+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Non Fiction, Science Fiction, Writing

Character Loss vs. Reality

by Unknown's avatar

This happens to everyone at some point. Either we meet the girl of our dreams… only to find out after pouring our hearts out to that person that they’re already engaged to be married! 😡
We see some treasured item that we really want, but can’t afford it, etc.

The worst is when we find out that we could have had that something or someone had we done one or two things differently and that is a pretty serious sting. So how do we make our characters deal with it?

Well if you write fantasy, like me, that’s easy. MAGIC!!!
Seriously, magic has been a way out and it’s been used way to often. Now for those of you who have read my stories, yes I’m aware that I’m being a bit of a hypocrite right now because I’m guilty of doing the same thing, but at least when I did it, it was in furtherance of the plot. The method I chose came with severe consequences, so it balanced out.
Yes, magic solves all problems, be it bringing a loved one back from the dead with necromancy, using a Love Potion on someone… despite the famously dangerous risks that come with it, or just use creation magic to make the characters wildest dreams come true.

But what if we don’t want to do that? What if we’re suddenly faced with making a character suffer through the knowledge that they’ll never have what they want, no matter how close they get. What do we do then? How do we make a character deal with it?

Well to be honest, I’ve seen many potential ways and there are several to choose from that people would actually do in real life under the right set of circumstances. I’ll provide a few examples. Just choose wisely…

1. Move on: The character accepts what they’ll never have, they move on, find other people and things to fill the void and forget about the notion all together. Easier said than done, right? Well maybe, but it’s usually the one with the best outcome.

2. Slink off into the sunset, never to be seen again: I’m not going to lie, this is one way that I actually love. It’s a great way to give a character the ‘Unsung Hero’ persona. We all know the one; he’s the person who fights the most, the guy who works the hardest and is responsible for saving everyone, but in the end, does not get the girl or any reward. Instead, he stands there off to the side and watches as the people he helped cherish the end of their adventure before turning and walking quietly out of the picture.

3. Suicide: Okay, honestly, I’ve seen this one used too many times. It’s an easy way out and often, the cost of life is kind of a little extreme, but if it’s the way you want to go, maybe if the character is sacrificing themselves for a better cause, it’s one thing, but just dying from sorrow wouldn’t cut it.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Non Fiction, Reading, Science Fiction, Writing

Author’s Advice Pt. 17

by Unknown's avatar

Writers, Sequel Bait is a very dangerous move to make, especially if you’re going to end on a down note. I’ve seen many good stories that didn’t fare too well on the market end with all their loose ends untied in anticipation of a sequel. I’ve seen it in movies too.

Now, I understand that you’re confident in your writing and you want a good setup for your next book, and that’s fine… but just know that there is a lot of risk and if you’re book doesn’t do well, an open ending is not going to improve things. It’s actually going to anger many readers or make them anxious.

This is a lesson that I learned very quickly with Magnifica: Tears of the Fallen. I left the ending wide open and got a LOT of angry emails for it. Thankfully, I never intended on leaving it open for too long and by the time the angry emails started, I was already submitting my final draft of Magnifica: Gravestalker for approval, so my readers did not have to wait long to be satiated.

So I’m not saying don’t do it. If you have a strong readership, then your book should be able to survive any onslaught of reader rage, just be sure you know what you’re getting into.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+ advice, Current events, Fiction, News, non-fiction, Politics, Reading, Writing

Opinion vs. Fact

by Unknown's avatar

So recently I’ve come across many blogs and other writings that are attempting to pass off their opinion as fact. Several different subjects have come up pertaining to politics, nutrition, etc.

In my writing, I feel it’s always important to distinguish between the two. If I’m sighting fact, I’ll give a source and say it’s a fact. If I’m giving an opinion, I’ll make sure that’s known (look back at some of my other posts). However I’ve seen too many times that people attempt to (either deliberately or unknowingly) pass off their own perceptions as fact. In books and stories, I’ve seen it as well.

