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Q: SD, is it easier
to write a book when you know how it is going to end?
A: The
short answer is no. However, some may say, how can you write a book without
knowing how it is going to end. Then you have others who say that if the reader
gives up before they get to the end then how is it important? Although, having
a clear understanding of how you wish your story to end has some importance, to
me it is more important to grab the reader’s attention, keep the reader’s
attention, and cause the reader’s attention to look for more of your work. The
old saying about not seeing the forest because of the tree should be clarified.
How can you see and enjoy your forest if all your attention was placed on a
single tree. See your book as an entire vibrant forest and not only a single perfect
tree. I hope this helps. SD
Q: SD, I had written
a character that is in most of my book, but I don’t remember why I created him.
Should I kill him off to save the trouble of backtracking and removing them?
A: This
isn’t an uncommon occurrence. Sometime we have characters that have a place and
a purpose when we think about a story. For me, I call them phantom characters. Unfortunately,
we spend an excessive amount of time writing story lines, plot twist, and developing
characters who the story circle around. However, we seldom think of writing a
character list detailing the who, what, where, and why. Who they are. What are
their purpose. Where do they appear in the story. And, why are they necessary
to the story. Try making a character list and sit it side by side with your
list of story lines and notes on plot twist. You will never have trouble with
phantom characters ever again. I hope this helps. SD
Q: SD, I wrote a
very funny passage in a book I’m writing, but not all my friends get the joke.
Am I doing something wrong?
A: No,
they just don’t know what funny is. Well, part of that is correct. There will
always be those who understand what you are trying to say and there are some
who will never understand no matter what you do or how you explain the
punchline. Comedy is the hardest art form to be successful. Tragedy is easy to
write. Triumph is even easier. But, to cause a person to smile is a hit or miss
proposition that will always exist. The best you can do is follow some basic
rules when it comes to comedy. These are just a few of mine that I have
learned. Your character’s embarrassment that cause you to feel embarrassed is
funny. Something bad happens because of a villain that there is no way to
prevent, and things turn out better than if the bad person didn’t interfere in
the first place. And finally, the big advice! Always write from the heart. By
writing what comes from your heart, you can never go wrong. Some will find your
thoughts funny and that is all that matter. For those who doesn’t, matter as
well, but not enough to change who you are. Just remember to change what you
can, understand what you can’t, and do your best so there are no regrets. I
hope this helps. SD
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