Scarlett Van Dijk
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Sky Stone Series
    • Map of Branzia
  • Poetry
  • Other Writing
  • Contact Me
  • Other
    • Images
    • Links
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Sky Stone Series
    • Map of Branzia
  • Poetry
  • Other Writing
  • Contact Me
  • Other
    • Images
    • Links

When Readers go Bonkers

11/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Recently, on one of the many social media platforms that I use, a worried author described a frightening scene. One of his readers was offended by something described in his novel and went to the extent of burning his book! The poor author asked us whether this was his fault and if he should think about how his writing may cause people to act. This is a topic that every author seems to have a different opinion about. In this post I will describe how I feel.
Picture

The Authors Responsibility

Something all writers have a responsibility to do is produce feelings within our readers. We should aim to create suspense, drama, and plot twists in our writing in order to surprise and interest our readers. At times our readers will feel fear, sadness, even disgust at what we write. However, this is exactly what we want! These feelings are part of the reason why our readers will keep reading our books. They want to feel for the characters and know what will happen next. As writers, it is our responsibility to give readers a thrilling read with all the ups and downs that come with it.

The Reader's a Looney

So back to mister crazy reader, burning books that 'offend' him. In my opinion this has nothing to do with the author. Sure the author has produced those feelings within the reader but isn't that exactly what we want to do? If a reader reacts poorly to what we have written (especially in fiction) then that is their problem not ours. We have done our job, the reader should see a shrink… simple.

So, the author's job is to create a book which is entertaining to read. George RR Martin became a bestselling author because he invoked emotions within his readers, however, there are some aspects to his books that people may have (and probably did) get offended by. George doesn't change his writing just because people may get offended and neither should we. We shouldn't worry about how a reader may react (unless you're getting threats) and just continue doing what we must; writing great stories!

Scarlett Van Dijk
Image courtesy of iosphere / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    A Writer's Tale

    Scarlett Van Dijk

    Writer of young adult, fantasy series, the Sky Stone series, poetry and short stories.
    I hope to update this blog weekly with tips for writers and some personal stories. There will also be guest posts from fellow writers. Stay tuned!


    Categories

    All
    Guest Posts
    Guest Posts
    Guide To Fantasy Writing
    Life
    My Writing
    Writing Tips
    Writing Tips

    Archives

    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    Subscribe to my blog to receive email updates of my latest posts.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed

© Scarlett Van Dijk 2016