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Joss
Lv 7
Joss asked in Arts & HumanitiesBooks & Authors · 10 years ago

Writers: How would you respond if asked these questions by a fan?

Lets say you were published and doing a reading/book signing. I'm in the crowd. I stand up to ask you a question. Tell me how you'd respond to me; the words you think you'd use to respond to my question. Lets say that there are anywhere from 10-50 people in the room.

*I raise my hand and I"m passed a mic... "Hi there!" *waves* "Glad you could make it to town and I hope you're enjoying it so far!"...

1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem-offensive in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

After you've answered #7...

I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

"Thanks for answering my question(s)! I can't wait for your next book!" *plops down in my chair*

Update:

I hate when Answers cuts me off like that. #6 should be "whatever-I-deem-offensive" ;)

Update 2:

My nephew's high school class had to read one of the Percy Jackson books for a class when they were covering Greek Mythology. If I remember correctly, his teacher said that Percy Jackson was a good representation of it. I was surprised that my nephew loved it because he HATES reading. School sanctioned reading is the ONLY time he'll pick up a book. He liked it so much that he recommended *I* read it, lol. But, he's not interested in the other Percy Jackson books or anything similar simply because he hates reading.

19 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    1) Sure, why not? I'll even name the character after you.

    2) I'm not sure what you're talking about. I did not steal any ideas, especially not any ideas from my cousin.

    3) I'm sorry. It just had to be done. Maybe he'll come back. *winks*

    4) I don't think I'll be able to help you very much, considering I'm working on this series. I'd be happy to give you some writing tips, though.

    5) Would you rather read your textbook?

    6) I suppose so. What's a realistic story without violence? Life holds violence, so why shouldn't a story?

    7) Absolutely not. I love my mother and my whole family. Where did you hear such a thing?

    My novels are dark and gloomy? Hm. I just have a dark and gloomy personality, I suppose.

  • Hazel
    Lv 6
    10 years ago

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    Sorry but I don't base my characters off real people. And I don't even know you so that would be too much of a challenge. But if you'd like to give me a hobby or personality trait of yours maybe I'll give it to one of my characters.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    I don't base my characters off real people so you heard wrong. I've never stolen any ideas from my cousin, I would then have to assume he even has any ideas. He just likes gossip. I was never sued, especially not by a family member.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    I didn't kill him "so and so" did. He died because that's what was meant to happen. It was all part of the plot. If you cried, I'm glad, it means it was well done.

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    Have faith in your own writing skills. If you have a great idea you want to share with the world, you should write it, you don't need my help.

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    This question is better suited for a teacher. How should I know why schools do anything they do?

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    Well you can't please everyone. Many works of literature has these particular scenes you are not fond of, it's part of life. A great writer does not mean cutting out what one person might find offensive, it's telling the entire story the way it was meant to be told.

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    Everyone always believes what they hear don't they? I love my mother. I have an excellent relationship with her and the rest of my family.

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    Nope.

  • 10 years ago

    *I raise my hand and I"m passed a mic... "Hi there!" *waves* "Glad you could make it to town and I hope you're enjoying it so far!"...

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    Maybe I could use that but I don't really know much about you...

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    Nope, I don't have any cousins so that would be impossible.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    If you cried then that's good because my book had a trong impact on you.

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    Well, if I help you to write it then it won't really be your idea anymore. Will it?

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    I don't know, personally I'd prefer it if they didnt because then people would be more likely to like it more since they aren't being forced to read it.

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    There needs to be a good mix of both in order to make a book seem more realistic. Why read a murder mystery with no murder in?

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    No, I tease my sister frequently but that's normal.

    After you've answered #7...

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    My novels aren't all dark and gloomy because I feel that at the moment that's becoming the stereotype in literature.

    -- Dotty Lottie :)

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    I'm writing a book called the Diamond Fist :D

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    I base all my characters on everyone I've ever met. I combine traits from all different people, so you could be in it, you never know! The appearance of one of my Main Character is someone I've never met. His photo was online somewhere and he looked like someone who'd have the same traits as him. Also, the Main Character's love interest's photo was on Facebook when I still had it somewhere. She doesn't look exactly like the photo... but similar enough.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    I killed a few characters in my novel, including a protagonist. Which one do you refer to?

