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Sunday, August 29, 2010
My Fault Really....
Saturday--after doing some cleaning and shopping--I flopped on my couch and tore through my new novel by a favorite author. With a sigh of relief, this one was as magical as some of her earlier books and I stayed up very late reading to the end. With particular note, I enjoyed the love scene because she has a real gift for laughter and sex. The only thing that stood out was that, well, one of the secondary characters--two, really--seemed like mirror images of characters she had written in previous books. I ignored it because the dialogue was witty; the main characters were so likable; and the prose was verdant.
If I perhaps noticed that something life-threatening happened to the heroine at a crucial moment and then I spent about ten minutes going over in my mind the other books this author had done that to the heroine, it was only for the sake of writing study. The similarities were surface really; and how original can you be when talking about the human experience, the early 19th century; and falling in love? Secondary characters have archetypes too, right?
I carried on and finished the book, sighing as I closed it. And then, in a fit of nostalgia, I went and got my favorite book by this author. The book that is complete Desert Island Keeper. The book I'd recommend to anyone who hadn't read a romance before. The book I wished I'd written. I opened it and began reading, immediately drawn into the story as if I had not read it a dozen times before. And that's when it happened.
There. The Lord of the Underworld and Persephone metaphor. Which was exactly the metaphor she'd used in the book I just finished reading to describe a kiss. I looked at this version carefully. In this one, she was describing the hero's smile instead. Whew, what a relief. Of course, at this point I'm now tempted to read through all her books and see if she's used this particular metaphor in any other books. Not likely all of them, but I bet I could find a few more books she does it in.
I'm pretty sure you can't plagiarize yourself. And it's not that I don't enjoy a Hades/Persephone reference because that story does beguile me, but now I think about my own writing and think about all the ways I'm repeating myself. As we've discussed in other blogs, we have "core" heroines, core themes, core heroes, and a number of other repetitive things that I know I do. But now I'm also repeating my metaphors. And not even just my metaphors. I have a great affection for: "indeed" and "honestly" and "clearly" used as dialogue responses from my characters, an indication that Harry Potter is playing in the background as I write. All my characters use these lines--they're not restricted to one character because I like for all my characters to be sarcastic. I can't bear for one of my characters not to have the perfect thing to say.
Now I grant you that me worrying about repeating myself when I have yet to be published is definitely putting the cart before the horse; however, I am basing this on stuff I've started and stuff I've finished. Clearly (see how much I like the word?) not everything I've written will see the light of bookshelves, but I'm hoping for a least a stack. Are my readers--all ten to fifteen of them--going to read my stuff and go, "If she uses the Harry Potter metaphor one more time, I'm going to scream"? Is this malaise the result of reading too much and not having other hobbies like, oh, writing or taking a walk? Can you actually prevent this sort of repetition because this is the author's voice for better or worse? My favorite author could no more keep from making Hades references than I can keep from making Harry Potter ones. We are who we are.
Have you ever suffered author burnout? Have you ever noticed your favorite author repeating metaphors and/or dialogue as well as similar characters or plots? Do you care? If you do, what do you do about it? What are you reading now? What are you looking forward to coming out?
If I perhaps noticed that something life-threatening happened to the heroine at a crucial moment and then I spent about ten minutes going over in my mind the other books this author had done that to the heroine, it was only for the sake of writing study. The similarities were surface really; and how original can you be when talking about the human experience, the early 19th century; and falling in love? Secondary characters have archetypes too, right?
I carried on and finished the book, sighing as I closed it. And then, in a fit of nostalgia, I went and got my favorite book by this author. The book that is complete Desert Island Keeper. The book I'd recommend to anyone who hadn't read a romance before. The book I wished I'd written. I opened it and began reading, immediately drawn into the story as if I had not read it a dozen times before. And that's when it happened.
There. The Lord of the Underworld and Persephone metaphor. Which was exactly the metaphor she'd used in the book I just finished reading to describe a kiss. I looked at this version carefully. In this one, she was describing the hero's smile instead. Whew, what a relief. Of course, at this point I'm now tempted to read through all her books and see if she's used this particular metaphor in any other books. Not likely all of them, but I bet I could find a few more books she does it in.
I'm pretty sure you can't plagiarize yourself. And it's not that I don't enjoy a Hades/Persephone reference because that story does beguile me, but now I think about my own writing and think about all the ways I'm repeating myself. As we've discussed in other blogs, we have "core" heroines, core themes, core heroes, and a number of other repetitive things that I know I do. But now I'm also repeating my metaphors. And not even just my metaphors. I have a great affection for: "indeed" and "honestly" and "clearly" used as dialogue responses from my characters, an indication that Harry Potter is playing in the background as I write. All my characters use these lines--they're not restricted to one character because I like for all my characters to be sarcastic. I can't bear for one of my characters not to have the perfect thing to say.
