Jul 09 2009
Never Disappoint Readers - A Writer’s Number One Mistake
I think that the absolute worst mistake a writer can make is to disappoint their readers. I just finished a book, Trace (Berkley Books, 2004), by Patricia Cornwell, whose writing I have enjoyed in the past. In this case, however, she built up a great story line with her protagonist Kay Scarpetta and crew that was sadly disappointing. I was really getting into it, not wanting to put the book down, because I wanted to see what happened next. It really felt as if it were building up into one heck of a climax. Then, she ended it simply and suddenly; no big action scene where our heroes prevail; no surprise twist at the end; just “That’s all folks” and nothing more. It felt like a slap in the face. I didn’t understand how it could just be over, but it was. There was no more
As I said, I’ve enjoyed Cornwell’s writing in the past, so I’m not sure what happened with this story, but it made me realize what a big mistake it is to disappoint your readers in such a manner. I really felt cheated, and because of this, I will think twice before picking up another one of her books. I don’t know how many others felt the same let down that I did, but I would imagine there are many, and that could really hurt future sales. It won’t effect the sales of this book, which has already been purchased, but it will be remembered the next time readers come across one of her books while making a reading selection. I know the next time that I come across one of her books, I won’t be so eager to read it and chances are that I will pick something else for my reading pleasure.
My advice is to be sure that when you dangle a piece of cheese (story buildup) in front of your readers, you make darn certain that they get that cheese in the end. In other words, make sure that your story delivers what is promises (or at least something just as good or better, because surprise twists can be very satisfying, as well). If your story line leads up to how dangerous your antagonist is, indicating that somewhere down the line, the protagonist will come up against him and the threat of danger will be constantly present, then don’t suddenly have them meet and send the antagonist off to jail with ease, with the protagonist never facing any real risk. Doing this, makes it seem as if the writer just couldn’t figure out a good ending and so, slapped everything neatly together in the simplest way possible; wrapping things up neatly and tying them with a bow. I strongly suggest that if your story seems to come to an abrupt ending, with no real climax, that you go back and edit it heavily and wait to submit it anywhere until you’ve come up with a more exciting ending; one that your readers will be . I dislike revision as much as any writer, but I think that to take the time to fine tune a piece, is usually worth the time and effort put into it, and it will pay off in the long run, when your work begins to sell.
Angels Among Us
Angels with flitty, fluttery wings
Place their harps and strike their strings,
Reclining on clouds throughout the year,
Singing songs that only the blessed can hear.
You don’t hear the music? Open up your heart
Hear with your soul as angels do their part.
The common man will not hear a word.
I know what I say must seem absurd.
The emanating light is truly divine;
Only the totally pure of heart can shine.
The last that we talked, you had so much to say
That you needed an angel to be sent your way.
The angels can help you, if you are sincere.
They’ll pass down life lessons and create good cheer.
The trouble with angels is that they are never around
When we truly need help getting off the ground.
They may lift your spirits for a short while
Or tickle your funny bone, making you smile,
But do they change anything that is making us blue?
I think God left that up to me and you.
Copyright ©2009 Kaye Lynne Booth
I think that the Kay Scarpetta character is done and dusted. I tried to read her most recent works and struggled. Why? Because Cornwell always uses the same formula and it’s tedious. Maybe the author feels the same way, but is tied to a publishing contract to produce a certain number of novels.
This is true of other authors. I have read interviews with other authors that were tied in with contracts, e.g. Colleen McCullough with the Rome series of novels. McCullough was quoted in an interview to say that she was effectively relieved that she didn’t have to write any more Rome themed novels and could write about what she wanted to write for years - detective/mystery novels.
The publisher’s expectation sometimes overrides the authors, and in this case, it’s not a matter of Cornwell resubmitting work as you mention, because the novel has already been published, meaning that it was approved by the publisher. Anyway, I doubt that anyone is in the position to give Patricia Cornwell advice.