    Also, my idea is fairly - no setting - is fairly original. At the moment anyway. (Based on Recent Events in late Jan/Feb. And most ideas aren't original anyway.

    I wouldn't consider The Sun or News of the World unbiased either.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    I was sad to let him die too :(

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    I can't help you write it, but I can mentor you and give you some advice if you want.

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    They do?!

    I guess they must like it and think it's a very good book...

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    I do, but these things happen in real life. No point of trying to hide it!

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    It must be opposite day today -.-

    After you've answered #7...

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    No. I wouldn't call it dark or gloomy either.

    Thanks for your questions!

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  • 10 years ago

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    Well perhaps one day you'll find someone just like you in one of the novels, but I don't base my characters on a specific person

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    No cousins of mine have died, and like I said before, I don't base my characters on a specific person. I don't steal any person's ideas and I'm sorry you got the wrong idea about that. The website was wrong.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    He? I think you got the wrong book

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    The best thing about writing is the fact that you work on it yourself, and put all your efforts into it

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    WHY WAS I CURSED. WHAT DID MY BOOK EVER DO TO DESERVE THIS *breaks down into tears*

    In reality: Well I'd personally prefer it if they didn't, reading shouldn't something forced upon you and I don't want my book to do that. I don't know why they make you read it. Maybe it has a symbolic message that they believe I was trying to make.

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    Being a good writer means you can write an enticing book that portrays what you intended. But is there really a true definition?

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    Completely and utterly false

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    Not at all. I don't even know if I would define my novel as dark or gloomy. I have no family angst.

  • *I raise my hand and I"m passed a mic... "Hi there!" *waves* "Glad you could make it to town and I hope you're enjoying it so far!"...

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    Yeah... About that. I like to create my characters, so I can add flaws to them. If I used you, you might read it and think, "She made totally wrong!" And the last thing I want is to get sued. So, sorry.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    No, my cousin doesn't write.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    I didn't kill anyone....

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    Sure.

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    Maybe the teachers think there is an improtant moral to learn. Or maybe the president of education said it was vital to read it.

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    It was a minor piece of violence, dear.

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    .... I love my mommy!

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    No...

    Source(s): ~Celeste *blows kisses*
  • 10 years ago

    1) *Smile* Well why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? You never know.

    2) My cousin and I have had a troubled relationship for many years. Unfortunately when you become successful your family does not always support you. My cousin read some of my first draft and claimed several key ideas as his own. This is not true, and the character I killed is a far different type of person than my cousin.

    3) Well it would be boring if I didn't throw in a surprise here and there wouldn't it? One thing I'd hate for my books to become would be predictable. Also, sometimes a reader doesn't realize how much they love a character until that character disappears.

    4) I'm flattered that you would ask, but unfortunately my schedule is a bit hectic right now. My advice would be to expand upon your idea so far, jot down some outlines and just start writing!

    5) *Smile* I don't know. Perhaps they think you'll learn something from it. What do you think so far?

    6) I think being a good writer means challenging boundaries and not being afraid to go where other authors are timid to. I don't write books for children. People are aware of my reputation before they pick up my book, so I would hope they would begin it with an open mind.

    7) That is a false rumour that I have been denying for a long time. Family is very important to me.

    After you've answered #7...

    Certainly my real-life relationships, including those with my family, have influenced my writing. Everything about my life does. Fights with my sister are just as much inspiration to me as seeing an elderly couple walk through a park. There is a story everywhere.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything. -- I already have characters planned out for my next story. I'm certain one of them will be the narcissist.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel? -- Well, you can't go believing everything you hear on the internet, right? You have to use some common sense--many people take delight at making others look bad. And however much I base characters on friends or family members is not a point for discussion.

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles* -- Because his death was meaningful to the story, he wouldn't have wanted it any other way other than his loss.

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it? -- Sorry, but I have a lot to write myself. How 'bout you stick around until the end, I'll give you some pointers? ; )

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book? -- Schools make students read my book? *gleeful smile* Well... perhaps... there's more to reading than the realistic stuff you read in school mostly, and a bit of fantasy never hurt, especially when all books can carry messages regardless of genre.

