Fiction Fragment Friday
This week’s story is a little short, but hopefully a good conversation. For once it is not a writing issue I’m struggling with even though the main character is one I have frequently used as a stand-in for myself.
“So, tell me again why you can’t write the next Benjamin Eversole book?” My agent was not happy, but then again, he is never happy these days.
“Because I suck. Well, no I guess I don’t suck, but I used to suck. My writing has improved over the years, but the first few books were written when I still sucked.”
“I’m not getting the problem here. Your writing has improved. That’s great just write books you think are better now.”
As usual he just did not understand. How could someone who works with so many talented authors not grasp the very basic concepts of being a writer? “Thos books are out there though, and I established things. Stupid things that are now cannon and I have to write around them.”
“Like what? Can’t you just retcon it?”
“Retcon? Retcon? Do you know how rabid my fans are? I make even the slightest mistake and reddit crucifies me. Hell, if I’m not sure about something I ask there anonymously. They know more about my characters than I do.”
The line went silent for a moment as he thought through his response. He only does that when he thinks I’m acting crazy. I prepared myself for a dismissive reply, but it didn’t come. “Yeah, they are kind of insane about the details and theories. They can take the smallest phrase you write and make it into a five-book long term plan. Most of those mistakes you worry about they think are clues.”
“Exactly. How am I supposed to live up to those expectations?”
“You don’t try. What I need you to do is remember who you are. What I need you to do is to sit down and write the best book you can. Most importantly what I need you to do is to get out of your own damn head and remember that you have gotten better. You know exactly where you want these characters to go. Just take them there.”
“In my first book though I said humans can’t survive in the mirror universe. I forgot about that when I tossed his closest ally through the mirror in the last book. I need him back because he’s the only one who can give Benjamin the exposition dumps the next book requires.”
“Did you say humans can’t survive or did Benjamin? You know you can have him be wrong. Even better, just bring the character back and make how a mystery. Let your fans look for clues and come up with their own theories. Hell, if you steal one instead of being mad, they will do victory laps about being right.”
It was my turn to sit there in silence. The idea was simple, but that didn’t keep it from being genius. He was right. I didn’t need to provide all the answers. It’s a series not a solo book. “Ok.”
“Ok?”
“Ok I’m ready to write now.” I not only felt energized, I felt inspired to write.
“That’s great. I’m glad I could help. Let’s go over your interview schedule.”
“Uhm, no you don’t understand. I’m ready right now. I gotta go while the creative juices are flowing. Talk to you later.” I hung up just imagining my agent yelling at his phone. I knew he wouldn’t call back though because getting the book written was more important than anything else he might have wanted to talk about. With a smile on my face thinking about his frustration I opened up my novel and started typing.
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