Is it wrong to hope that football conflicts with my boys basketball, because I hate that sport so much. Had to change this around. I love basketball, hate football.
Is it wrong to feel old, because I want to put a jacket and boots on when I go outside in the cold.
Is it wrong that when the subject of the end of the world comes up all I can think is; I hope I get my book published before that happens.
Is it wrong to change my word choice instead of figuring out how to spell a different word.
Is it wrong to eat a lot of chocolate, because I can't get past chapter eight.
Is it wrong to change an element of your book, because you heard that some publishing people in the industry consider it be one of their pet peeves. (Actually I really could use an opinion on this one)
14 comments:
You know, I'm going through that right now. I have this feeling of obligation to change an element of my book based on crit feedback, which was based on industry opinions, and it isn't feeling right to me. It changes who my characters are what they are all about. I don't think I can do it. I look forward to reading what others have to say.
It's nice to see I'm not alone. I'm really not sure what to do. I've tried deleting the element. I've tried changing it. Nothing seems to be working, so I might just leave it.
You know what? I say leave it. You wrote it like that for a reason. Does it work with the book? Are you happy with it? Have all betas said "WTF were you THINKING delete immediately?" And what if they did? In the end, it's what works for the book. I have faith in your ability to write it.
:-)
And no, none of that is wrong. I'm such a freakin' enabler. :-)
I think it's wrong to change something if the ONLY reason you are changing it is because publishing people say it's their pet peeve. If, however, you also feel like the element is not quite right then I think it's okay. I don't think it's ever a good idea to change something you like because of what someone else thinks.
I think the same thing when the end of the world topic comes up. Funny.
Change things in your book only if you feel strongly about the change strengthening your book. If you don't then don't. It's your book.
Now, on the other hand, if every reader makes the same suggestion and you disagree...
Take another deep look at your writing.
Just keep praying Patti. I change a lot, the important thing for me to remember is to make sure I am in the will of God.
If He says it, that settles it.
P.S. I do that too when I can't spell a word!
Some of these...so funny! All of them...so true!!
I agree with everyone about changing it. A few people do not a publishing industry make, and even those would make exceptions if it works well.
I faced the same dilemma with my novel: I wrote it in first person present, and I read a lot of agents saying they didn't want that, or hated it, or wouldn't read another submission like it. And one said she'd consider repping it if I changed it to 3rd.
I didn't. And I stick by my choice. And it turned out not every agent and publisher felt the same way.
Thanks guys. I've really struggled with this, You want to give yourself every opportunity to succeed, but I think I might just leave it alone.
I've considered all of those same things.
I'd say leave it alone. If beta readers flag it as something that needs fixing, then you can worry about it.
Perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't change something because one industry professional says it's a pet peeve of theirs. There's a thousand others out there that won't be bothered by it, so I focus on that instead.
And if your story is strong enough, they just might not notice it anyway :)
You don't like basketball?? You're lucky I already have a nemesis. :) And that thing about the end of the world, I'm laughing so hard because I always think that. So it must not be wrong. As far as changing the element in the book, it might be a good thing. Because most of the things publishing people state as their pet peeves are things that are overdone or cliche. So, it is good to have something fresh.
Lois: It's funny how we all worry about the same things.
Dara: thanks for the advice.
Kasie: I totally worded that wrong, I love basketball and hate football, but having that nemesis position is mighty tempting.
LOL, I have changed my word choice due to my poor spelling issues. And as for the publishing house wants, as long as it doesn't compromise what you're beliefs are and what you want your story to convey, then I say listen to the professionals.
Wow, this post made me think!
Patti, write what's in your heart. YOUR HEART. That's all I can say.
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