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth? -- I disagree. Many phenomenal works focus on death and violence. Shakespeare wrote sexual puns and rape references. Huckleberry Finn repeated racial slurs over and over. Literature reflects life--that stuff is part of life.

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true? -- Not at all. My family is wonderfully accepting of my writing and everything about me.

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy? -- If you think my work is dark, you must have been reading Goosebumps all your life. XD

  • ?
    Lv 4
    10 years ago

    *I raise my hand and I"m passed a mic... "Hi there!" *waves* "Glad you could make it to town and I hope you're enjoying it so far!"...

    *Thinks 'another crazy fan' and rolls eyes*

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    *Pretends to smile nicely* "That'll be a great idea, kid." *Coughs* "I'll see what I can do but I can't promise anything, sorry. I like to create my own characters.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    "No, no. I don't steal ideas from others."

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    "Are you sure you read the book?" *pauses and lets out a big sigh* "That was supposed to happen for its theme."

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    "Dude, no. Just start to write it, it will take you some time until it comes out the way you want it. Just be patient and keep practicing."

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    "Hmm . . . I never thought of that." *Scratches head while thinking* "My book's theme is something that people rarely talk about because I guess they are afraid of bringing it up, so my book is a good example to teach them about real events of life."

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    "Yes, of course."

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    "I don't hate my mother, I love her!" *says to self 'stay calm, Lili, stay calm. Just a few minutes more until eating dinner with Jin. Ahh . . . yes, Jin.* ''Oh, sorry. Uh, nope, I don't hate any of my family members. I get along with them just fine and they are the reason I am right here."

    After you've answered #7...

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    "If it was because of my family, I would be writing about rainbows and ponies."

    "Thanks for answering my question(s)! I can't wait for your next book!" *plops down in my chair*

    "Hee hee, goodbye, kid." *says to self 'yes! finally.' waves*

    Source(s): Lili xx
  • 10 years ago

    This is tough: I don't do well with people D: especially childish, giddy girls! oh no~

    1) Ahem. So... I was wondering...like...since I'm your biggest fan and all. *bats big, beautiful eyes* hows about writing a character based on me? I mean, it doesn't have to be the main character or anything.

    I let my characters lead me to where their going in the story, so there's no telling how that story would end up but also if i let you be apart of it, it wouldn't be far to all my other biggest fans who would also enjoy being a character in my story, now would it? *smile* I think i'll keep my characters fictional.

    2) So, I've heard that the character you killed is based on your cousin. You know, the one that XYZ website said sued you over stealing his idea. Is this true? And, is it true that you stole his ideas for your novel?

    The website you got your information on is wrong. I'm not familiar with it but as i said before, my characters are all fictional. *smile*

    3) Why did you kill [Character's name]? He was the funniest and most interesting character in the novel. I cried. *sniffles*

    Because he had to die, trust me, i was attached as well but i'm glad that i was able to draw such emotion from you.

    4) I'm not that good of a writer, but I have the best idea you've ever heard. Will you help me write it?

    I think creativity starts from inside you. I'm glad that your interested in such aprofessionn and i hope that one day you to will be sitting at a signing of your own.

    5) I was forced to read your book for school. I"m getting extra credit for being here and extra, extra credit if I ask a question: So *pauses* why do schools make us read your book?

    (inside thought - clearly it doesnt teach you manners) *smile* Well i'd hope that you would enjoy the book and that you would gain entertainment out of it but I can't tell you why exactly your school would make you read it. Maybe this is a question for your teacher. *Tries extra extra hard not to eye roll*

    6) I liked your book, except you have violence/sex/murder/rape/whatever-I-deem… in your book. Don't you think being a great writer means you can write a good, old-fashioned book without degrading literature with such filth?

    Well, this isn't an old fashioned book. If i choose to write such then i would. *shrug*

    7) I heard you hate your mother and don't get along with the rest of your family. Is that true?

    Something we don't get along, i mean what family does but where ever your getting your information from is wrong, i love my mother. *clearly offended*

    After you've answered #7...

    I have another question. Is all your family angst the reason why your novels are so dark and gloomy?

    No, i just prefer dark in gloomy rather than chipper and bright.

    Next?

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