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questions are anonymous. If you know who is asking the question and wish to
leave a comment, please respect their rights to remain anonymous.
Q: SD, I wrote a murder mystery, but my friends all
thought it was a comedy. Do you have any suggestions on how I can change their
opinions?
A: My suggestion is DON’T! You may have heard these told to
you more times than you want, but each is true in more ways than one. Comedy
and tragedy are two sides of the same coin. Dark humor, maybe creepy,
disturbing, and sadistic, but it’s still humorous. And, my personal favorite.
It’s not funny until someone gets hurt. Sometimes we all set out with one
destination in mind and finds ourselves in a completely different freaking
location. Please don’t sweat the small stuff. Relish in the process of writing.
Escape from your day-to-day troubles in the story itself. And mostly, be joyful
that you have arrived at the end of your current journey because not everyone
can make it across the finish line. Your talent may in fact be in writing dark
comedies. I wouldn’t consider this an actual problem, but a happy mistake.
Mysteries are hard enough by themselves, but to add in murder and the twist and
turns that in telling a good sleight of hand who-done-it, can drive anyone to
laugh in the face of personal fear. Congratulations on completing your book and
capturing your friends' attention from the first word to the last. SD
Q: SD, I’ve been reading books all my life and
decided to write one myself. I like
romance novels and thinking about writing one. Do you have any advice?
A: First I would
like to congratulate you on deciding on taking the journey many people have.
However, secondly, you have my condolence because writing isn’t something
everyone can accomplish. Many have started on writing that perfect manuscript,
but few have ever written the words “The End.” Please make sure this is
something you are willing, not only, to do, but place a large piece of you out
for everyone to see. Trust me, writing is and will always be a personal thing.
Oh yes, there is a business aspect of it, but every person who has ever written
a word for others to read has had (in their hearts and minds) the fear of
rejection. But, I must admit and so will others, writing rewards you in more
ways than a paycheck. If you are doing it for the money, DON’T! However, if it
is deep within you a need to do this, PLEASE DO! (And here comes the shameless
plugs!)
Look over my
previous articles and Ask SD, join a writers group of people with the same
interest as you, and work tirelessly on your characters' development and your
storyline. Most importantly, just write because it’s fun. I hope this helps. SD
Q: SD, How many
hours should I devote to writing each day and when?
A: That is a personal preference. Some people have busy
schedules and can only write for a few minutes a day to get their ideas down
(ducks in a roll), and have to wait for the weekend to work fully. Some people
like to write early in the morning before their regular day gets started. The
quiet and calm helps them concentrate. Then there are others who like to write
at night. For them it’s a form of relaxing after a hard day. Unless you are
retired or independently wealthy, you will know when it is best for you to
write. Just beware of the writers’ curse. Yes, there is a writers’’ curse.
The writers'
curse is the same as people who work out. Just like a gym rat or runner
becoming addicted to the physical exertion and must participate no matter the
weather or their physical health (they have a cold). After writing for a while,
you will start having this great need to write each and every day for the rest
of your life. To prove my point without a shadow of doubt. It is not unheard of
noted authors (who are no longer with us) having their manuscripts or series
finished by other authors. One of my all-time favorite authors is the Late
Robert Jordan, RIP from a fan. You are irreplaceable. I hope this helps. SD
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