- Is the fictional world "real" under its own power, or does it just exist in one author's imagination?
Yes the fictional world is real. When reading, I simultaneously enter, interpret, and create a world described by the author. The author’s imagination is the wellspring where every reader partakes. Every person has a lens they use to see a character i.e. Tom Sawyer, and yet the idea of Tom Sawyer - the frogs, whitewashing, etc - exist in a metaphysical level that we can discuss a fictional kid with a genius for malicious compliance.
I think Min is the hermaphrodite.
Duality in Confucianism/Taoism is in terms of balance and flexibility between opposing forces. If Min is running around while packing a sausage, a pair of thousand year eggs, and a shumai under her robes then that smashes the balancing act and probably designates her as a chaotic wildcard. Or I’m really needing to eat some dim sum.
I’m going to have it be both of them. One of my favorite things about the real world is how damn odd everyone is when you get to know them well. So a native deep southern Chinese hermaphrodite based ya author speaks to me.
Also in my head the imaginary world is independent of the real world.
Percolate on what brings you joy! And no burning out. Take a nap with the little one if at all possible.
Momma has seen too many TikTok’s about people accidentally crushing babies in their sleep.
Sweet Fanny Adams! That is terrifying.
A lot of being a new parent for me has been hearing horrifying stories of fatal baby accidents.
The fictional world is real on its own and I will speak to that in the story.
And hermaphrodite thing for the author I may drop but I mentioned this below I just love the oddness of the real world.
I love this question!
- Is the fictional world "real" under its own power, or does it just exist in one author's imagination?
Yes the fictional world is real. When reading, I simultaneously enter, interpret, and create a world described by the author. The author’s imagination is the wellspring where every reader partakes. Every person has a lens they use to see a character i.e. Tom Sawyer, and yet the idea of Tom Sawyer - the frogs, whitewashing, etc - exist in a metaphysical level that we can discuss a fictional kid with a genius for malicious compliance.
I think Min is the hermaphrodite.
Duality in Confucianism/Taoism is in terms of balance and flexibility between opposing forces. If Min is running around while packing a sausage, a pair of thousand year eggs, and a shumai under her robes then that smashes the balancing act and probably designates her as a chaotic wildcard. Or I’m really needing to eat some dim sum.
I’m going to have it be both of them. One of my favorite things about the real world is how damn odd everyone is when you get to know them well. So a native deep southern Chinese hermaphrodite based ya author speaks to me.
Also in my head the imaginary world is independent of the real world.