Now, for the most part, if you point out that these people could be wrong, or just flat-out are, they’re happy to debate your points with their own. In many cases they either didn’t know, or were getting their info from a bad source, or didn’t mean to pass their opinion off as fact. So you’ll often get a polite thank you…

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. A growing trend these days are the graduates of ‘Google University’ who are extremely partisan in their beliefs and don’t want to hear that their facts aren’t always facts. With these people, the best advice I can give is to ask for their credentials or their source of info, if all they provide you with in return is childish insults, block you, or a long misogyny-laden string of nonsense, then move along. PLEASE. Don’t give these people attention, and they’ll go away.

To those of you who write opinion pieces or factual ones, please make sure your readers know what you’re going for. Cite sources for facts whenever you can, and make sure your sources are legit (Partisan blog postings from people who get their info from other partisan sites are NOT legitimate sources. Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN are not legitimate sources… most of the time. A simple YouTube search will prove that.)

Now take what I’m saying at face value. My blog is advice on the philosophies of writing, so there are no right or wrong answers for the most part. It’s really your own style, I’m just trying to relay the secrets of what success I’ve had in the hopes that it’ll help others. If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine, but don’t take what others tell you as fact. Do the research yourself. Check government websites, actual studies from universities, etc. It will take longer, but your facts will be less likely to be attacked and you’ll actually learn something. News agencies are usually second-hand sources.

The more people realize this and start doing the footwork themselves, the better off everyone is.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Non Fiction, Philosophy, Reading, Romance, Writing

The Tragic Romance

by Unknown's avatar

What is it about stories that don’t have a happy ending that we love so much?

Bad enough is the shock of a story that has an unexpected sad ending, but what of the ones that we already know aren’t going to end well? We know it’s going to be upsetting and even heartbreaking, so why do we bother to go see those movies or read those books?

Well to answer that, if you met someone absolutely amazing that you really connected with and then down the line found out that this particular person had a significant;y reduced life due to illness or other affliction… or you’re some kind of freaky seer that knows this person is going to meet an early end, what would you do?
Would you tell that person that it’s more than you can handle and walk away, or would you stick with them, make the most of what little time you have with that person and make their lives happy… as well as your own better for just knowing such an incredible person.

The initial knee jerk response would be of course the latter, though not everyone would. Many don’t want to endure that level of pain and do the best they can to prevent it. Thus walking away isn’t always something you can avoid, and if this is you, no problem. It’s a situation that no one should ever be thrust into. Though I would point out that you may regret such a decision later on, but it is what it is. I don’t judge.
That said, you probably wouldn’t understand the people who like the tragic romance.

However, if you are one of the people who would say yes, then you already know why people like the tragic romance. Think about it, you’re sticking with said person because, while the end will be painful, the road that leads there will (hopefully) be full of joy, adventure, and excitement, or at the very least, happiness. It’s that happiness and that road that will easily eclipse the tragedy at the end. Will it hurt? Oh yes, it’ll hurt, but not forever. Eventually the pain dulls and you’re left with the fond memories that you can always look back on and smile about. In the end, as time goes by, you’ve become better for knowing that person.

Well, to a much lesser extend, it’s the same with the tragic romance story or movie. Too often, the best stories are the ones that don’t end well. You may not be able to experience them more than once and no one could blame you for that, but what a ride that one experience was, huh? I think most people would say that, in the end, the trip was more than worth the ending.

One other point on the tragic romance, it also gives closure to many. In stories that end this way, there will almost always never be a sequel… unless you’re a superhero comic in which case you kill off a character to bring them back some point down the line. But I digress, often in those stories, this closure is needed, otherwise you could wind up with a sequel where the characters split up somewhere in between (Jurassic Park… lookin at you!!!)

When there is no happily ever after, there is no happily ever after to ruin. So honestly, those of us that enjoy the tragic romance, do so i think, because we’d like to believe that we’d be the second person in the question. We’re willing to make that trade, heartbreak at the end for a ride to remember along the way and I wouldn’t say that it’s a bad thing.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, Opinion, Reading, Science Fiction, Writing

Character Redemption

by Unknown's avatar

What does redemption mean in literature?

Well… for starters, what does redemption mean, period? The dictionary has two definitions:

re¡demp¡tion
rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/
noun
  1. 1.
    the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
    “God’s plans for the redemption of his world”
    synonyms: saving, freeing from sin, absolution

    “God’s redemption of his people”
  2. 2.
    the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.
    synonyms: retrieval, recovery, reclamation, repossession, returnMore

So what does this mean for the characters that we write? Is redemption turning good and working to undo the damage they’ve done? For an evil character to truly be redeemed, must they completely repair the damage that they’ve done? What if the character’s crime is too extreme for them to ever pay it back?

