How do I write a story teaching morals without sounding preachy?

Question

A picture book for young adults 18+
How can I incorperate philosophy into a short story?
like AYN RAND but not as long

Answer 1

Create believable characters in situations that the reader can understand and identify with; then put them in situations where the logical consequences follow from moral lapses.

Answer 2

You could look at moralistic tales that aren't obvious, or tales that use excessive scenarios to describe what might happen to us (humans) if we continue on the path we are on. Some examples off the top of my head are C.S. Lewis' Narnia chronicles (which had tons of "hidden" Christian ideology woven through it), Animal farm by George Orwell, 1094 by Orwell, A clockwork orange by Burgess, One flew over the cuckoo's nest, etc... many of these stories are novellas that could be condensed even shorter and made into graphic novels (many have- for instance, Kafka's Metamorphosis, which was moralistic but subtle, was made into a graphic novel). You may want to check out Art Spiegelman's EXCELLENT graphic novel series MAUS, based on his parent's experiences as inmates in concentration camps during WW2. This graphic novel (there are 2 parts to it) was inherently moralistic but not preachy, and most definately aimed at older children, teenagers and adults. (Most would flat out say adults, but I was reading Stephen King at age 6 so my perspective is skewed). In MAUS the Germans are portrayed as cats, the jews as mice, the French as frogs, african americans as dogs, polish as pigs, etc.... and yet the feeling one gets from reading it is that it is almost MORE real than if the author had used the usual human form.

So I would think in terms of putting out a graphic novel instead of picture book (graphic novels basically are picture books for adults, anyway) and simply write your story. You can have a glossary at the back that goes into some of the terms or symbolism to avoid making the story itself downright preachy, but I would recommend having the story entertaining enough so that even if reader doesn't quite get all the philosophy, they are still entertained.

The first time I read animal farm I was a child and I didn't really understand fully the connection between the farm animals and the Russian Revolution, but I still liked the story.

Also check out Neil Gaimain's graphic novel series "The Sandman"- which incorporates a lot of mythology from various cultures and is excellent.

Hope this helps a little.

Answer 3

Whenever you write a story that includes a moral teaching, you will run the risk of appearing "preachy" to people who aren't comfortable with their own ideas of morality. This is because morality is essentially subjective in nature, and has been incorporated into laws and community standards as a way of filtering out "undesirable" elements within societies.
Philosophy doesn't require a "moral" element, though many philosophers were attuned to the idea of shared moral beliefs as an important aspect of civilization.
Don't be afraid to incorporate philosophical views into your story. For every reader you alienate, you may enlighten several more.
Good luck :)

Answer 4

A PICTURE book? For adults?

Do you think this might be rather insulting to their intelligence? A bit condescending?

I don't think you will find a publisher that will publish a picture book for adults.

You might want to reconsider this idea.

If you want to teach ethics and morals, try writing a fiction/nonfiction story without pictures.

I personally would be insulted to find a PICTURE book written by someone intended for people of my age group. I think a publisher will know that, too.

Answer 5

The best way is to respect the "opposite side" of the morals you are teaching. You have to write your story so that the "bad guys" (those not in line with your morals) are not absolutely evil. You have to understand their argument. Why do they believe what they believe? Why do you believe something different?

Be careful: investigate all counter-arguments to your moral argument before you go off and preach!

Answer 6

If you can make Ayn Rand funny I'll publish the F**KIN thing!

pardon me for the language(:

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

the images and wording would have to be deep and meaningfull. don't tell people what to do just give them an option peoples morals can only be generated from within the individual, suggestions always work better orders

Answer 9

18+? Use lots of pictures. A graphic novel, perhaps.

Answer 10

make it funny and interesting. so people get the morals but enjoy it.