Now I grant you that me worrying about repeating myself when I have yet to be published is definitely putting the cart before the horse; however, I am basing this on stuff I've started and stuff I've finished. Clearly (see how much I like the word?) not everything I've written will see the light of bookshelves, but I'm hoping for a least a stack. Are my readers--all ten to fifteen of them--going to read my stuff and go, "If she uses the Harry Potter metaphor one more time, I'm going to scream"? Is this malaise the result of reading too much and not having other hobbies like, oh, writing or taking a walk? Can you actually prevent this sort of repetition because this is the author's voice for better or worse? My favorite author could no more keep from making Hades references than I can keep from making Harry Potter ones. We are who we are.
Have you ever suffered author burnout? Have you ever noticed your favorite author repeating metaphors and/or dialogue as well as similar characters or plots? Do you care? If you do, what do you do about it? What are you reading now? What are you looking forward to coming out?
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44 comments:
The only time I really notice this is if I'm reading book after book after book from the same author. One used sex in the shower in two of three books in the same series. I kept an eye out for it and noticed it again in another series she wrote.
Did it bother me? Well, no. And I really, really doubt that most of her fans noticed either. Because most weren't going to sit down with three books in a series, written years ago and polish them all off in three days.
Most readers read them a year or more apart, I assume. When they are released. I admit, I tend to forget about those who re-read.
Now, my agent discovered I have a tendency to overuse the word 'so' ... 'very' ... 'more' ... 'real' ... and will mispell the same word again and again.
Dogs in my books will always be of the hound variety. If characters go to Starbucks, they will have an Americano, iced.
You bet I repeat, but I figure a 'real' fan will be 'very' forgiving. 'So' I don't worry too much about the 'more' OCD type reader. ;-)
A good metaphor deserves to be used mutliple times!
Oh! I forgot to say...what new release am I waiting for? Gail Carriger's Blameless. It's out in paperback but I'm waiting for the e-release.
Did you just call me OCD?
And am I the only person on this ship who re-reads?
Hellie, I think it's tricky to avoid our favorite words, expressions, themes, etc. I wasn't aware of the words I'm overly fond of until my agent pointed them out -- I like the word "scarce" and hate to have to prune it back! (Even though it kills me. LOL)
And it's HARD to not use the same words all the time -- there's only so many ways to describe certain things without sliding into purple prose. LOL
I don't usually notice a writer's repeater words unless I read the book in one sitting, and then I can see her favorite phrases. I like to re-read books, and in fact I dug a stack out the other day that I haven't read in a decade -- although I'm wondering if I'll feel the same about them as I did initially.
I agree with Donna. It's hard to avoid our favorite words, images, etc. I also think that no one notices when you say normal words over and over. It's the ones that really make an impact. The images that really stick. So, naturally, we want to use those images because we want to impact. It's a vicious cycle.
But I have noticed when author's use the same metaphors. Depends on how much I love the characters whether I am forgiving or not.
Gail Carriger--she was the one who did Soulless, right? The steam punk writer?
Donna, I too have favorite words (clearly *ha, ha*) and I'm glad to know everyone else seems to be having trouble with them too. *LOL* And for what it's worth, I like the word 'scarce'--it's not nearly utilized enough in fiction.
And I have felt that about some re-reads. *LOL* A decade later I'm like, "This isn't quite as funny as it once was, is it?" But I guess that's more that I've changed rather than the book, right?
Marn -- I'm the same way -- I'm more forgiving if I love the characters and/or story.
Hellie -- I like the word "scarce" too -- I'm trying to utilize it more, but I've been told to scale it back. *sob* LOL
And yes, I guess WE change rather than the book. I'm trying to pare down the number of books I've got, and there's so many "keepers" that I can't seem to get rid of. The funny thing is the keepers are the ones that I remember so much about -- and if I can remember it without reading it, why do I need to keep it? LOL
Marn, I'm with you--I don't think I notice "normal words" being repeated (for instance 'more' or 'so'--if I was being edited, it would be 'I' or 'And' as the sentence beginner); but the entire specific metaphor stands out. And if it was a more cliched metaphor, I probably wouldn't notice it because it's just a common one. But we're hounded to come up with unique metaphors and I think we all do that, and I think we'd each find one unique to our voices...but I also think we tend to be limited by what we like. If you're a fan of bad boy Hades, it shows up! *LOL* A lot of my heroes have a smile like Lucifer. It's not that every writer uses that simile, it's that *I* happen to use it for practically every hero I've got. *LOL*
I'm with you. It's a matter of how much I like the author whether I'm willing to forgive or not. *LOL*
The funny thing is the keepers are the ones that I remember so much about — and if I can remember it without reading it, why do I need to keep it?
Trophies of what you want to aspire to.
