Hi, Gang. Craig here again, and I have a little different topic for you today. I’m fairly sure everything I’ve ever written could be considered escapism to one degree or another. Let’s talk about that.
escapism:
• the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.
That’s a fair definition. In many cases, escapism gets a bad rap. People use terms like, derivative, unrealistic, or waste of time when talking about escapism.
It might be somewhat true. You could spend what few spare hours you have working the food bank, cleaning up plastics, or creating an app that resembles TV Guide, but displays everything across multiple platforms.
The fact is that we can’t work all the time. Our brains need downtime. You can fill that any way that makes you happy. Maybe you plant a garden, or something.
If there was ever a model for why we need a little escapism it has to be 2020. At least it’s a good place to start my explanation. Somewhere amid the murder hornets, multiple hurricanes, wildfires, political bickering, and C-19, we all need to just step back from reality for a few minutes.
This extends beyond 2020. Our lives are complicated every year. We all have family dynamics, social media, mandatory overtime, mergers, layoffs, or something going on in our lives and we need a few minutes to catch our breath.
There are a million outlets for this, but I’m a writer and so are most of you. Escapist fiction allows readers to get away for a brief time and catch their breath. It also does the same thing for me when I write it.
We all need that little break. Occasionally, we need to see the hero win. To have a reasonably happy ending. Sometimes you need the antihero to shoot the antagonist through the head, before fading into the darkness. (I’ve written this character and can’t tell you how satisfying it is. It also keeps me from doing it in real life.)
Escapism shows us that we can overcome the obstacles in our life. Sometimes we have to hang on just a little bit longer, like our favorite characters. Sometimes we have to gather new intelligence and make a new plan, but it can happen. Fiction can help us understand and come to grips with some of this.
Give yourselves a break. Put on your spandex, pull that sword from the stone, fire up your starship, or stir that cauldron counterclockwise. Step outside yourselves for a few hours and pick up a bit of escapist fiction.
Just a side note here. All of your Story Empire authors offer a bit of escapist fiction, and there are even a few free anthologies that will give you a taste of multiple authors.
Story Empire 
Without writers who generate an escape, we would all have no where to go. Especially during this pandemic. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“We all need that little break. Occasionally, we need to see the hero win.” Sharp stuff.
I read somewhere that the best stories are the ones that we already know. We always want to hear tbe same tale. How far do you agree?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t given much thought to that, but I agree to a certain point. We have standard plots that repeat over the centuries. There is even a great series on this blog about those. Glad you liked the post.
LikeLike
I like this, Craig. I agree that reading is escapism and it does have to be fantasy to fit that bill, any fiction will take the reader into another life and place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, but there are some that are more real life drama that might be too close to home these days. It’s about time for everyone to step back and relax for a day or two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read to escape so this post talked directly to me. I write to escape but that has escapism in a different category. Well done, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love reading because it’s definitely escapism for me. It’s how I unwind almost every night from the pressures of the day. The same with writing. As authors, we also get to be other people, placing ourselves inside their heads. It’s like pretend play when we were kids.
Escapism is also something I argue about television. When I watch TV (which isn’t often) it’s to be entertained, not to watch reality garbage. I get plenty of reality in life. I don’t need it when I want to unwind and escape. Thank God for Netflix and other streaming services who offer original content. I’m starting to watch more TV thanks to them. It’s interesting that so many people are abandoning network TV and flocking to streaming services in droves. Hmmm…I wonder why? I could do a soapbox on this topic, Craig.
Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great soapbox. I’ve noticed the same thing, and applaud it. We’re tired of being spoon fed our pablum and long for something with some meat on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree, Craig. 2020 has been the year! A great example of how badly people need escapism is the Great Depression era. The most popular book and movie during that time was “The Great Gatsby” which took people away from their meager existence for a brief reprieve. Thank God for fiction!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great example. Thanks, Jan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Escapism is just plain healthy. I taught elementary school and recess was necessary. Playing is wonderful for kids and grownups. Writing and reading are my playground time:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great way to put it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Murdering people on the page is a fantastic escape. Rude waitress? Go home and kill her. Nasty cashier? Go home and kill her. Need a way to work out frustrations? Go home and hunt, stalk, and torture. No better stress reliever! LOL 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Atta Girl. I would expect nothing less from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all need a break from reality in some form. Especially this year. I’m with you; far better to kill people on the page.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books and the beach are my favorite forms of escapism. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing and reading has always been a way for me to escape from stress and worries. My first published short story was written after my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Great post, Craig!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That had to be healing to a degree. Alzheimer’s runs in my family, too, and I’ve seen it first hand.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it certainly is hard. We were shocked as there isn’t a family history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think all fiction (at least what I read) is a form of escapism. We can put ourselves in the character’s place. Yes, there is often crime, evil, conflict. Without conflict, there isn’t much of a story. Fairy tales had conflicts. Both LOTR and the Chronicle of Narnia had conflicts. But the overall story had good triumphing over evil.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree. Many things fit. I wouldn’t mind a world where little old ladies can solve murders, or where wandering strangers save the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Escapism is my main goal when writing. I think it’s a great way to eliminate stress since you forget your worries for a time. Let the subconscious chew on reality during these moments. Sadly, I’ve read articles about how people are less interested in escapism over the last few years. They fear missing on a big new event, so they stick to non-fiction or only the news. No wonder mental illnesses like anxiety and depression are on the rise.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’re onto something. Read our books, rest your mind for a few hours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only people would listen. TV and movies get all the attention.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll have to go to Hollywood.
LikeLike
I keep trying to figure that road out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember a flight I took a lot of years ago. The airline company (Dutch, I think) called the in-flight entertainment ‘distraction’. That definition has stayed with me. I’m all for a bit (or a lot) of escapism, and your books certainly provide that. Great post, Craig 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that line. Thanks, Harmony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great reflection, Craig. If ever we’ve needed to escape, it’s this year for sure. That thought makes me wonder if 2020 prompted more folks to pick up a pen or a paintbrush or a mound of clay. Maybe 2021 will be a celebration of the arts. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think it must have. There are plenty of online articles about people baking bread, or banana bread. Why not something more substantial?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Escapism… just another word for much needed freedom?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Could be. You’re on the verge of a new rock anthem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why I like writing short stories best. I have a limited attention span, and writing short stories is always fun and gives me that sense of escapism. Novels tend to make me feel like I’m obliged, or doing work. Glad I’ve got a couple of short stories next to write 🤗
LikeLiked by 4 people
I also love the short forms. Modern people are pressed for time and short stories appeal to many of them.
LikeLiked by 2 people