What won't you write?

[JennaGlatzer]

A publisher offers you $100,000 to write a book.

Aside from the obvious (kiddie porn, how to hire a hitman, etc.) illegal-type stuff, is there anything you wouldn't write?

[Danger Jane]

sloth-donkey-coyote gay erotica?

I don't know too much about the mechanics of a gay sloth-donkey-coyote orgy :( the research process disgusts me.

Hmm. I guess not, although depending on the genre, it might turn out horrible.

[Bartholomew]

I have no scruples.

...and I still don't see a lot of paying work.

Owners of Pornographic Websites, my email address is--

--What? What'd I say?

[poetinahat]

sloth-donkey-coyote gay erotica?
Would sloth-donkey-coyote straight erotica be okay then?

:Huh:

===============================

This question reminds me of the famous George Bernard Shaw anecdote (and I paraphrase).

Shaw is speaking with a comely young lass at a social occasion of some sort. He asks her:
"Would you sleep with me for a million pounds?"

She smiles and replies, "Well, yes, I think I would."

"Well, then -- how about for ten pounds?"

Indignant, she retorts, "What do you think I am, a whore?"

Shaw, coolly: "It seems we've already established that."

[seun]

I don't think there's anything I'd completely avoid. Obviously certain subjects are unpleasant, but if an issue was crucial to the plot, then what the hell? Anything goes.

[Bartholomew]

Would sloth-donkey-coyote straight erotica be okay then?

:Huh:


The Society Against Immoral Tri-Species Relations says "No."

[aruna]

Well, I have already done it so the answer in my case is yes, there are many things I would not write for money!
I may a bit too much of a sensitive for the world of business but I simply cannot write anything that is not 100% what I feel think and believe.
(Which doesn't mean I don't have unpleasant subjects in my books. heck, one of my books is about child prostitution, you can't get much worse than that!! But I understood the question to be if you would write something supporting an issue you disagreed with.)

[jenfreedom]

I'd write most anything; not well mind you... and probably I'd never write something entitled, "100 Reasons Why Bush Rocks My World;" that book, I'd turn down.

Why the question... did someone offer you lots to write a book? What about?

~ Jennifer (who is very sorry to all the Bush lovers, but not so sorry that she'd write that book)

[Inky]

Non-fiction.
I come from a family of writers/journalists. They excell in non-fiction. Everytime I've tried my hand at it, some mystical something or other weaves itself into the fabric of the story. Any other genre, for 100k, I'd kill myself to learn/master/create. But non-fiction? That takes genius; me idiot.

[Bartholomew]

I'd write most anything; not well mind you... and probably I'd never write something entitled, "100 Reasons Why Bush Rocks My World;" that book, I'd turn down.

Why the question... did someone offer you lots to write a book? What about?

~ Jennifer (who is very sorry to all the Bush lovers, but not so sorry that she'd write that book)

Oh, I would love to write that book.

[Inky]

Oh, I would love to write that book.
I could see a man writing this book.
Oh. You mean President Bush?
Ah. Yeah. Well. I'm with Jen. My computer would probably combust, not to mention the souls of dead soldiers would tap my shoulder, and scowl down at me.

[scarletpeaches]

I don't think there's anything I wouldn't write if I was paid enough.

I heard it said once, "Everyone has a price...it's not always money."

[aruna]

I heard it said once, "Everyone has a price...it's not always money."


That is just not true.

[scarletpeaches]

Remember, I said it's not always money. It could be family, friends, work...there's always something a person would do anything to protect. Their children, perhaps? I know it's a far-fetched idea but say you had to write something to save your child's life, or to save your own, or to...I dunno, find a cure for cancer. I say 'you' in the general sense.

I think I know what my 'price' is and it's not cash. No, I'm not saying. ;)

[aruna]

I still think it's not true. Not for everyone.

[scarletpeaches]

Damn you and your principles, aruna - damn you! :D

(I'm just a whore for money).

[Bartholomew]

That is just not true.

I remember when I believed that. :(

[aruna]

I remember when I believed that. :(

You just haven't met the right people!

I'm not talking about myself, SP! please remove that halo you see floating around my head - if you only knew!!!

[Inky]

Damn you and your principles, aruna - damn you! :D

(I'm just a whore for money).
I agree. When it comes to your child, a mother will do anything; scruples be damned. I've modeled in the nude to put food on the table--once upon a time when I had something worth looking at (single 17 year old parent, blah, blah, blah)--so write for money? Well, at least I'd be able to keep my shirt on & not scare the locals.

