Not everyone understands why we love to read fiction. With a sniff and upturned nose, it has been called a “waste of time” by many. And when we first begin writing fiction, we may also have trouble justifying using precious free time “just to write stories.”

Reading is more acceptable to some if you read nonfiction. After all, you’re learning something. You’re stretching your mind. You aren’t wasting time on “mindless entertainment.”

However, if you write fiction, some people are not as understanding, especially if they don’t read it themselves. I once had someone close to me say that I only made up stories because I couldn’t handle the real world. That stunned me and hurt, but part of me wondered if there was a grain of truth there.

I both read fiction and wrote fiction because I wasn’t too happy at the time with my real world. I did read to escape (and I had since childhood). And it’s true that for many years, I used stories to right some wrongs and make life turn out the way I wanted it to (e.g. reconciled relationships, or nailing the bad guy, or solving a problem.) I know that “they say” not to write fiction with a message, but those middle-grade novels won the most awards and generated the most letters from children, so not everyone agrees.

Is Reading and Writing Fiction Valuable?

I couldn’t explain it at the time, but I knew instinctively that there were VERY GOOD REASONS for both reading fiction and writing it. I knew in my heart of hearts that I wasn’t wasting time. I knew that I had learned some of life’s most valuable lessons from good stories, lessons that stuck with me much longer than any self-help reading I had done. I sensed that I was doing something good that had value, both for myself (when reading) and for others (through writing fiction).

I wondered if others had the same questions and concerns. A quick search online found dozens of articles on the benefits of reading fiction. So if you question the deep importance of reading or writing the stories you love, check out a few of the articles listed below. You’ll be reassured. And you’ll be eager to open that novel at bedtime or tackle another chapter on your work-in-progress.

Reading and writing fiction is NOT a waste of time. Far from it! 

For Your Reading Pleasure 

If you still have doubts about the importance of reading fiction or writing fiction, ponder these ideas:

1. The Surprising Power of Reading Fiction: 9 Ways it Make Us Happier and More Creative
2. 5 Surprising Ways Reading Fiction Benefits Your Mental Health
3. The Benefits of Reading Literary Fiction That You May Not Know
4. 10 Reasons Christians Should Read Fiction
5. Why Christians Should Read More Fiction
6. Why Reading Literary Fiction is Good for You