As a writer, I spend a lot of time contemplating the stories that form in my head. At my worst, during my most creative spells, my mind blocks out everything going on around me. I become consumed, beyond contemplation, in my own world. I get to the point where I’m not telling the stories anymore, rather the stories are telling me what is and isn’t true. I’m not imagining; I’m listening.
So it’s rather a shock when my beta readers tell me I should take out a scene because it makes them uncomfortable. I don’t blame the readers; I appreciate their input and I understand their discomfort. But I’ve lost two betas at the same spot in the second book in my series, “The Great Dagmaru,” in the last week, and that makes me wonder if they’re not right. My guilty conscience for making people uncomfortable is warring with the writer in me who says the scene in question IS part of the story. It’s what happened. So changing it or removing it comes to the same result: compromising the story’s truth.
I have a feeling that if I leave the scene in, it’s either going to make or break my entire series. The readers who realized it needed to be in there enjoyed it (or tolerated it) because it made them feel uncomfortable – it’s what it’s meant to do. Those who hated it may end up hating me. Should I be hoping at this point that it will push enough buttons, whether positive or negative, to make the book go viral? On the other hand, maybe it’s not all that bad, in the hands of the right audience. Speaking of which, note to all the readers who thought The Magician’s Curse should have been categorized as “Young Adult”: the second book will prove to be distinctly “Adult.”
Stay true to your story and publish without fear, says most of me: Write to please people with a story fit for Hollywood, the part of me that wants to bow to the more sensitive readers says.
Lots to contemplate. Opinions are welcome.
This contemplative and rather undecided post is brought to you by Just Jot it January, and in particular, prompted by the word “contemplation,” provided by Cheryl! Thank you so much, Cheryl! You can find Cheryl’s JusJoJan post by clicking right here. Please go and say hi! To participate in the prompt, please visit this post, where you’ll find the rules and you can leave your link in the comments.
January 17, 2018 at 7:18 pm
I think it depends on whether you’re writing to sell or writing to create. Ideally one does both, but you know me, I don’t write for people, and I don’t think you should either. Also no one ever won a literary prize for telling a nice sweet story that made everyone feel good the entire time. Also, swear words and gestures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Word Florilegium
Pingback: #JusJoJan Daily Prompt January 16th, 2018- Contemplation | Margret's Life Journey!
January 16, 2018 at 11:12 pm
I think “those who hate it might end up hating me” is pretty strong. Do you mean they won’t be able to separate you from your work? I’m thinking you don’t need people like that. Just my opinion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: JusJoJan: Contemplation | Captain Jills Journeys
Pingback: JusJoJan: Contemplation | Capt Jills Journeys
January 16, 2018 at 7:01 pm
The age old advice: be yourself.☺️
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 9:04 pm
Excellent advice. 🙂 However, it’s harder to do so when you have people judging both your work and you. 😛 hehe Thanks for your encouragement, Cheryl. 🙂
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Don’t doubt yourself or your judgment
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 11:12 pm
❤
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 6:29 pm
In my humble opinion, I think we need to be uncomfortable sometimes. Specifically I think that “most of you” is spot on when you write “Stay true to your story and publish without fear” That’s my two cents worth a penny due to inflation. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Worth fifty bucks to me! 😀 Thanks, Jill. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 4:59 pm
Do you find that people are more comfortable telling you that something you wrote made them uncomfortable, therefore you should remove it? I sometimes wonder if people forget that discomfort is part of life, and dealing with it (in real life or in fiction) can lead to growth or insights into your own self. Of course, if you are trying to sell your work, the last thing you want is for people to stop reading and never buy your books again…
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 9:18 pm
True enough. Though I do think the right audience will let it slide, the wrong audience does have the power to break me. It’s much easier to complain than it is to give praise.
Thanks for your input. 🙂
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 3:11 pm
I think contemplation is the blogger’s playground for inspiration. Don’t you? Loving these word prompts.
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 3:20 pm
It certainly is. 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the prompts!
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:46 pm
A thought provoking position….
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:55 pm
It’s a toughie. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 2:42 pm
Tell it like it is girl!! 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Thanks for your support, my friend. ❤
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Always my friend 💜🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 2:16 pm
A lot to contemplate Linda. The writer in me kinda agrees with you… I’d hate to lose something that I thought was key… but then if others read and pick it out as a concern you need to think what the majority of your readers will think…
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:29 pm
It would be much easier if it was a technical issue — if it was boring, didn’t fit the plot, or was unnecessary, for instance. But it’s none of those things. It advances the plot and shows characterization. The question on whether to take it out at this point completely relies on opinion. It would be like taking out the death of Dobby just because people were sad … That had to happen because it happened. This only differs in that it’s a highly uncomfortable situation rather than a sad one.
I dunno.
Thanks for your input, Ritu. ❤
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Oh man… I’m feeling your pain Linda!
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Thanks, my friend. ❤
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 2:55 pm
💜
LikeLiked by 1 person