It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, founded by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
Today’s question: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?
In my first book, I had my morally grounded main character going further than she should’ve. My husband asked if I would let my pastor read it and I said probably not. So, I adjusted that scene and its ripple effect.
In my upcoming release, In Darkness: The Alien, part of the story line revolves around the main character being forced to marry against her will. My husband, the ever patient beta reader, was really angered by that and I wondered if I needed to change it. Fortunately, by the time he finished, he said no, it had a happy ending anyway and was an effective ploy to get the reader really involved in the story and caring about the character. So, that one stayed.
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The Bubba and Squirt series by Sherry Ellis continues!
Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones
Creepy Underground Catacombs!
Release date – January 16, 2023
Print ISBN 9781939844989 / eBook ISBN 9781939844996
Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena
A Greek Goddess and a Mythical Monster!
Release date – May 7, 2024
$8.95 6x9 trade paperback, 114 pages
Print ISBN 9798988625100 / eBook ISBN 9798988625117
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Tons of sci-fi reviewers out there. Most of them dudes. And even though this has a twist of paranormal to it, paranormal romance reviewers aren’t interested.
So if you review sci-fi/paranormal romance and would be interested in reading this 22,000 word novella (which comes out next February) please let me know.
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And just an overdose of cuteness (and possible hangover) today: 
Any conflicted scenes in your stories?
Any conflicted scenes in your stories?
36 comments:
If a writer can get emotional reactions to their story...I think that's a good thing.
Ah. The pastor part could be hard. That reminded me that once a story is out there, it's out there, for anyone to read (and judge!).
Sounds like your husband is a helpful reader.
You have a good beta reader. I am impressed with the idea of asking oneself if a particular reader would be okay with a scene/part. Will help resolve many doubts.
Sonia
Great covers for Sherry's books.
Would I let my pastor read it? Good test.
Your husband gives great advice.
There can never be too much cuteness in the world. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
That's great that your husband decided it was okay to have the woman marry against her will by the time he finished your manuscript. And congrats to Sherry on her upcoming book.
Beta readers are invaluable for helping us see potential issues in a story we might miss.
Adorable kitty!
I'll definitely make content changes to books, based on good editorial advice.
It's good that you have a strong "sounding board" at home. That's a great asset for a writer!
It's nice you have such a gracious husband. I know when I was conflicted and you said the scene should stay, I felt so much better. I trust your judgement and appreciate having you in my life. Happy IWSG Day, Diane!
It sounds like in both those cases you made the right move.
That last picture is too cute. Congrats to you and Sherry. Good on your hubby for Beta reading.
Congrats to Sherry! And I ♥ Star :)
It sounds like you know what readers you're targeting and what they want!
Grats on the releases!
Sometimes the bad thing needs to happen for the character's emotional growth. It sounds like you only had one thing you truly regret, but it's fixed.
Cute kitty!
I tend to trust my gut for those kinds of decisions - and a trusted critique buddy :)
I write with the awareness that my mom reads everything I write. Some of my flash fiction makes her raise her eyebrows, but anything that she'd find off-putting is probably out of line for the audience for my books, so that's not a bad check.
I've occasionally had scenes or moments I decided later weren't in the best of taste, or reinforced stereotypes, and have edited them.
Sounds like you adjust as needed.
And that cat pic! Perfection. :)
I have this weird disconnect between my characters and me. People have said--I can't believe you said that in the book and I'm like, I didn't say that. My character did.
But I do try to keep myself in check. I don't want St. Peter to smack me at the Pearly Gates.
A friend gave my priest one of my books. It's a christian fantasy, but has swears word in it. Oh well. I never asked him what he thought about it or even read it.
Love your kitty picture!
I am fully aware that I am not the only person that visits my blog and for that, I tone down the content in an attempt to avoid unneeded backlash. I'm fairly new to the group and hope this finds you well.
Great photo of the cat!
It's good to have someone you trust as a critique partner.
Hi Diane - love Lee's comment re your husband as a 'sounding board' ... you're fortunate. You've lots going and on ... and always have good advice for us. Cheers - Hilary
Id be willing to review for you.
Go, Sherry!
I would be too embarrassed to show a story of mine to my pastor that had a questionable scene in it.
From what your saying about your husband's reaction to it, it sounds like your story's doing its job! If it moves the reader emotionally, then it's working is what I believe.
I feel like that kitty today. Another day with Canadian smoke making it gloomy. Good luck with your upcoming releases.
I'm excited for you and Sherry! Those books look very fun.
Many continued successes to you both.
Virtual hugs.
Hi, Diane! Husbands can be very helpful in reading what we've written. Alex has also said that he wouldn't write anything his pastor might read. It's been fun reading about the conflicts authors have. I have to catch up with Sherry's books. She is such a good writer! Take care!
Thanks for stopping by blog. As long as you feel good about changes or keeping things it should all work out. I'd be happy to review your story for you.
Considering who might read one's work would make a difference to those of us who care about such things. I guess some writers wouldn't care who read something they had written no matter how bad it was. I'm not like that.
Lee
I’m jealous of your live-in beta! But that could be a two-edged sword sometimes... like brutal honesty =D
I live in a household of non-readers, but I do have many online friends I can turn to for reading—that feedback is a necessity!
Yay for Sherry! and for you!
I’d be up for reading for you if you still need some, but just know I’m a slow reader...
Tara Tyler Talks
Hi L. Diane!
LOVE the kitty pic! Made me smile. Congrats on all the new releases. I agree with Alex, Sherry's covers are great!
Good luck finding beta readers. Sadly, SCI FI is not a fav of mine.
Hello! I came here from the IWSG page! Just wanted to say hello and that I look forward to reading more of your writing. I write a blog which is available to read here: Find Meaning in Adversity
Thanks for the shout-outs for Bubba and Squirt! The covers are definitely awesome!
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