Yesterday, Husband and I took Kids 3 and 4 to a movie – one they have been SO EXCITED about for over a year. See, we have this preview channel on our computer, so we regularly watch previews months in advance of a film’s opening. This movie, which I’d rather not name, had such a funny premise. And so many talented people involved. And the preview is really hilarious.
And the film was completely disappointing.
Maybe that’s not fair. We did laugh a few times. But the potential was HUGE, and the payoff? Way minor.
So naturally, I’m applying this to books. You know that thing, where you pick up a book and read the back, and maybe a few of the blurbs inside, and you think, hey, with a cover like this and a premise like that and sunshine-y reviews like these, this is a book I’m going to Lurve? And then you get inside it and it’s, well, hack?
Yes? You know?
This is a large fear of mine.
Maybe other writers share this fear. This concern that we’ve made something with such great sound-bytes and beautiful packaging and the world’s best premise and hey, what’s not to love? But then it turns out to be… meh?*
Now maybe other people saw this film and lurved it like I wanted to. Maybe there are people who are, how do I say this nicely, less discerning. Like Kids 3 and 4, who said a dozen times as we left the theater, “That was awesome. Thank you for taking us to see it!” But these are the same children who can watch any of a number of television shows and call them awesome, too. I’m just saying. Entertainment for them is… easy. Am I a snob? Possibly. Do I require much? Perhaps. Will I withhold “awesome” until I feel it’s deserved? Probably.
And I know that what I write is not fine art. It is not “high” anything. But I hope it’s consistent. I hope that you get what you expect, plus a little more, when you finish the experience. I work to satisfy the premise. I fill a niche, and I hope (and work) to fill it in a way that leaves you smiling, not going, “wha…?”
Like that.
* A writer’s prayer: Oh, let me not be… meh.
(6) Comments for this blog
If this is the movie I’m thinking of…i.e. viking helmets and dragons….it was the same with me. The kids LURVED it…Marc and I? …meh….
But….there were redeeming things about it…some funny lines, etc.
And I think you’re awesome, for what it’s worth. 😉
If this is the movie I’m thinking of…i.e. viking helmets and dragons….it was the same with me. The kids LURVED it…Marc and I? …meh….
But….there were redeeming things about it…some funny lines, etc.
And I think you’re awesome, for what it’s worth. 😉
I own this fear right along with you. Sometimes it paralyzes my brain and I have to find ways to let it go. I need to know the movie so I don’t waste money on it. Send me an email. Seriously, if I pay for crap and you could have warned me…
I own this fear right along with you. Sometimes it paralyzes my brain and I have to find ways to let it go. I need to know the movie so I don’t waste money on it. Send me an email. Seriously, if I pay for crap and you could have warned me…
I withhold “awesome” too. And I confess that I rent certain movies for the express purpose of being unimpressed by them (I have issues, yo).
But that sort of thinking holds me back because the books I’m writing have fabulous premises (she said oh so humbly), but I live in fear of never having the skill to do them justice.
Having read two of your books I can tell you quite honestly that you have never even come close to approaching the realm of “meh.”
I withhold “awesome” too. And I confess that I rent certain movies for the express purpose of being unimpressed by them (I have issues, yo).
But that sort of thinking holds me back because the books I’m writing have fabulous premises (she said oh so humbly), but I live in fear of never having the skill to do them justice.
Having read two of your books I can tell you quite honestly that you have never even come close to approaching the realm of “meh.”