So to answer our original question, we must then also satisfy the question of whether or redemption is possible.

There are varying opinions on this. Some would say that a dark character, depending on the level of crime cannot be redeemed. Others might say that yes a character can be redeemed, but it would require a major act of goodness which usually means self-sacrifice to save another. Then there’s a small group that would argue that the self-sacrifice, while noble, would not solve the problem, nor would it redeem the character because it wouldn’t give them a chance to undo any of the damage they’ve done.

So is it possible for a character to redeem themselves. Well the answer is, simply put, that depends. Most people would say that a character who is responsible for the genocide of innocent people would be completely beyond redemption… that said, many of those same people would argue that characters like Darth Vader, responsible for the deaths many Jedi, including younglings, and the Dark Phoenix, who destroyed a solar system, rendering an entire species extinct, are able to be redeemed.
Think about it, those of us who read comics, how many of us were hoping the the X-Men would defeat the Shi’ar in defense of the Phoenix?

So perhaps in the end, you only have one or two answers:

1. If you have done enough to redeem yourself in the eyes of God (which I’m not saintly enough to speak to his requirements)

or (in most cases, if you don’t believe in God)

2. If you have done enough to redeem yourself in the eyes of the people you’ve hurt.

In these cases, redemption is in the eye of the beholder. So there is no really clear cut answer. In the end, it depends on you, the writer. Blasphemous as it might be, when it comes to the world you are creating, YOU are God and only you can decide if a character has, or can, do enough to redeem themselves.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, Help, homeless, Urban Fantasy, Writing

Heartbreaking…

by Unknown's avatar

So I recently saw a video online that shot me right through the heart, both as a parent and as someone who used to work with children like this…

When we see so many people homeless in the city, it’s easy to walk on by and do nothing. I myself have been guilty of it countless times. It wears on me because I know that I can’t help everyone. I donate what time and money I can, but even that is not enough.

I remember when I was younger though, I knew a woman who would have given the shirt off of her back for the asking. We were hanging out in Boston one day when she saw a homeless man on the street corner. It moved me so much that I eventually added it as part of one of my books. So I’ll share this excerpt with you all now as a reminder to remember those less fortunate and in serious need.

(From Magnifica: Tears of the Fallen, Chapter III)
974374_534668136633277_415762542_n
Lia’na smiled as they turned left out of Cheers. Toby and Lia’na walked up Beacon Street past several old brown stone buildings. They crossed River Street a moment later and were ready cross Beacon Street to get to the bike when Lia’na’s ears picked up a sad sound.

A decrepit old man was sitting in his own squalor on the corner. His clothes were tattered and filthy and it looked like the only thing of value he owned was his cane. Dirt covered his face, but Lia’na could still make out the pain in his eyes.

The man raised his hand and pleaded his case every time someone passed by, “Spare change for the homeless, please help us get something to eat?”

Lia’na stared at him for a moment. A look of sadness came over her and a tear formed in her right eye. Most of the people who walked by just ignored the man like they didn’t see him. Others crossed the street at another point to avoid dealing with him or even acknowledging that he existed. It was more than Lia’na could bear and it broke her heart.

Toby put his hand gently on her shoulder, “Come on, we should go.”

“No.” Lia’na replied in a stern voice, pushing his hand off.

Her eyes darted up and down the street for a moment. Toby wasn’t certain what she was looking for until her eyes caught a black and gold sign across Charles Street from where they were standing. It was a Starbucks and they appeared to be open.

Lia’na waited for the light to turn red and darted across the street before Toby could say anything. She disappeared inside the coffee house for a moment before reappearing with a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of juice. What is she doing? Toby thought to himself.

She came back across to the corner of Beacon and Charles Street and knelt down next to the old man, “Sir, piele take these.”

The man looked at the food for a moment before grabbing them from Lia’na’s hands. He tore open the sandwich and greedily began eating. Between bites he looked up at Lia’na, “Bless you child!”

