Hey guys,
I was just wondering... how much is too much when it comes to writing dark fiction ?
Do you think that there would be a point where the reader would just put the book down, because the story is just too depressing ?
Or must you add some sort of relief for yourself and the reader ?
Can the whole story, from beginning to end be tragic ?
(sorry asking too many questions....)
That's exactly my point Emma! I totally agree with you.
Forbidden was one of the best books I've ever read! And one of the darkest!
Apparently Tabitha felt like giving up multiple times whilst writing it, but she had an amazing agent that pushed her to keep going.
Don't give up, Amanda! There will always be people who don't like certain genres! :)
Debbie x
This is one of those "How long is a piece of string?" questions. x
If the writing is good then Im not sure the reader needs a bit of light relief, sometimes you could keep them entirely enthralled by keeping it dark.
Trust yourself to make the decision Amanda, I'd bet it makes for a better story. x
Don't be afraid of the dark.
Yu say this is not the story you want to write, but is the one you are writing. Consider whether this is just a natural development or whether you are being derailed to an issue like not plotting enough. Figure that out, and it will help you move foreward.
I would probably just advise you write the story, dont worry too much, just get it all down. Then you can have a good critical reread and see if the dark is unrelenting/repetitive/moves story along ect.
It depends on what sort of dark you are dealing with. If, say, it was mental health issues then it could work very well to have the contrast of an upbeat character or situations to explore the effect of mental illness on the proag.
If you are dealing with a plot heavey narrative- the dark events are happening to the protag- then take a god look at the way your chara deals/struggles with these events, how they develop.
Also depends if you have a message or theme.
There is an audience for everything. If doubting do a bit of research re catharsis in media. :) But dont forget the story!
I like Maurice's points, but would counter that it doesnt have to be a positive ending. The ending should be what the story needs.
A Song of Sorrow (as the name implies) has very dark moments, themes of consent, gender expectations, the journey from innocence to experience. But there are also lighter moments, I'm all for nuance and contrast.