Writer's Dilemma

[lost_angel]

Please listen to the following hypothetical scenario and consider what you'd do

Comments

[watercamel]

there is a lot of historical fiction about the same people, so as long as there is no plagerism or the hint thereof, why have another book about the same person. I mean, look at how many Arthurian Legend books, plays, and movies there are.

[lost_angel]

The problem is more about the likelihood of publication. Will publishers even consider a new work about a topic if there is another piece of fiction that is already recently established? If there had been twenty or thirty years between my potential novel and this one already out there on the same subject, it would be less of an issue. But the recency of this current book (and the potential movie) may make my potential novel less "marketable" for the publishers. I just don't know.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and reminding me that my story will never be the first, nor the last, of its kind. There are no new stories, and thus I shouldn't be frightened of supposed competition.

[watercamel]

Well, look at the Boleyn family novels out there now. The Other Boleyn Girl and the Bolyn Inheritance both involve many of the same characters but are from different perspectives. Both have done fairly well in sales and came out within a few years of each other. It can be a good thing- if interest is sparked on the topic of the one person, then many people will read books on the same topic or person (I think- I would anyway).

[lost_angel]

Very very good point. If there is heightened interest, a publishing company may choose to piggyback off of the already established marketing. Thanks!

[lost_angel]

You speak truth. I suppose for any project that takes potentially years of your life (as I would expect the exhaustive research and writing to do so), you need to love what you're writing on its own merit and not be focused on the gamble and PR game that is traditional publishing.

But I would be lying if publication didn't factor into my aspiration. I want to write the story to be read and enjoyed by other people. The entire process of writing and editing a novel must keep the audience in mind, at least that is what we're taught from high school on. Breaking this rule and ignoring your audience leads to, with only a few stellar exceptions, self-absorbed and undeveloped trash no one else wants to read.

Despite my tangent above, your point is valid and well-taken. It should be more about the journey and the quality of my writing; those two things should lead to financial success, also.

[alcamar]

I think if the story lines were remotely similar, then perhaps it might be some worry. At least with a lessor known, but still known historical figure. But with completely different story aspects....naw. Even with a movie coming out(which would be where most of the concern), I don't think it's that big a deal really. Go for it!! :)

[lost_angel]

thanks :)

[imnotsatan]

I think you're actually more likely to get the story published if a movie about whatever person it is comes out. There's bound to be an upswing of interest in whoever it is.

You may not get the most favorable reception, however.

[lost_angel]

True. I suppose that's my fear also, that my work would be considered derivative or that I would be considered a hack simply by being second. If my writing sucks, then I would understand the criticism (even though it would hurt, I would understand), but I would hate to be dismissed out of hand like so many books are.

[birdofparadox]

You should write the story your heart wants you to tell. Publication may be on your list of goals, but I think you're going to get more satisfaction, and write a more satisfying book, if you write the story you want... rather than the story you settled for.

[lost_angel]

Ah, sensei, your wisdom applies to every facet of life. *bow*

[birdofparadox]

*xoxox*