[scarletpeaches]

Uh...don't suppose you've still got those photos?

It's uh, for research. Yeah, that's it. Research.

[aruna]

But I think the OP quandary is a different one - it was originally if you would do sacrifice your principles for money; we're come around to discussing whether what we wouldn't do for a noble cause, ie saving children, curing cancer, etc - that's a different discussion altogether! I think the two shouldn't be thrown into the same pot.

[johnrobison]

There were plenty of things I declined to write about in my first book, and now, I have no more desire to put them in the second than I did the first.

No graphic sex. No terrible violence. I guess, basically, I want my books to contain stuff that's mostly nice. And I'll only deviate so far from that ideal.

Some of the stuff my brother writes about in Running With Scissors and his magazine columns . . .I would never write about those things. And I don't think there's a need to, at least for me. There's a market for both pieces of work, or both of us.

[Inky]

Uh...don't suppose you've still got those photos?

It's uh, for research. Yeah, that's it. Research.
No, Lady SpanksAlot, but I DID make front cover. How I found out is quite a humorous date-gone-bad story, but it would hijack this thread.

[Ol' Fashioned Girl]

$100,000.000? Nope. There's nothing I wouldn't write. :)

[Marlys]

If I cared deeply about making money, I'd be writing something else.

[Perks]

I don't know that there is anything I'd cross my arms against and refuse to write. It's only a matter of being able to do it.

Hell, I have a difficult enough time writing what I choose.

But, even for normal money, it would be very interesting to write a commissioned piece. As yet, it's never been a consideration, but historically (if you can count my five years at the grindstone as any sort of 'history') some of my best pieces have come out of 'assignments' and exercises.

[Queen of Swords]

$100,000.000? Nope. There's nothing I wouldn't write. :)

I suppose I could write some book-long rant against career women, freedom of choice, atheism, science and Harry Potter for $100,000. I could use the money. But I wouldn't want my real name on the dreck.

[RickN]

Any topic is fine, but a lowered writing quality would be out of the question.

Since everything I write reeks of brilliance and raw, untamed talent, I'd have trouble reigning my genius in, even for $100k.

Ya'll, uh, may not have noticed this about me.

[Celia Cyanide]

My problem is, I just can't get that excited about other people's ideas. If they told me, "write a book about this" it would be very hard for me to get through. If I got $100,000 though I might do it, because I could make my movie with it.

[Inky]

Any topic is fine, but a lowered writing quality would be out of the question.

Since everything I write reeks of brilliance and raw, untamed talent, I'd have trouble reigning my genius in, even for $100k.

Ya'll, uh, may not have noticed this about me.

*drags Rick to Comedy Cabaret thread.....* You need to get up on this stage and tell your joke.
Oh. You were serious? Well....*takes off running*

[Inky]

For 100k, I could get excited about watching the grass grow!

[JamieFord]

I wouldn't ghost-write any of those weird William Shatner books.

[giftedrhonda]

Wow, this is tough...for 100k, I'd probably write close to anything. I guess someone would have to suggest an excessively freakish topic for me not to write it...

[Toothpaste]

I seriously would not write anything that promoted a political or social philosophy that I utterly disagreed with. I told my acting agent I would not audition for anything that supported a political party that I did not. I could not be party to convincing someone to follow an ideology that I personally found reprehensible.

[Danger Jane]

Would sloth-donkey-coyote straight erotica be okay then?

:Huh:



Perhaps, I have more experience being straight than I do gay.

Actually no, absolutely no erotica featuring sloth-donkey-coyote orgies. The research still disgusts me.

[Soccer Mom]

I'm sure there are topics out there I wouldn't touch (other than the obvious.)

But would I write in a genre I don't care for? Yup. Write someone elses' characters without credit for a book packager? Yup. I sure would for the right price. Ghost write without attribution? Yup. Pay me well and I would do it.

[Willowmound]

A publisher offers you $100,000 to write a book.

Aside from the obvious (kiddie porn, how to hire a hitman, etc.) illegal-type stuff, is there anything you wouldn't write?

For $100,000, I'd write that too.

I so want to quit my dayjob.

[Willowmound]

Uh...don't suppose you've still got those photos?

It's uh, for research. Yeah, that's it. Research.

I'm researching naked ladies too.

Huh. Funny coincidence.

