The psychology of fiction with Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Mar 14, 2023

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes, known for her popular Inheritance Games series, opens up about her dual passions for fiction and psychology. She dives into the emotional connections readers forge with characters and how stories shape our understanding of human behavior. Jennifer discusses the influence of children's literature on innovation and the importance of relatability in writing. The dialogue also touches on the role of imagination in narratives and how fandoms enrich the reading experience.

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ANECDOTE

Early Love of Stories

Jennifer Lynn Barnes loved twisting fairy tales as a child, incorporating soap opera elements.
She discovered the power of storytelling in first grade, realizing she could make anything happen.

INSIGHT

Psychology and Fiction's Shared Goal

Jennifer Lynn Barnes's draw to psychology stemmed from her fascination with understanding other people's minds.
She sees fiction as a unique way to gain intimate access to different perspectives.

INSIGHT

The Gossip Theory of Fiction

The "gossip theory" suggests fiction's appeal lies in its resemblance to gossip about fictional people.
Barnes used this theory to create "The Inheritance Games," prompting her to devise a gossip-worthy scenario.

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How Pleasure Works

Paul Bloom

How the Mind Works

Steven Pinker

In this book, Steven Pinker delves into the workings of the human mind, addressing questions such as why we are rational yet often irrational, how we perceive the world, and the origins of emotions, social interactions, and higher cognitive functions. Pinker synthesizes insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and other fields to explain how the mind evolved to solve the problems faced by our ancestors. He discusses topics like vision, emotion, social behavior, and the mysteries of consciousness, arguing for a computational theory of mind and an adaptationist approach to evolution[2][3][5].

The Inheritance Games

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery Grambs, an orphan with a plan to survive high school and win a scholarship, has her life turned upside down when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves her his entire fortune. To receive the inheritance, Avery must move into the sprawling Hawthorne House, filled with secret passages, puzzles, and codes. She must navigate the distrust and hostility of the Hawthorne grandsons, who were disinherited, and uncover the reasons behind Tobias Hawthorne's unexpected will. The story is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes puzzles, and romantic elements as Avery works to uncover the truth and survive in a world of wealth and privilege[1][3][4].

Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.