I guess the answer would appear obvious. I for one would rather get lost in a captivating new fictional realm, where I cannot put the book down no matter what is happening around me. My own writing gets pushed to the side, but I always always end up feeling more rejuvenated to write my best. Reading a fantastic book inspires me to write my own work and be considered at the same level of these authors.
Now, a bad book is a different story. Seeing the success of a bad book sparks a different sort of fire underneath me. If books about certain phases of the moon and arrays of color get massive success, why can't I? Let me show my worth and show how much better a relationship between two compatible detectives can be instead of an abusive stalker and his helpless victim?
Likewise, I tell myself that the characters and their actions should inspire readers to better themselves. I want Esther and Scarlet to show women it's possible to live out your own dreams when all of society is tell you to stop and go back to your knitting. I want Colby and Bryan to show it's possible to overcome countless obstacles from your past and find the place where you belong. I do not want my characters to make readers think it's a wonderful idea to find someone to control their life for them and to grovel to another's wishes.
While I know these books are a phase and we won't hear about them after a while, the time spent hearing all their praises eats at me. I'm not denying there is some jealousy. These authors have sold millions and I haven't. But the sheer mass hysteria of fans troubles me even more. People really enjoy it when a boyfriend strips the girl of all agency and blames her for all the issues? This lack of respect and manipulation is what people call romantic now? I'm not even talking about the poor writing and grammar yet!
The world has enough insanity every day. We shouldn't encourage people to seek out the dangerous kind. We should be showing them something better.
To avoid spoilers, I'll keep this example vague...When I was editing one of my novels, the male lead started to get overly aggressive in his romantic endeavors. As soon as I read it I rewrote the scene so the female sticks to what she wants and the male then backs down. He is at first offended, but he isn't portrayed as a saint for pursuing her in that manner. Instead, I try to show how much of a, for lack of a better term at the moment, butt head he was being and he then learns to respect her and her wishes. Is it really that hard for people to actually do that?
In conclusion...I want my writing to spark something positive in my readers. I want these stories to matter.
No comments:
Post a Comment