How Dark Do I Go?

I intended to upload/publish what I had written yesterday but my Virgin Media went down at home so it couldn't happen. No Joke! Anyway, sorted now so that's why there are two for today.

I've briefly touched on the idea that I'm not entirely sure of this stories genre. Other than to say that it will definitely not be certain types of stories in terms of generic conventions. The setting I'm clear about. The location I know. The notes I've made or jotted down about back story and characters history is again clear to me. This though will and should continuously evolve.

The main question I'm asking is the title of this blog. I'm not sure whether I should necessarily worry too much about it being too dark. I think it has to be in keeping with the central character. See, this is the sort of thing that I clearly need to think about over and over again. I haven't stopped writing but I think I'm thinking ahead way too much. The setting may be its own worse enemy, in that it could well have readers speculating on how or where the story will go. I don't want it to be obvious or predictable. I suppose no one wants to write a predictable story.

There is honestly so much to think about. It is exciting though as I'm in control of where it's going or where it's likely to go. I think, like I said I want the characters to drive the story and it should feel natural ( I think ) for them to make the decisions. It will be slightly easy that it's written in the first person, but I do worry that because it is written in the first person that people will immediately think that it's me. It's almost harder to disassociate myself from the character. That isn't to say I'm not proud of him or what he does. I just want his vulnerability to be evident and like I said before have a potential reader feeling empathy for him, not disgust or anger but feeling as if he's a product of his environment. That isn't to say he's blameless or anything I just don't want him thought of as evil.

I guess it's a coming of Age story but not in the way that you might think of. Well in fact any coming of age story is about discovery, finding yourself. I suppose ignorantly I was thinking that coming of age leads me to Huck Finn or Lord Of The Flies. Then again, I suppose A Clockwork Orange is a coming of age work. My aim is to make this an adult coming of age, well Dylan's a teenager but it's more about him finding or losing himself. I suppose it's the torment of alienation. All those unanswered questions. Like I said, it's so much fun to be writing it and talking the words he's thinking. 

My worry about making it 'too dark' if that's even a concern was actually compounded recently by the popular Podcast hosted by Joe Rogan. I think if you don't know him, I would initially describe him as the MMA commentator. However, he is so so much more now. Firstly, a very talented stand up comedian but now looking at his popularity on YouTube and Itunes. His Podcast is sensational. He has great guests and he asks some truly exceptional questions. So, if you haven't listened. Have a search and give him some time. The Podcasts are often 3 hours long but worth it. So, a few weeks back he had as a guest Chuck Palahniuk, the writer of 'Fight Club'. Now, I must admit I've never read the book. I've seen the film as I would imagine most people have. I think though that I am now encouraged and even intrigued to read it and his other novels.
So, this episode is really revealing as to the process he goes through but he also tells several stories about how he in the past, whilst attending writer's groups to openly discuss ideas and things. That a female writer wrote what is a disturbing story about abuse but it's the comparison between a certain act and another that is so shocking but at the same time a very clever piece of writing. I won't spoil the story or the telling of it as I don't want to butcher it but it made me consider what I was writing and how to implant that additional depth.

I don't mean writing things for the sake of it, to be deliberately controversial or obscene. It has to be the characters and believable in my mind. I don't want to draw any ill feeling toward Dylan. I guess that's a massive worry. In fact, the story that is mentioned in the Podcast, the writer doesn't even include it as the Editor states it can't be! If you're interested, go have a listen. But, that would be a fear too. Writing some considered piece and having it removed or not included because the worry that it may negatively affect sales. I'm not concerned in any way with sales when I finish it. I just want people to read it. So, I don't want any censorship or anything. I may just publish it for free somewhere either using KDP or WattPad. That isn't to assume I'll even get a publisher but I don't want it meddled with. It's mine!

How Dark Do I Go? Well, as Dark as the characters would go.

Until Next Time.....

Do Good Things!