Toby stood there watching for a few moments before fishing through his pockets until he wrapped his fingers around a five dollar bill. He pulled it out and knelt down next to Lia’na, “There are a couple of nearby shelters, use this to get to one of them and find yourself a warm place to sleep.”

The man looked at Toby for a moment before accepting the money, “I will, thank you.”

The man horded what little was left of the sandwich into his pocket and stood up. He didn’t speak another word as he took off down the street as fast as his legs would carry him. Lia’na watched for a few moments until the city engulfed him and he was no longer visible.

Toby put his hand on Lia’na’s shoulder once again. She turned to him, smiled, and nodded, “Lien ni, I know you went against your better judgment in doing that for me, but I’m glad you did.”

Toby nodded, “Well by the time I figured out what you were doing, I thought I might as well play along.”

Lia’na looked at Toby apologetically, “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t stand seeing that. Watching someone suffer like that… hurts, but we can go now.”

Toby nodded and led Lia’na across the street to the bike. The look of sadness on her face had been replaced with content. Toby really didn’t want to ruin that for her as he knew her intentions were good, but she needed to know what could have happened, “Lia’na, I know you meant well by what you did, but you may have put yourself in danger by helping that man. You don’t know if he was right in the head or armed. Also, what do you think he’s going to do with the $5 I gave him? Most likely he’ll go buy a nip of booze with it.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lia’na replied, “it was the right thing to do, and I can tell from your eyes that you agree with me.”

Toby shrugged, “Maybe…”

Lia’na smiled at Toby as they continued walking, “You know the city a lot better than I do, Toby, and maybe I can be a little naive, but I can’t stand seeing someone suffer like that. The sound of suffering and pain resonates like the sound of the forest, but unlike the forest, that sound is agonizing. If the price of doing the right thing is being deceived now and then… well then call me a fool.”

Toby smiled at her, “That’s why I love you. You have a kind heart, but next time will you tell me what you’re doing beforehand?”

Lia’na nodded, “It’s a deal, ta arshana.”

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+

+ fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Religion, Science Fiction

Damnation Q&A

by Unknown's avatar

So I know that this may be a little premature given that Damnation is beginning the process of editing, but given the level of interest, I thought I’d provide everyone a little bit of info as to exactly what Divinity’s sequel will entail.

Spoiler Alert for those who have not finished Divinity, read no further!!!

Q: What can we expect from Giovanni and Adalyn in the next adventure.

A: Not much. Their story is over. This story is set in the same reality, during the same time period and many of the plot points from Divinity will directly affect what happens in Damnation, but this is almost a totally new cast with new character development and new obstacles to overcome.

Q: What!? So you’re cutting out your main characters!?

A: Not cutting them out, some of them will make appearances, but it will only be one or two scenes in the story to help further the plot. They’ll pretty much be restricted to cameos.

Q: Your first story was named Divinity, and this one is Damnation… is that any indication of what the tone of the story will be?

A:  Pretty much. I intended for this story to be far darker than the original. This story is going to take you places the first one did not and it will definitely be outside of what people got used to with Divinity. I don’t want to give too much away, but many might not consider the ending a happy one. It will be left open to interpretation.

Q: Will you be using the same cover artist?

A: I hope so. I haven’t officially asked him yet because I don’t want him to start working until I can pay him, but when the time comes, I really would like to see what he comes up with.

Q: Can you give us anything on your main characters?

A: I really don’t want to give too much away, but here’s what I can say.
Main characters:
Piero is a Florentine Soldier during the War of the League of Cognac.
Xaphan was a soldier in the army of the Most High who defected to Lucifer’s forces. She became Lucifer’s general and led his armies against the Most High, fighting a stalemate war of attrition for countless ages.

Untitled

Q: Divinity featured historical characters, can we expect the same here?

A: To a significantly lesser extent, yes. It takes a lot to research the characters to try to ‘get them right.’ However, you will see appearances by Emperor Charles V, the Pope, and Captain Francesco Ferruccio. How and will remain secret for now though.

+

+ fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Religion, Writing

Divinity Sequel?

by Unknown's avatar

So I’ve gotten a few people asking about it. Honestly this is one of the few times people have actually asked me whether or not I’d be writing a sequel, so tickle me humble.

Thanks to everyone who bought, shared, and enjoyed my book! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it.

