Ask SD Tracy Harper #20All 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, This may be
off subject, but can the hero loose and the story still be likeable?
A: Let’s start this off on the right foot. Anonymous, there
are no questions that are off subject as long as it helps you as a good story
teller become a better story teller.
There are many
comics, books, movies, and TV Series where the hero or lead character isn’t
successful at the end. Most of the stories I’ve experienced were old classics,
foreign films, and Live Action shows based on Japanese Anime (cartoons) and
comic books. The most notable example of this is the 2011 Japanese movie Gant.
It was based on a manga (comic book) series of the same name by Hiroya Oku. The
first and second movie made over 7.5 Billion Yen (7.3 Million US) in movie
sales without listing the manga sales. Sometimes the lead characters (heroes)
don’t necessarily has to loose directly, but they not receiving the prize,
reward, or the girl/guy at the end, could also be considered loosing.
The 1994 movie classic
‘Forrest Gump” is a perfect example of this where a story’s lead character had
all these wonderful adventures, but his happily ever after never came. Let’s
not even begin the thought process and character base for the 1982 movie “The
World According to Garp!” I’ll end this by saying that it really doesn’t matter
if a story end in disappointment. What is most important is that a good story
is just a good story, but a story that cause a reader or viewer a life long
emotional attachment is a great story. It’s been several years now, but the
line “They shot Old Yeller” (if you had ever seen the 1957 Walt Disney classic movie
of the same name), will always have an emotional connection to the person who experienced
this… tragedy. Just because the hero in your story loses, it doesn’t mean your
story isn’t a winner. I hope this helps SD.
Q: SD, I sent in a manuscript
(to a publisher) and it was accepted and they wish to talk about a contract. Should
I speak with a lawyer?
A: First, I would like to say congratulations! To answer
your question, it is yes. If you don’t know a lawyer or have any experience
dealing with lawyers, that’s a whole different subject. What I can say, is to
do your homework well. My opinion is just that, my opinion (shameless
disclaimer). Your need for legal protection is literary and a form of
entertainment. You may wish to start looking through the listing for
entertainment attorneys. Don’t be afraid to ask who they represent, how long
they worked in this field, do they work in all aspects of entertainment or just
a few, and have they ever won a judgment against any dispute between their
clients and those they had a contract? Depending on the type of contract
offered, some attorneys may suggest you hire an agent. Once again, do your
homework and insure (the publishing company) knows from you directly that you
are grateful for the opportunity they are giving you, but you need outside help
to understand the bases of this new partnership. I call all those involved during
this process The Big Three. The Publisher, the lawyer, and the agent.
Unfortunately, you are now the stick of candy in the middle they all wish a
piece. Stay away from long contracts from The Big Three until a comfortable
relationship is born and always have a backup plan to protect yourself. It’s
funny how a question can spark a memory.
There was a 1986 documentary featuring Sting
(from the band called The Police) named “Bring on the Night.” In this feature,
Sting’s manager was having a conversation with those he truly wanted to work
with on his new music project. While in the middle of the discussion on compensation,
one of the musicians asked Sting’s manager how much money was on the table? The
manager responded heatedly; “This isn’t your table, its Sting’s table!” I was a
little put out with the comment, and yet the man was correct. Remember, this is
your table. Keep it clean, keep it organized, but always remember to keep it
yours. I hope this helps. SD
Q: SD, I’m not big
on going back to school to learn how to write (a suggestion from a friend). Is there
another way to work on the skills to become a good author?
A: I’m guessing your friend is speaking about a writing or
writers’ course. I must agree they should be the first asset you should look into
utilize if the expense isn’t too much of a burden. However, even if you obtain
high marks during your formal studies, it doesn’t guarantee you will become a good
story teller or successful Author. Now, don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. Your
work will be grammatically correct, but the overall content is where there may
be a problem. The words I want to stress are may be. There are other alternatives
that are also helpful. I’ve mentioned writers’ groups, websites and blogs with
helpful hints and tips, and even some YouTube channels with wonderful people
giving of themselves freely to help. If they have written a book, it would be
nice to show your support. I had learned much from many, and they all told me one
thing that is quite similar. One of the best ways to get better at anything is
to work with or get feedback from someone who’s more skilled and knowledgeable
than you are. Just remember to pass back to those where you were and be grateful
to those who are where you wish to be. I hope this helps SD
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