Since I had Friday off, I scanned my bookshelves for books I could return to the UBS and get some cred. There's one book I've taken in there like 3 times in hopes they'll buy it, but they never do. That book is an albatross. I think it's because it has "Duke" in the title.
But I did score some good reads in return, including the book I blogged about it. I did enjoy it very, very much. In fact, one of the things I enjoyed most about it was the fact it reminded me of a cross between two of my favorite books by her.
http://girlfriendbooks.blogspot.com/
I like today's blog here, if you all are looking for a new blog to read....
I don't get the Hades metaphor. Not up on my mythology, I guess.
I'm supposed to be at work, but after the weekend I had, decided I wasn't getting out of bed this morning. Eyes are still gritty, but they're open.
I've no idea what I do too much of except the word "just" shows up over and over. It just sneaks right in there. :)
I haven't written enough to figure this out, but I have a feeling my heroines will be different while my heroes will all be the same. After all, I'm not trying to create my dream heroine, but I am creating my dream hero. He's not likely to vary much.
What am I waiting for? Huh, I don't know. I was really waiting for Eloisa's Cinderella book which I'm not reading. Next would be Crusie's latest, which I've read but want to read the final version of. It comes out tomorrow. Then I'm not sure what. I've definitely been too distracted lately. Must fix that.
Hades is the Lord of the Underworld; Persephone, one of Zeus' daughters and daughter of Demeter (farming deity), gets abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld by Hades. There's an underworld trick if you eat anything in the underworld, you're never allowed to leave (a la Hotel California). Eventually something was worked out: Persephone was allowed to go topside for 6 months every year and then would return to the underworld for 6 months. (Summer and Winter explanations.) Persephone is the GOOD daughter; Hades is the BAD boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
I so want to know what book this. lol
I think there's always a fear, as a writer, of repeating oneself and trying to make things new and exciting. But I do think there are certain stories, themes, archetypes that authors like to explore over and over again.
And I think the only book I'm excited about releasing is Tiffany Clare's one, even though I've read that a slew of times, but friends and cps books are always fun to celebrate. And of course there's also Terri's short story in Women's World.
Funny how "just" sneaks in everywhere. Tricksy word.
Crusie's book is worth the running to the bookstore. :) You do need to work on your distractions. At least try to work in one book a month, so you can keep in the know.
Ely, it's "EVERY" book. I'm sure you can think of a handful of authors yourself that this applies to. *LOL* My example just happens to be one I notice it in.
Yes, definitely core stories, themes, and archetypes we like to repeat as writers...and I don't think that's wrong. I was just commenting--is it more alarming when it's not those things but pretty much a direct quotation of yourself from another book? Or is it just your writer voice?
And I think the only book I’m excited about releasing is Tiffany Clare’s one
Out Oct 1, right?? Yeah!!
Yes, we're all looking forward to Terri's short story. It's out in a week or so, I think. They usually put the magazines out a week ahead and it's publishing Sep 16th(?) [that's midweek, that can't be right. Terri will correct us.]
Hellion, probably my two favorite myths are Peresephone/Hades and Psyche/Cupid because yeah, hot gods falling in love is always hot. ;)
I'd also love to do a Psyche/Cupid story but haven't quite figured it out yet.
Persephone and Hades are definitely my favorite love story. *LOL* Clearly I have abduction fantasies. *LOL*
I remember reading a romance novel about Hades and Persephone--I thought it was really cool. I was a teenager/early 20s; I have no idea who it was by or what it was even called...but I remember loving the concept of retelling Greek mythology as a romance novel.
Hmm. Will have to look up Cupid and Psyche--don't remember much of their story. Cupid's been ruined for me ever since they made him look like a cherub and gave him a bow and arrow.
I'm in complete agreement with you, Hellion. I didn't mean to say otherwise. But yeah I definitely can think of some authors where you know exactly what you'll get.
And on a completely unrelated note I just had strangest urge to read Dreaming. Again. Doesn't my brain know I need to revise?! *shakes fist in air*
It publishes 9/28. I'm horrible with dates but w/books, I usually know the laydown date. Go figure.
Yep, Sept 16th is the date they gave me. No idea what day that means it'll actually be on the shelves. I've never figured that out.
Thanks for the explanation on the metaphor. I never got into all that stuff. I'd love to get back to reading a book in a month. Actually, I'd like to get back to reading a couple books a month. *sigh*
Now I'm going to have some breakfast (a bit late) and try not to freak about people actually reading that little story...
And on a completely unrelated note I just had strangest urge to read Dreaming.
*sighs* Richard. *dog growls* Hush, Gus.
Ohhh, awesome Terri! Only a few weeks away!!!
