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Q: SD, Is it better
to have cliffhangers when writing a series or end each book?
A: You can’t go
wrong either way, if you have a compelling main story line. However, in my
opinion (Disclaimer & SD Spoiler Alert) it is always satisfying to a reader
that there are a few sub-plots that are brought to an end. They don’t have to
be a good ending, but an ending never the less. Cliffhangers are wonderful, but
may cause heartache with some of your readers and shy them away from the next
installment or cause you a rapid fan base that will hound you to no end of
tomorrow for the next installment. On the flip side of this conversation are
those installments that can stand on their own and if they are read out of
order may entice the reader to get their hands on the first book and work their
way to where they had started. One of my favorite authors (not picking a number
one) is L.E. Modesitt Jr. and his Saga of Recluse Series. His books are far
from being in chronological order and the time line is nuts without the ice cream,
whip cream, and the cherry on top. Then there is the Dragon Lance Series of
books from Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman. In these books that were adapted
from the world of Dungeons & Dragons board game is where you learn more
about each characters and what make them who they are through flashbacks that
could’ve been books of their own. I was never a big fan of the different
incarnations of the work when it was adapted for the TV or movies, but the
books by Weis & Hickman makes for a fun read. Whichever road you choose,
consider which one you will enjoy traveling because you aren’t taking this
journey on your own; you are taking your readers with you.
Q: SD, I wrote a
villain that all my readers hate with a passion, but they want more of them
than the hero. Do you have any suggestion?
A: Congratulations, go with the flow, write a greater need
for the hero to win, and stop whining. Well, you’d asked my opinion and there
it is. If you have a villain that is that compelling, why fight it. Anti-heroes
are the spicy seasoning on that bland and dry meat course on your table. You
can’t have a happy ending unless the hero goes through hell and back so your
reader has something or someone to cheer on to do their best and not give up.
When you have a fantastic villain, they bring out all those little naughty
things that give us the Heebie-jeebies and cause us to turn on our Nightlights.
They are also the ones who are full of clever catch phrases, diabolical plans
that would change the world, and are completely oblivious to the personal harm
they are causing to others (including those who are his minions). I hate to
break this to you, but a hero is a dime a dozen, but a compelling villain is
gold!
Q: SD, I’m trying to
write a story with very little sex and violence, but I’m having trouble. Suggestions?
A: Why stop yourself at all. Sit down, get yourself
prepared to write and let go. No matter what anyone says (myself included) that
there are tips and techniques that can help you get back into the groove when
you stop the flow of your work from coming forward. Once again, I will bring up
Ernest Hemingway who said; “The first draft of anything is shit.” Once you are
done with your masterpiece, then you can go back and downgrade the gratuitous
violence and rapid sexual escapades for something a bit more slap and tickle
you naughty little girl.
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