Sometimes I wonder if I have any backbone at all.
For example, one of the stories in my current book project is entitled “Special Guest”. It is the kind of thing that will alienate some readers, and endear me to others.
I was brought up to respect others, and making fun of them, or even stretching a bit to make a point was considered to be the wrong thing to do.
But then I read Stephen King’s “On Writing” and (perhaps) learn an important lesson. Tell the truth.
Of course what is true for me isn’t true for others.
Now I’m faced with including a story in my current “Book Project” that features Jesus’ brother Jessie. Yes, yes, I know. There is no mention of Jesus having a brother (at least in the most accepted versions of history). So, am I taking a chance here? Am I going to put off a certain group of people? Should I even be concerned?
The story is (potentially) quite funny… at least in the punchline ending. But, do I worry about offending some readers? Do I just go forward and, as I’ve said elsewhere, “push the button”?
I’m moved to include “Special Guest” in my soon to be published collection… but on the other hand, I’d hate to lose readers.
(I have lost readers in the past by being honest, see.)
I’d like your opinion about this.
Fire away.
Loading ...
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio... and isn't it time you experienced some of them?
Somebody wise said that if you try to please everybody you’ll wind up pleasing nobody. If someone’s offended by the story, they’re not your kind of reader and you aren’t their kind of writer. You aren’t everybody’s kind of writer, so why worry about one small segment?
Thanks.
Go for it! It’s YOUR book . . . make it one that YOU would want to read.
Good point. I would have liked to run across this story. It would have tickled me no end. )
I recently watched a kids show with my son where the main character did a scene in acting class and when she was done, she asked how it was. The teacher told her she was missing the ‘secret’. Throughout the show, she tried, but no one would tell her the ‘secret’ and she added a series of elaborate things to bring the scene alive. When she was done, the teacher didn’t say anything and the girl basically said she poured her heart into the scene and was happy with her performance and she didn’t care what they thought.
The teacher told her that was the ‘secret’.
So, if you are pleased with the story’s result, then that’s how it should be. You are the artist, after all
Good advice, thank you!
No matter WHAT we write about, someone will be offended, so don’t worry about it. If it’s funny and most people laugh, then it’s all good.
A good, and “playing field leveling” answer. Thank you.
Ricky,
Go for it!
J.J. Benitez, a Spanish writer wrote a saga called “Caballo de Troya” which was very popular 20 or 30 years ago. I never read it and if my memory doesn’t betray me, I think that book includes Jesus having a brother. Because it was fiction, I knew very religious people (Catholics) who enjoyed it a lot.
Also, I have not read it in its entirety but the book “The Works of Josephus”, the historian mentions Jesus having a brother, James.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, Maria. Your insights and ideas are always appreciated.
You’re welcome!