Actually this might be the book: http://www.amazon.com/Dazzling-Brightness-Roberta-Gellis/dp/0786000236/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_img_in
Hellion, Psyche/Cupid myth: For some reason or another, Psyche (the youngest of three daughters) has to sacrifice her love/virginity because the gods are pissed at something her parents did, I think. She climbs the summit and has to blindfold herself. Cupid is the god; I'm pretty sure his mom was the one pissed off. So Cupid and Psyche have sexxy times. Psyche never sees him bc Cupid made her promise not to. Psyche and Cupid fall in love. Psyche's sisters somehow find put that ther young sis is having hot god sex, get madly jealous,
And tell Psyche lies that her husband (oh yeah I think she was married to Cupid) is a beast nosyche is freaked out. That night she and Cupid have sexxy times again. Psyche rips off blinding when Cupid is sleeping and isnlike damn I have a hot god ncupod wakes up and gets pissed off and leaves. Psyche is distraught. She makes a plea to his mom, Aphrodite Then Psyche has to do all these hard tasks, which sue does. Cupid and her are reunited. Psyche is made into a goddess HEA.
God note to self: iPod typing messes things up. Sigh.
So Cupid and Psyche have sexxy times.
Quite possibly my favorite line of today.
This is a lot of books, I think. I think equally frustrating is the author who's first string of books are fantastic and then it's like she/he runs out of material. Maybe said author is afraid of retracing herself?
I'd like to give those author's the benefit of the doubt. My initial instinct is to sniff indignantly and complain of laziness. I don't know though. Maybe it can be creative paralysis.
And Ely's retelling of Cupid and Psyche is my favorite comment o the month. Maybe year.
Janga, I forgot about "grin"--my heroes are grinning fools! What do you replace that with? And laugh--I love to have my people laughing and using alternate laugh words seems odd. "He chuckled" is okay, but "guffawed", "chortled", and "snickered" don't quite work for heroes.
Dude, I forgot about "Gabriel" as the brother in TOTD. *laughs* I do wonder about names sometimes though because there is something about a good hero's name that you can't help but use it again. *LOL* I can probably handle a name repeat--I mean, there are a LOT of Williams and Johns in the world; and most of them go by their titles anyway.
Sept 28th does sound like a Book Buying Extravaganza!! I need to save my pennies. It will be a good month of reading--it will be getting cooler and we need something to do before the snapping fire.
Yup, Hel...Blameless is the third in Gail Carriger's Steampunk series.
I do re-read, but not as often as I used to. There's just so many new books out there to read!
And yes, Elly's retelling is awesome... I give you the new drink... Sexxy Times!
I could use some sexxy times.
And Janga's list reminded me I need to see if Miranda will step upon the decks again at the beginning of Oct. Wow, October is practically next month. Where the hell did the year go?!
Sexxy Times for everyone! Careful of the little arrow holding the cherry...
I think, for me at least, it all depends on the author. I just read a synopsis for a Mary Balogh re-release that I've never read. Now, I know I've read something similar from her, but I'm excited nonetheless cause it's MARY BALOGH. I know she's written similar characters and stories over the years, plus this is a re-release so I'm keeping that in mind, but I just LOVE her voice and will read anything she writes. I have a few authors like that and I have caught them plagiarizing themself, if that's what you want to call it, but it doesn't bother me.
As for myself, I know I have a weakness for the words "awesome", "really", and "just". But, unfortunately, I haven't written enough to repeat myself yet! LOL
Bo'sun, no idea where the year went. Don't want to think about it.
Irish, Mary Balogh is Mary Balogh....
*grins* I'm entirely too fond of the word "awesome" myself, as well as "uber".
Uber. Righteous. I like that word. Though I always have to go figure out how to get the dots over the 'U'...
Now, I know I haven't read all the Potter books, but is 'uber' ever used? ;-)
Now, I know I haven’t read all the Potter books, but is ‘uber’ ever used?
Only when I'm writing my book reviews for them. As in "this series is UBER-FAN-FREAKING-TABULOUS!"
You haven't read any of them, have you? Didn't you confess you got bored halfway through the first one?
Sexxy Times drink is, of course, adorned by maraschino cherry and has lots of alcohol. ;)
Yes, Elyssa, lots of alcohol.
Hel, I read the first three, I think. I never read the one where the big "D" passes on. (Trying to not be a spoiler for those who might pass by and still want to be surprised.)
The bigger they got, the more I thought... "I can read so many other books instead of this..." and it just worked that way. I'd started writing by then, also and wasn't reading a whole lot while the flurry of writing had me totally engrossed.
I was never bored with them. Just got caught by other things!
Hi pirates -- had to run a few errands, and now I need to do some writing. :)
My characters do a lot of grinning too -- and laughing and smiling -- I write comedy, after all. LOL But it's hard to come up with different ways of showing it. I've gotten to where I don't include it as much, letting the reader figure out things are funny without showing the character's reaction all the time.
But it's difficult. Cuz I like showing it. :)
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