I gave my manuscript to L, a
non-writer friend a few months back for her to enjoy. I didn’t expect any kind
of review or critique, it was simply me showing her my book. She loved it but
took issue with only one aspect. She is a romantic at heart and wanted the
happily-ever-after storybook ending. For the record, my story, The Shores of
Utopia, is a romantic science-fiction thriller. The book does not end tragically,
but optimistic of the future. There’s a sense of wonder at the story’s
conclusion, the way I wanted it. The loose ends were tied up nicely, just no
storybook ending.
I told L that her expectations
would be met in the second book. I didn’t plan on having my protagonist Cathryn
have everything she wanted, but I wanted her to grow. In my opinion, people
with setbacks learn, people with problems solve them or they don’t move on. My
characters are the same way. Every one of them jump through painful hoops. Some
don’t make it. As I wrote the second book semi-pantster style, I found it
difficult to grant Cathryn, my MC, her desires. I tried outlining her path but it
came off as phony. It didn’t work.
Being the creator of all things
Utopia, I couldn’t make it work, not really. Cathryn has her path. I love her
dearly, but she must make real decisions and end up where she belongs. As
creator of this universe, I need this to be real in every way.
Now, removing my writer’s hat and
looking at this book as a product that readers must enjoy, I came to the same
conclusion. Reality is key for a convincing story. Even my science-fiction
elements ring true. I invented the science behind time travel and
faster-than-light speed. I hope my book comes out before the science is
actually invented and people claim my Spatial Sciences theories were copied.
Have you altered your stories to accommodate
a reader?
No, I have never altered a story to accommodate a reader. But I have thought about doing so. I guess it depends on how much a person's opinion weighs on you. If they are a beta reader and you are soliciting the feedback...you should probably pay attention.
ReplyDeleteMorning Michael, I listen closely when a writer offers suggestions. L is only a casual reader and missed most of my themes. I wondered if someone who is not an avid reader could get through a "friend's book" and she did in a few days, which is fast considering she's a busy mom and all that entails. In that respect, the book passed.
DeleteI'm a HEA kind of gal. I want to walk away from the book feeling more emotionally fulfilled than when I started. The book I just finished was a HEA someday kind of read and I was bummed. Yes, I'll still give it a high ranking because it was a great book, but I'm not sure if I'd want to read the next one. Well, unless I was guaranteed a HEA. :) Okay, as a writer, I feel completely different. There are times where the ending feels forced and I have to alter to a sort of HEA. Go figure. Two hats, two different outcomes. Is it bad my own book would make me mad. LOL
ReplyDeleteGood morning Ciara, Your own book makes you made? lol As the writer, you knew where your story had to leave off. The HEA ending you love didn't fit. That was my point to L. She understood. I may have to write an ending just for her!
DeleteI like a HEA but only if the MC deserves it. Like is really put through total hell before the end. My stories end sort of upbeat but definitely not all wrapped up with a bow. I want the reader to wonder. And no , I would not change a story just to satisfy a reader unless I agreed with the point made.
ReplyDeleteHey Marsha, I hope you're feeling better.
DeleteMy MC deserves to be happiness. She made a selfless sacrifice and wound up hurt, but she learned a valuable lesson. She'll take what she has learned on her new adventures. She's growing.
No, I haven't changed to accommodate a reader. Nevertheless, I did make changes according to what was needed to make the best story. Example: I asked my teen beta reader what she had no interest in while reading the manuscript for Book 2 in my YA series. She chose a chapter that involved lots of dialogue between some secondary characters. I rather liked the chapter. Then my editor said it was slow in that section of the story, and I'd need to cut some slow scenes. So, I ended up cutting two chapters that included the one my beta didn't care for in the story. To address your particular situation, I think your story will be better if you stay true to the characters and what you think should happen in the end.
ReplyDeleteHi Brinda, When I tried changing it in the second book, it felt wrong. My MC may be a little pissed at me, but she'll be happy eventually. She's a survivor.
DeleteIf you've given your manuscript to someone you respect of course it's important to listen to their thoughts, but I think you made the right decision here. You shouldn't make any changes that will compromise your vision!
ReplyDeleteHiya Emily, thanks for stopping by. I respect her opinions and I almost agreed with them, but I believe I made the right choice. :)
DeleteSadly, I have changed things to accommodate a reader before. But I learned from the experience and don't do such things anymore. I do, however, listen to the readers I send my work to for feedback. I listen, take their feedback into careful consideration, and then proceed from there. Sometimes I change stuff. Sometimes I refuse. Whatever is best for the story! The key is knowing what is best for the story. :)
ReplyDeleteI am happy you are keeping the end the way you first envisioned.
Hi Michelle, My ending has to stay the way it is. L wanted Charles and Cathryn to "hook up" at the end, which, of course, reduces Cathryn big sacrifice to a mere inconvenience.
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