Lighter Fare or Darker Stories

In a dark, and often discouraging world, are you writing your mystery, suspense, or thriller with a more lighthearted story line? Or are you hammering out dark, heavy stories?

This question intrigues me and its answer informs my writing path. In the spirit of full disclosure, I often burden my protagonists with back stories of abuse, parental death, or some unbearable tragedy. But the plots are redemption stories. Good triumphs over evil. Not necessarily carefree and cheery, but the characters, and in turn, the readers eventually enjoy an upbeat ending.

Considering today’s global political, socio-economic climate, if we don’t bring a lightness to our heavy stories, our readers may put the book down, or the publishers or agents reject our manuscript. But are people wanting only feel-good stories? Is there room for a gritty character to claw their way through trauma before they ‘come into the light’?

“I became a writer to escape the despair of the real world and enter the world of hope I create with my imagination.”

Ray Bradbury

I conducted an informal survey among writers, and as expected, it revealed some authors are shifting toward the lighter fare. But evoking strong emotions and solid story lines remain paramount no matter what’s happening in the world at large. A well-written story is still the bottom line.

Let’s explore how both heavier writing and adding an upbeat quality can enhance our novels and reach our current or potential readers.

Many may identify with darker or heavier plots. Our characters’ struggles mirror their own. Readers realize they’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or fearful. Their trials are neither unique nor insurmountable.

Heavy stories can challenge our readers. They may consider how they would handle what our characters face, evaluate the outcome, and even gain specifics to deal with their own situation. They may realize their problems aren’t so bad after all.

Our character’s action and reactions can inspire. If the character made it through the struggle, they can too. Ending with a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ moment enhances the readers’ experience. Darkness need not overwhelm. Life isn’t always hard, even if it seems so.

But if our target audience is already cratering under the reality of wars in Europe, the uncertainty of inflation, or the price of gasoline, they may refuse a manuscript or novel with a heavy topic. Perhaps it reflects the real world a little too much.

By using a more laid-back approach, we provide a sense of fun escapism. I don’t want to read a regurgitation of tragic news, even if told in an intriguing manner. Our readers won’t either. We all face enough trials in daily living. A feel-good touch provides a few hours of hope and joy.

Our stories can encourage. Our characters find a way through their situations. The reader can as well. Through dialogue, drop in a few memorable and uplifting quotes by key characters.

At times, we writers feel overwhelmed by national and world events.

But how can we push forward if our words won’t come?

Keep writing.

Even if we are only maintaining a personal journal, we’re keeping the writing habit in force. Write what comes when it comes. If you put yourself in the chair in front of the computer or sheet of paper daily, writing comes faster than if you avoid those.

Stay inspired.

Read or reread a book on writing. The creativity urge that first led you to write is still with you. Get immersed in the work of another novelist, a TV show, or a movie. Rework successful ideas and make them your own.

Be encouraged.

You’ll get through whatever you’re feeling right now, but processing the emotions can take time. Work out your own pain or trials through your writing. You still have something to offer. Don’t lament over blank pages. Words will come.

Network.

Keep connected with your writing friends. By doing so, you maintain a support group and stay in the writing world, unique unto itself. Continue attending writing seminars and webinars.

Step aside.

Perhaps you need a break from writing. Add a lightness to your own world and smile. Go for a walk. Do good for someone else. As they say, eat chocolate!

Remember the words of Pastor Philip De Courcy, “no panic, only plans.” Plan your next writing steps.

Whether you’re crafting your first manuscript or your twentieth novel, add a touch of the lighter fare as you entertain and inspire through words. Write what you’d want to read and offer your best.

Happy writing, my friends.

PJ Gover

PJ Gover encourages her readers to live the thrill one story at a time. She wrote her first thriller at age nine, all of six pages, but only returned to creating suspense/thrillers years later after unearthing her deceased father’s secret work designing missiles for the government. After fifteen writing awards her high school English teacher must be shaking her head in disbelief. A ranch in Texas serves as home base. Offer her well-crafted chili relleno or anything gluten-free and you’ll have a friend for life. Jim Hart of Hartline Literary represents PJ.

She’d love to hear from you!

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