[Spiny Norman]

I'm a stubborn arrogant ass. People have already told me to write schlock romance or NASCAR novels (yes, they exist) because I'd probably make more money that way.

The hell with that. If I wanted money I'd be in another business. I'm content to be some maniac sitting in a hole in a field in the middle of nowhere, singing the song I want to hear even if it's only to myself.

At the same time, though, I'd like to write in any genre - I'd just make the book my own, which would probably disappoint those who like the genre itself.

[Sean D. Schaffer]

A publisher offers you $100,000 to write a book.

Aside from the obvious (kiddie porn, how to hire a hitman, etc.) illegal-type stuff, is there anything you wouldn't write?



Pretty much anything right at the moment. I came to the realization, quite recently, that I was not taking care of myself and that I was on the brink of losing my sanity. So I'm presently taking a break from writing except for pleasure. I think if a publisher offered me an amount like what you just mentioned, I would probably have to pass it up regardless of the content. I need to take care of me first.

Under normal circumstances, I would probably say I wouldn't write hard SF, because I don't much care for it and because I don't have a lot of wherewithal to research stuff having to do with scientific theory.

But for right now, I'm just kind of writing for pleasure because of my mental and physical condition.

[DeadlyAccurate]

I wouldn't write fiction that has someone else's name on it. I'll concede to co-author credit, but that's it. If Angelina Jolie wants to become a famous author, she's gonna have to share the limelight with me.

Other than that, like Toothpaste, I wouldn't write something with a profoundly different political or social philosophy than my beliefs.

I wouldn't write something literary. Nothing against it, I just don't have a clue how to do it. Then again, if someone were silly enough to hand me a large sum of money up front and then ask for a literary work, it's not my fault if the final product turns out to be the literary equivalent of a Die Hard movie.

Regarding personal philosophy, that only refers to nonfiction. I wouldn't espouse a belief I find too different from my own or that I felt would cause harm. Fiction is a whole different thing. I already have characters who engage in activities I would never truly approve of. So, I could write a piece of fiction with (non-graphic) kiddie porn in it, but I would never write a pro-kiddie porn screed.

[Southern_girl29]

I'd pretty much right anything for that amount of money, except for kiddie porn or violence against children. I just couldn't do that. I might also have a problem writing something that says I support an agenda that I don't. Like Toothpaste said, I wouldn't write about supporting a political party and political views that I don't. Otherwise, I'm pretty much open to anything.

[C.bronco]

I wouldn't write PR for Hilary.

[ink wench]

My willingness to whore out my pen, or keyboard, would probably be entirely related to how much I needed the money.

[Mania]

As others have said, I would write just about anything as long as it doesn't go against my beliefs.

[LloydBrown]

A publisher offers you $100,000 to write a book.

Aside from the obvious (kiddie porn, how to hire a hitman, etc.) illegal-type stuff, is there anything you wouldn't write?

I'd write the obvious illegal-type stuff for $100,000.

[Kate Thornton]

I can't think of anything I wouldn't write. I sorta do that at work now - I write all kinds of boring things for that amount of money...

It would be a shame to turn writing into just another day job, though.

[Sassee]

If there were no deadline attached to it... maybe. Even controversial or illegal issues I'd write about, so long as I wasn't promoting said issue (such as the afore mentioned kiddy porn). That's where I draw the line. Ninja Bunny does have morals, believe it or not ;) However I've already gone to the dark side with graphic violence, sex, "iffy" activities, and all that, so those wouldn't bother me.

[reenkam]

I can't think of anything I wouldn't write. Even the stuff opposing my personal beliefs...I could still write something and it'd probably be pretty convincing, too.

As for illegal topics...something like how to hire a hitman would be fine. Kiddie porn...I'm sure I could do it but I wouldn't say it'd be worth reading. I'd feel terrible while writing, but I could still write. Unless it was promoting child molestation or something...yeah, I don't think I could write that. I wouldn't be able to come up with any good things to say.

[JoNightshade]

I would write about any topic, as long as I got to put my spin on it. Yes, I would write about kiddie porn and what not, but it would be definitely in the CON arena rather than PRO.

So like others have said, I would not write anything that went against my personal beliefs or my integrity. I've already had to make this choice a couple of times at my job when asked to write something that was less than completely honest. I've been shaking in my boots as I confronted my boss, but I did it and fortunately he respected me. I wouldn't sacrifice my integrity for my job, so I certainly wouldn't do it for money.

