Should I pander or stay true to my vision as an artist? This may sound trite or even, well, uppity, but, honestly, it is a struggle for anyone trying to make a living in any artistic field. I spent many hours pondering it with my photography, with the magazine, and now with my writing. What do I mean, you ask?
Recently, I wrote about removing swear words from my Poppy books. I stick with that decision, they simply aren’t necessary (though I did get an interesting compliment for not holding back, but anyway…) and that one item seems to be an interesting deterrent to many readers. I liked the story and particularly the character with them, but I’m fine with them removed.
But I’m now pondering other advice out there, parameters of genre. (Of course, I’m struggling to place my story within one definitive genre. Now that I say it, maybe that’s the problem. Hm.) For example, my female protagonist in a crime fiction suspense thriller action adventure (whatever you want to label it, I’m still working on it) absolutely, never ever, EVER, is allowed to cry. Really? Never? Okay, I get that no one wants to read about a wimpy woman who bursts into tears when she breaks a fingernail, or gets stuck on the subway, or her boyfriend breaks up with her. So noted. (No need to note. I couldn’t stand her myself.) But one of the main things I wanted to explore with Poppy (**SPOILER ALERT**) was how someone who is so passionate about animals that she’s made saving them her life’s work would react when coming face-to-face with the horror of abuse and neglect. How would she act the part undercover of an uncaring, brutal wildlife trafficker under that pressure? That first time, completely unprepared for the power of her own feelings, what would happen?
Frankly, I like that Poppy is that vulnerable, that passionate that she can’t hold it together. She’s not yet jaded, pessimistic, or numb. All her fire and passion is alive and raging. That’s what I love most about her. And I’m betting my readers will too.
I suppose I’ve answered my own question. Do I comply? H-E-double-hockey-sticks NO.
What do you think?
I love that Poppy shows a slightly softer side. I think it makes her very real. And I thought the swearing was very relatable as well — because I sort of have a potty mouth myself. 😉
Art has no rules – that’s why both the artist and the consumer turn to art in the first place,. Genres are simply categorizations for potential readers to organize shopping lists to select books – the story and the writing are what makes a book memorable. If your character needs to cry, let her cry.
Thanks, Dave, for your feedback. I can’t imagine this scenario without her having an emotional reaction.
Art has no rules – that’s why both the artist and the consumer turn to art in the first place,. Genres are simply categorizations for potential readers to organize shopping lists to select books – the story and the writing are what makes a book memorable. If your character needs to cry, let her cry.
I think it would make Poppy LESS human if she didn’t cry! Even police officers and long time animal rescuers have situations that are so bad they cry (or at least WANT to!) it is OK for Poppy’s soft spot & heart to show through!
I think so too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes, she is real!