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Q: SD, what makes
you an expert that you can give advice?
A: First let me say
in all honesty, “There Is No Such Thing As An Expert!”, but there is a crap
load of people who say they have the secret to become a successful author and
would be more than happy to take your money to tell you how to do it. As I had
previously written of what I had read by a very direct author/writer on Twitter;
“If something is for free and they wants your E-Mail Address then it’s not
free, it’s advertisement.” (See Ask SD-18) Oh, you can receive a Doctorate in
Literature, but will that make you an author or even better, a writer?
This is not to
say you shouldn’t receive any instructions even if it is self-taught. I myself
had taken several writing and writers’ courses in high school, college and
while I served in the U.S. Air Force in Europe, Asia, and the United States through
several colleges and universities where I was stationed. My point is that you
can get the finest degree in all forms of the written word, but are unable to
persuade, inspire, or entertain a rock. Your grammar, context, and structure
could be flawless, but would only capture the attention of those who live to
pick and probe (trolling) to demean, destroy, or feed the ego inside of them
that will never be satisfied. Then comes along some person who has an idea one
day and decides to write it down and put it in a shoebox (Yes Shameless Plug).
Soon other ideas
come to mind to join the first one. After a while this person wakes up one day
with nothing to do, and have an idea that it might be a good idea to look at…
their ideas. They publish a book and it has numerous flaws, it even hadn’t
followed the standard structure for a book layout, and it even has a goofy
cover (but applicable). However, it is the best thing, the funniest thing, and
the most talked about thing being purchased all around the world. I’m quite
sure somewhere there is an author who had received an award and thanked his
college, professors, and their study group. As for me, I’ll rather thank all of
you. SD
Q: SD, what are your
thoughts on attributes an author should have? There are so many people who have
their listing. I was wondering, what are yours?
A: Oh, why don’t you hit me with an easy one (chuckle). I’m
sure I may have to expand on this one in an upcoming Reason & Reality, but
here we go. I look at authors (myself included) as those who should have one
attribute above most. At the top of my
list is that an author should possess both sides of the same coin within them. Many
might say that this attribute is confusing, but actually it’s not.
If you like
writing love stories, epic fantasy novels, or even Sci-Fi action, adventure,
drama, and comedies, in order for anyone (including yours truly) the desire to root
for the characters to fall in love, save the day, or any particular acceptable
ending, something has to suck the reader into that world. There has to be a
winner or loser, the good and the bad, failure and success, defeat and triumph,
and of course, a bit of sadness to let the joy shine brightly. I call this the
60-20-8-2 rule. Sixty percent of the story is the story. Twenty five percent of
the story is character development. Eight percent is the disappointment, anger,
and the bad guy/girl is winning. And, the last two percent is the happy ending
(even if the good guy/girl loses). Yes, sometimes a sacrifice is a happy ending
all of its own. SD
Q: SD, I had an idea
for a story, but as I started gathering background information I found myself
no longer seeing the story as I had imagined it. I’ve realized that as I dig
deeper into my search to be accurate and authentic the less the story is how I
had envisioned and more towards someone else interpretation. Is this a good
thing or bad thing?
A: I believe the people at the Guinness Book of World
Records should list those four words under the most dangerous used by anyone
who creates. “I have (had) an Idea!” There are always two rules of
thought in this matter and I’m throwing both of them out. If you want to know
they are nonfiction and autobiographical. From what I had read in your full
question, you wanted to be authentic in your descriptions and yet remain true
to your idea. First you have to ask yourself, how much is too much information?
Secondly, how will this accurate information I'd gathered change the course of
my story? Third and finally, will this authenticity information enhance or distract
from the heart and soul of my story? One other thing that might help in your
decision making and help you remain focused. As soon as you feel it is no
longer fun, back-off the homework and get back to work having fun writing! SD
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