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....)
I think it is normal care for your characters on an emotional level. Care what happens to them and how scenarios affect them. Probably why it is hard to write when it is the end for a character.
I've definitely had guilt over certain scenarios that I have found my characters in, writing the death of one was difficult, though I could change it - of course I can - but it would be wrong as it is not the story that I need to tell. And the guilt stuck around for a while until I wrote enough to get past the fact that he was gone.
Odd really when you think about it. That fictitious characters get under your skin.
I'd keep going with it. Maybe write something less dark, short stories, comedy, just to give yourself a break if the dark themes are getting to you emotionally.
write*
There is one story that I've been trying to tell for a long time.
Back then I was working on it with a friend. She told me one of the reasons she quit was because of the fact it was too dark.
Even my brother tells me he doesn't like it. (Maybe I'm just showing it to the wrong people.)
Others tell me to "brighten up" my stories.
Although, I do find myself having a hard time to write it. It does make me feel uncomfortable, even emotionally stressed....but when I try to change it, have a differen't perspective on the story... ( like you said it isn't the story the story I want to tell.) It sounds fake because I'm forcing happy moments that don't really belong.
I guess maybe the real question is how do you seperate your emotions from what yout trying to right.