Questions About Writing #7: Will You Write It For Me?
This one pops up every once in a while—in fact, it happened again not long ago. Someone emailed me saying, I've worked out this great idea for a story. Would you like to write it for me?
Well, actually, no. I wouldn't.
The polite explanation of why I wouldn't, to which I always refer correspondents, is on my web site at http://www.starrigger.net/advice2.htm.
It used to surprise me when people did this. I'm not surprised anymore, but I still find it very odd that someone who has an idea he or she is proud of or finds compelling would even want to turn it over to a complete stranger—even if the stranger were willing. Of course, most people who propose this think they'll hand the idea to you, you'll do all the work, and then split the vast earnings fifty-fifty. Right. (Of course, they probably also guess that writing is a lucrative business. Anyone want to take a second guess?)
Like most writers, I have files full of ideas for stories, things I might get to someday if inspiration strikes, and if I live long enough. Given that writing is very hard work, and very iffy in terms of financial payback, why would I want to take time away from my own stories to write yours?
Unless you're offering to front the money, of course. And that's why writers are willing to set aside some time to do things like write movie novelizations or spin-off novels (set in the same universe as a movie or TV show). It's because there's a certain amount of guaranteed income, because it's fun if you enjoyed the original, and because it's almost certain to sell well and be really good advertising for your own books. It's not like everyone who reads your Star Wars or Star Trek (or Galactica) novel is going to run right out and buy your other books—but some of them will. And you've gained a lot of visibility.
But back to he-who-would-have-his-story-written... my bottom-line response is, don't you want to write it yourself? It's your idea, your passion. Don’t just talk about it, get in there and do it! Give it your voice, your personality. That's what writing is all about. Yes?
Labels: writing