Choosing the Dark Side or the Light Back to Blog
It’s time for me to begin a new novel (yay!), but in the last few days, I’ve been really torn about the story I want to write. Several ideas have been milling around in my mind, making me seem very absent-minded because I keep trying to work them out in my head and, ah, I seem to miss actual, real-life conversations while I’m doing the said working out.
But anyway…tonight I’ve narrowed down my focus to just two stories. Both paranormal (of course) but with very different plots and beginnings.
Oh, the beginnings. Lately, when I’m trying to decide if I’m really “feeling” a story, I’ll write a few pages of one tale, then try writing a few pages of a different story. The story that flows the best for me, well, that’s what I write, and the other goes into my idea file (so I’m ahead of the game for next time).
This time, both stories flowed well for me. One is about a psychic, specifically, a woman who has premonitions (I think I’ve mentioned this idea before) and the other is about vampires and murder. Now, the premonition story has a rather light-hearted beginning (and this finally gets me to the topic of this blog!) but the tale later takes a darker turn (at least in my mind, seeing as I haven’t actually written that far yet). As for the second story, well, the beginning is very dark and very violent–definitely the darkest I’ve ever written.
I read both beginnings one more time before I started this blog, and I think I’m leaning toward a favorite now. I’m going to sleep on it tonight, then get into the story seriously tomorrow (yeah, back to my 10 pages a day goal).
So, now I wonder, does anyone out there have a preference for light or “dark” stories? And if so, why?
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I’m definitely a light gal, but the book I’m reading now is on the dark side. THE ROOFER by Erica Orloff. It’s fascinating and her writing is terrific. The latest Jayne Ann Krentz, WHITE LIES, is waiting for me at the library. I’m looking forward to reading that. JAK rarely disappoints me.
The psychic plot sounds good to me. It will be interesting to see what you choose. 🙂
Cynthia, I used to read a LOT of dark. And I still love it. But since I had my kids, I tend to be quite picky about what dark stuff I read. If there is torture or anything like than involved, I’m so not there.
I started reading a Val McDermid book the other day, Wire in the Blood, and while superbly written, I just couldn’t get past the torture scenes.
Interesting that you mention the torture scenes, Michelle. I’m having a hard time right now deciding if I want to go and see Hannibal Rising (opens in US theaters this Friday). I watched the other Hannibal Lecter movies, often flinching or closing my eyes during many of the scenes. The thing is…I like Hannibal’s character. I like his layers, even his evil (cause I really feel like he is one of the best villains ever created). BUT…
I’m worried about a particular scene in Hannibal Rising. One that involves a child (don’t want to give any spoilers away to folks out there). Certain scenes can just turn me off (both in books and movies). And I’m afraid this may be one such scene. If I get “turned off”–then I’ll want to leave. Right away.
So I completely understand your POV on this issue.
And I still don’t know if I’m going to see Hannibal Rising… 🙁
Good luck with your ‘dar’ book. I recently read Allison Brennan’s SPEAK NO EVIL. That was another excellent dark book too.
Last Sunday I saw ‘Because I Said So’ at the movies. Both my husband and I really enjoyed it. And not a killing in the whole show. *g*
🙂 Edie–I think I might have to use that movie as a back up if I decide against Hannibal Rising.
And Allison’s book doe sound great!