We interrupt our regular WiP Wednesday post for something that has been bothering me of late.
All right, here's the deal.
I'm very devout in my religion, very firm in my faith. I have my own personal beliefs on angels. I know a lot of people have very very specific views on angels.
Guess what?
That doesn't mean you have to conform to that in your writing, if you choose to write about angels. A couple of years ago, I had the idea in my head to write something paranormal. I started researching all the different paranormal elements that I knew of. I narrowed it down to three, based off of what I read.
There was one idea on angels that I read that just stuck with me. It steamrolled and steamrolled until I had the basis for all my mythology of the book. There's a rich mythology that I've developed for this.
And it has come under attack a couple of times. Simply because it's not the standard view of angels. Yes, I pulled a very obscure description of angels on which to base my mythology. Yes, this view is not the same view I have on angels.
But you know something? I don't care. Does it mean that I might not sell this book? Probably. But I would rather be different than conform because two people screamed and shouted at me over my supposed lack of research. Because you don't know how much or how little research someone has done.
I know what you mean... it's almost as if people want you to research the mythology, instead of the research. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think most people look for the unique. And it is fiction after all.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's wrong with making up your own mythology on angels or anything anyway? I thought people were usually searching for the unique? Why would angels be any different? Isn't that what writing fantasy is about? Creating something fresh? Quirky? A little bit different? Or a lot. Take your pick... Sorry you're getting hammered. Be different. Be you!
ReplyDeleteWait, people have criticized you for using your imagination to interpret angels differently in a paranormal fiction novel? That's... totally illogical. Count me among those who would love to see an interesting new take on angels.
ReplyDeleteChances are, the people shouting weren't really paranormal fiction readers. :P
ReplyDeleteYou write angels however you want to. Write them like frogs if it floats your boat, it's YOUR story. :) :)
I always take fictional angels as just that--fictional. Doesn't matter what I believe angels are really like. I'll bet it's a great book, especially if you're not using cliched angels.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with your thought that you might not sell your book because of your unique view on angels.
ReplyDeleteI've done a similar thing with BECOME ~ and even though the mythology is different than the accepted standard, it doesn't seem to have been a deterrent to agents and stuff. And when I spoke with an agent about it last summer, I asked specifically about this ~ and they were encouraging.
So don't think just cuz your mythology is different that it makes it unsellable. Personally, I thought your take on angels was fascinating and pretty darn awesome!
If you are reinventing the angel, great. It's a questionable analogy to make, but that's what Stephnie Meyer did with vampires. Her vampires are different from the Draculas of the world. If you want to do something different, do it. Don't worry about the naysayers. there will always be someone who doesn't agree.
ReplyDeleteI love reading books that take an idea and examine it in a different light. I'm always looking for books that have a fresh take on whatever it is that they're writing, be it a paranormal being or an urban legend or whatever. I think some of the best books are those that take an idea and turn it into something entirely new. So I say good for you! Don't ever be afraid to do something different.
ReplyDeleteI find it bizarre (and as one commenter put it, illogical) that someone would yell at you for using your imagination for FICTION.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that what writing fiction is all about? Taking the expected and turning it into the unexpected. That's what makes readers want to keep reading. That's why it's FICTION and not a non-fiction textbook.
Ignore the naysayers -- they're not your 'readers' anyway. :)