace Book Project)

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“I know that books seem like the ultimate thing that’s made by one person, but that’s not true. Every reading of a book is a collaboration between the reader and the writer who are making the story up together.” — John Green

I couldn’t find a primary source for that John Green quote. I hope he actually said it, somewhere. But even if he didn’t, it’s lovely. And true.

If you’re a writer, do you ever think about your reader? I don’t mean readers, collective. Just one reader. One magical person who you tell your stories to, and as long as they feel something, all the rest is gravy?

I think for some writers, their one reader is a person. In On Writing Stephen King talks about writing for his wife. Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland for Alice Lidell.

But I also think that it’s possible to have an idea of a one reader that doesn’t refer to an actual person.

My goal in life — the thing that will make me feel like I’ve fulfilled my life’s purpose — is to write a story that makes someone feel the way I felt the first time I read this book, when I was ten.

The first time I heard this song, when I was thirteen.

The first time I saw this movie, when I was fifteen.

The first time I saw this show, when I was sixteen.

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly the feeling I’m talking about. It’s something on the edge of magic. My part in the collaboration with my readers, though, is to do my best to make them feel it. I guess their part is to meet me halfway.

If you’re a writer, try spending some time today thinking about who your one reader is. Think about some stories (books, movies, tv shows, songs) that make you feel the way you want to make that reader feel.

Speaking of John Green. Hulu is working on a series based on his book Looking for Alaska. I’m pretty excited for it.

Hulu's Adaption of John Green's Looking for Alaska Casts Kristine Froseth and Charlie Plummer

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As fun as that should be, though, my favorite John Green book is Paper Towns. It’s a very similar story, but I think it has a better ending. I know a lot of people love The Fault in Our Stars, but I can’t do cancer books. They’re too hard for me.

Green and his brother, Hank, started Nerdfighters . . . um . . . a long time ago. Here’s a fun video about it.

Check out the Green’s entire Vlogbrothers thing. Is it a show? IDK. What do kids call vlog series anyway? Anywho, I like it.

vlogbrothers

Raising nerdy to the power of awesome.

www.youtube.com

Today’s Poem:

This is the poem that Ponyboy shared with Johnny in The Outsiders. If I can write something that makes someone feel the way this poem made me feel in the sixth grade, I’ll be happy.

Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost

Nature’s first green is gold, 
Her hardest hue to hold. 
Her early leaf’s a flower; 
But only so an hour. 
Then leaf subsides to leaf. 
So Eden sank to grief, 
So dawn goes down to day. 
Nothing gold can stay.

Shaunta Grimes is a writer and teacher. She is an out-of-place Nevadan living in Northwestern PA with her husband, three superstar kids, two dementia patients, a good friend, Alfred the cat, and a yellow rescue dog named Maybelline Scout. She’s on Twitter @shauntagrimes and is the author of Viral Nation and Rebel Nation and the upcoming novel The Astonishing Maybe. She is the original Ninja Writer.