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....)
Susan, Jonathan and Maurice
Nice to know I'm not alone here.
I did write my autobiography (first draft) and like Maurice said, it was good therapy. For me that was all it was supposed to be. It cleared out the dark and let in the light.
If we keep literature all dark ... that is the world we will create for ourselves.
I had a similar experience when I started writing. My story was dark, and it had me under its control. I had no choice, but to write it.
For me, writing my story proved to be a good therapy. I needed to write what I was feeling and thinking. Once I had done this, my feelings and thoughts changed for the better, and so I believe did my writing.
To answer your questions:
I believe stories should be interesting. They should ebb and flow and the story should advance continually. By ebb and flow I mean, it can be dark, but there should be moments of happiness, and hope, and even when it appears nothing good is going to happen, the story should end on a lighter note.
So for me, too much dark does not achieve this and I would probably not want to keep reading it.
I would add, I had the same problem with a famous book which sold many copies. It was just too dark for me, and seemed to be going nowhere.
For me, I like interesting stories full of issues which I can relate to, and stories which advance continually. I like stories which show me how the the characters are thinking and feeling. I have to be able to empathize with the characters, especially the main character.
Best Wishes with your writing
Maurice.
I've got mixed feelings here.
For the most part I agree with Renee & Jonathan above because a book that leaves you with nothing but misery has only served to add to the burden of gloom and negative thinking that undermines humanity. But, if it is well written and takes us on a journey of discovery, raises questions and shows us how something is eventually overcome, then a careful maybe.
I think there's a difference between being 'dark' and being 'depressing' - in my view a 'dark' story needs the 'light' in there to bring the story alive and make me care about the characters.
Interesting question.