: Re: How do writers differentiate personal beliefs from the messages of their writing in public discourse? Hypothetically speaking, of course... Let's say I write a work of fiction. It could be construed

@Debbie451

Vote Up Vote Down

There are several strands to your question intertwined. Because I can't tell which is the most important aspect for you, my answer may end up focussing on the less important areas from your point of view, but I will give it a go anyway.

1) How does an author make clear that an unfavourable portrayal of a demographic does not necessarily represent their personal view?

Good writing. Keeping any scorn expressed for this demographic solely in the mouths of characters and firmly out of the authorial voice. Showing by dialogue and incident that there are reasons why members of this demographic behave as they do.

2) For dramatic reasons a particular demographic is shown in a poor light in the early chapters only for this to be modified or reversed later on. How do you deal with readers who stop reading after the first few chapters being left with only the unfavourable portrayal?

You must so engage the readers' interest that nobody can stop reading after the first few chapters. Make use of every possible tension-producing device. Foreshadow dreadful events to come. Make your characters so loveable or detestable that the reader simply must keep reading to know what happens to them.

3) Can an anonymous author get published?

Yes. With self-publishing it is easier than it used to be, but traditional publishers also regularly publish books by pseudonymous or anonymous authors. Someone at the bank will have to know, if you are to be paid. Your country's tax authorities may also require to know the source of your income. But don't worry, for the vast majority of authors their income from writing comes under the heading of de minimis non curat lex.

4) Can an anonymous author keep their anonymity?

Nearly always, for the same depressing reason as above. The one exception is if the book is a bestseller. In that event I would imagine that most authors get over their embarrassment quite fast.

5) How do you deal with the backlash of a book with controversial subject matter?

Again, as above, this is a problem that the vast majority of authors will never have. If your book does garner enough attention to be denounced, the traditional response is to cry all the way to the bank.

(0)

Login to post a comment!