Well to put your questions to rest, yes there will absolutely be a sequel to Divinity. I’ve actually posted a few times describing how difficult it was to entertain the idea of writing one, but thankfully I’ve been slowly polishing one for a while that is now ready for review.

Synopsis:

“A soldier fighting a hopeless war, a broken angel torn between three worlds, and the fate of a nation hanging in the balance.
Piero Lorenzi was used to danger. He’d been a soldier since was old enough to handle a sword, but nothing could have prepared him for the journey to come. As the army helps to evacuate a city being overrun by revolutionaries, Piero happens upon a mysterious young woman lying unconscious in the remains of a destroyed building.

This woman holds a dark secret that will lead Piero to gates of Hell itself. Surrounded by enemies waiting in the shadows, he may be forced to make a choice between the nation he fought for his whole life and the one he loves the most.”

 

More updates to follow soon!

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+ advice, Author, fantasy, Fiction, Nonfiction, Writing

Author’s Advice Pt. 16

by Unknown's avatar

If you’re good at something, don’t do it for free!

Okay, let me start off by saying that I’m aware a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, and I am aware that there are exceptions to this rule. If you want to donate copies of your book to a local shelter, library, or even just throw a few sample copies in public places to get the word out, that’s fine. I do that every now and again.

My issue comes when I see people posting professional writing on here or when you publish on nook or kindle for free. Even if it’s just a hobby, you put in a lot of time and energy into that work that could have been donated to other endeavors. You deserve to be compensated for that even if said compensation isn’t much (your writing, it won’t be). If you think putting your book out for free is a good way to get your name out there and give yourself exposure, while giving the writers an idea of what your write, then post a chapter, or a direct quote from your book, but the entire thing?

I know a lot of authors who have tried to justify that by giving away a book, readers will buy a copy later or will buy the next book that comes out. Admittedly, I haven’t been in the writing circle that long, but I have been here long enough to know that this rarely works unless you have the devil’s own luck. People in this day and age like to cling to their money as if their lives depend on it. Why would they pay for a book when they can get another for free? They wouldn’t. Unless you somehow managed to develop a die-hard fan base, in most cases, they’ll just move on to the next freebie.

“Well it’s not about the money.”

That’s fine, I understand it’s not about the money, it’s not about the money for me either… I’d find a different talent if it was.
But what are you doing by giving it away? You’re devaluing your work for one. In writing circles, it often comes across as you don’t think you’re writing is good enough unless your giving it away. I’ve actually spoken to people about it and they actually believe that no one would read their work UNLESS it’s free. So now we’ve basically given writers an inferiority complex. If you don’t want the money, then put it to good use in some way other than profiting.

Think about it, do you see businesses giving away their products for free? Maybe one or two as a promotional gimmick in a contest, or as a bonus when you buy something else, but never just give it away. You’ll never go into a store and have someone hand you a full product for free. They may give you a sample, or offer you a discount, or even free with the purchase of (insert product), but they’ll never just hand it over to you.

Anyway, that’s all for this round, feel free to post a comment below if you disagree, I would actually like to hear differing opinions on this one and maybe even some success stories.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+ Uncategorized

Ahir, Guardian of Malor, Chapter 11: Ahir Arrested

by Unknown's avatar

redwallwarrior88's avatarTales of the Imagination

Tor’jahd swooped down and landed on Milton’s arm as he watched Ahir jogged toward him. Tor’jahd glared at Ahir. “What are you doing back so fast boy? Have you already slain those of my kin who came to your city?”

Ahir looked down at the sidewalk. “No, the portal closed before we could get to it.” Ahir looked up and met Milton’s gaze. “We need to work together so we can make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”

Milton grunted. “If the Aureus’Aevum want to leave on their own, I don’t see why that is a problem. As far as I am concerned, this means that we don’t have to see each other ever again.”

View original post 4,240 more words

+ advice, Author, Fairy Tale, fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Writing

All Things Must End

by Unknown's avatar

“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Zahir

How long can you continue a story before it has to come to an end? It’s a tough question to answer. Some end their stories when they run out of steam and tire of writing while others end when the story has completely run its course.

Unfortunately, there are those who try to force the story to continue long after it has run its course. Either due to monetary gain or because they simply can’t let the characters go. We see this today, mainly in movies, but also in some literature as well.

