Ask SD Tracy Harper #11
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Q: SD, Who makes a
better Villain, men or women?
A: Oh, thanks for an easy
one partner! I would haphazard to say
that it depends on three things.
One, are we
talking about a clean hero vs. villain, or any shades of gray in-between (see
Friday Caffeine #5). If lines are blurred then go with a guy. Simple evil is a
guy thing because women are more complicated even when they are being direct.
Two, is the
villain a villain for a cause? This is a hard one because women are more
nesting and protecting to keep things together internally where men wish to
protect what they have from the outside world.
Three, revenge.
This is a staple for the woman villain and much harder to pull off with men.
Here’s the reason why before you light that stick of dynamite. Most male
villains who want revenge will sacrifice themselves to obtain it where women
villains wish to destroy you to help you understand you had pissed them off and
you will take her anger with you for the rest of your life. Oh, they may kill a
few thousand people to teach you that lesson, but what’s a good bad woman are
for? So, enjoy making the best bad guy your readers will love to hate. SD
Q: SD, Why in some
book series the final books ends with a cliffhanger and yet others don’t?
A: Some authors take
the expression to the always leave them wanting more to literal. Some have to
end it that way because their contract has come to an end and they have more to
give with their next contract. Some are using the end as a jump off point for
the next series. And, some just want the attention by causing some controversy.
I know this is a short answer, but
sometimes they are… OK. SD
Q: SD, Is a book’s
cover really important? Some books have great covers, but are (word change) not
very good.
A: Before you become
rich and famous, the book’s cover is the only thing that gains your attention.
Sorry to say that, but it’s the truth. This may sound like a shameless plug (it
is a shameless plug), but look at Friday’s Caffeine #6- Honor Among Thieves.
Other than starting a grassroots following (word of mouth or social media) all
on your own, there are advertisement firms out there who will promote you as
hard as they possibly can, according to the amount of money you give them.
The down side to
this is that there are very talented authors and composers who are left in the
shadows because of these enormous behemoths banging their gongs and throwing
out their Pretty, Pretty, Shiny, Shiny. The up side to this is that they will
have a talented infrastructure (in some cases) to polish that (t%#d) work to
the best it could possibly be. The best suggestion I can give you is to pay
close attention to what people like and don’t like, and ask questions. Most people
(book readers) will give you their honest opinion. Oh, but watch out if you tell them that you
are writing a book. You may get more then you expect. I hope this answer your
question. SD
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