Perhaps the most classic version of a forced sequel was the Aeneid. It was a second sequel to the Iliad that, at least in my opinion, did not need to be written. So why then did it happen? Well for starters, this wasn’t written by the same person. The Iliad was Homer’s work while the Aeneid was that of Virgil. It was written during a time of major reforms in the Roman Empire and the poem was meant to reflect that.

So we have several reasons now for forced sequels, and we’ve seen what bad can happen when characters are called back into action from their happily ever after. (See my post about Sequels for more info.)

So when do you let a story end? Well that really depends on what type of story it is, how many characters your plan on introducing, over how long do you plan on introducing these characters, and how much do you plan on putting them through?

Let’s explore each of these, shall we?

First off, the type of story…

If you’re writing a story that’s meant to take place over the span of a few days to a few weeks of time and not proceed outside of that, then it may be best to let it end at that point. It tends to be considered bad form to push it further by creating yet another obstacle at the last-minute when every other loose end has been tied up.

In another instance if this is a story that’s meant to span several years and perhaps different lifetimes, you’re probably not going to have much trouble keeping it going for quite a while.

So when do you end it? Well the answer is simply, when it feels right to you. Once you feel that you’ve tied up all the loose ends and everything is right (or wrong) with the world, then you should have no problem ending it.

I would caution going back after the fact, however. Once everything is complete and all is as it should be, going back with new plot lines that you just thought up can be ill-advised.

If you are tempted to do this, ask yourself this first… Is it necessary to drag out the old characters whose plot lines are complete? Is it necessary to violate relationships that two minutes ago were solid? Would it not be better to create new characters in new walks of life and new stories to unfold rather than taking the easy route?

If you can answer these questions to your satisfaction and keep the storyline going, then go for it. If not, it might be time to start anew.

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

+

+ advice, fantasy, Fiction, literature, non-fiction, violence, Writing

How Far is Too Far?

by Unknown's avatar

“Hey, I’m curious… I’m starting a new story and I was wondering how far you can take things? Like do you have any opinion on how dark you make subjects? Would you write about murder, rape, torture, etc, and would you limit how much detail or what goes on? At what point does it go too far?”
-(Asked to remain anonymous)

Well reader, it really depends…

(I actually sat staring at the screen for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to write.)

I’m sorry reader… I’m afraid I can’t help you. I’m neither saintly nor scholarly enough to make the determination on what’s going too far, nor would I want the job if I were. Honestly, I’m not sure there is an answer. There really isn’t a rule for that.

Given today’s society and what modern literature is, it seems that the level of sadistic themes and neurotic narcissism throughout keeps getting pushed. As I said in a previous thread, being edgy sells. So if you want to write about someone being tortured and feel the need to drag your reader through every single cut, every drip of blood, every… well all power to you.

That said, there should be a few guidelines. Firstly, refer to topic on Writing Characters You Hate and make sure you’re being edgy for the right reasons. Second look at your target audience. If you’re going with the young adult readers, it’s probably advisable to stay away from anything too edgy.

After that, it really depends on you. In Magnifica wrote about racism and a character being tormented and nearly raped because of that character’s race, but my main character stepped in before it happened. I was willing to bring up and examine the topic, but I saw no need to take it any further. For you, perhaps violence will be a pathway to realism depending on what you’re writing about.

So that’s it. That’s really all I can say, your only limits are how far you’re willing to go and what your readers can stomach. The only piece of advice I can offer is that you ask yourself why. Why am I making this gory, violent, or sadistic? Is it necessary and will it make the story more captivating? If the answer is yes, then have at it. If not, then perhaps a little more thought to the makeup of the story is in order.

Anyway, I hope that was helpful and good luck on your endeavor. I hope to see it in print soon!

What does everyone else think? Should he limit himself, and if so, by what standard?

Readers,

Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free to post a comment or email me.
jimthewritingwizard@gmail.com
I’ll use those comments to select my next blog post.

I have been writing for several years, have 4 published works, experience with publishing and independent work, so I can hopefully be of assistance.
Please note, I only do one of these a day and will do my best to respond to everyone, but it may take some time.

Thanks friends!
Catch you on the flip side!

A WordPress.com Website.