[blacbird]

Anything an agent wants to represent or a publisher wants to publish, evidently.

caw

[Lyra Jean]

I did come up with a book idea, "How to become a Hit Man: Killing People for Fun and Profit" It was going to be a book of biographies of famous and not so famous hit men.

I would not write works promoting witchcraft or satanism. If it's a fiction piece and there are witches or satan worshipers that are characters that's fine. But no non-fiction work.

[Lauri B]

I probably wouldn't write about a subject that bores me too much. I have written books on a variety of subjects, and a couple have been really, really tedious to finish. On the other hand, $100,000 could help spark my interest pretty quickly.

[Namatu]

I'm sure there are things I wouldn't write, even for $100,000. I won't give examples, but will paraphrase the Supreme Court on pornography regarding the boundaries: I'll know it when I hear it.

[Cath]

I guess it depends how badly I needed the money. But I don't think I could write about anything that promoted hate or intolerance, whatever the price.

[pepperlandgirl]

I'd probably happily write anything for $100,000, including the illegal-type stuff. The way I see it, good writing is a skill like any other skill. Sometimes that skill can be used for art. Sometimes for pleasure. Sometimes as nothing more than a hobby. And sometimes for money!

$100,000, properly invested, can keep me fat and happy for a long time. And if anybody calls me a whore behind my back, that's fine. I'll have my money to keep me company.

[ChunkyC]

I seriously would not write anything that promoted a political or social philosophy that I utterly disagreed with. I told my acting agent I would not audition for anything that supported a political party that I did not. I could not be party to convincing someone to follow an ideology that I personally found reprehensible.
I'm the same. I've lived for over half a century without boatloads of cash, I can go a little longer. I would not, for example, write a book about hunting for pleasure. While I understand that enjoyment of the hunt is a survival trait that served us well as a species, I don't have that gene and could never, ever write about killing an animal for fun, no matter how much money was offered.

And yes, I know had I been born in medieval times or earlier, I would likely have died very young. Or been a minstrel or court jester. Okay, that last one probably wouldn't have been long term employment either. :D

[glendalough]

When I was in CA and trying to be an actress (lol) I said I'd never say G damn. I never did. I would never write it either.

I also would never write about child abduction. I know of a very famous author who makes most of her millions by writing about this topic in fiction. I don't find it amusing and I know there are a lot of sickos that do...in a very bad way. JMO

[Varthikes]

I would not write porn or erotica of any sort.

In fact, it might just be better if I stuck to the field of my expertise--science fiction.

[Eeman]

I would not write anything that goes against my personal beliefs (religious, political, etc.)

If I wanted to be making tons of money, I would not be a writer in the first place. If you're destined to make $100,000, I believe you'll get it no matter what - but you don't have to sell out your beliefs in the process. I can't tell you how many times I've turned down an assignment of questionable nature and received a better one to replace it just a few days or weeks later.

[zahra]

Not much. Kiddie-porn, racism, no, but illegal how-to books, yeah, if it was a law I didn't agree with.

I'd hate to have to write something I found dull or silly, but a hundred grand would take the sting out of it. There is no way I'd turn down that type of money. It would be irresponsible, seeing as I'm in a financial hole the size of New Zealand, and I bet I'd end up relishing the challenge to make it convincing and even fun for me to write.

[Eeman]

I'm surprised, by the way, that so many people view $100,000 as a huge amount of money. Is it really that huge in today's world? (I'm no millionaire, mind you). Try to live within your means, and you won't get into debt. But having money is a responsibilty of its own, and I really appreciate the challenge of having little.

[zahra]

I'm surprised, by the way, that so many people view $100,000 as a huge amount of money. Is it really that huge in today's world? (I'm no millionaire, mind you). Try to live within your means, and you won't get into debt. But having money is a responsibilty of its own, and I really appreciate the challenge of having little.
It's a huge amount of money to me right now cos having it would enable me to be debt-free and do nowt but write for a couple of years. That'll do for me! That would be the minimum required for my happiness right now (health and loved persons being OK granted). Give me that and I won't ask for mansions and Manolos. Well, not for a while, anyway:) ...

Ha - and as for the challenge of having little - no, I do not relish it! I hereby refuse planning
permission for any more building of my character!

[Kate Thornton]

I'm surprised, by the way, that so many people view $100,000 as a huge amount of money. Is it really that huge in today's world? (I'm no millionaire, mind you). Try to live within your means, and you won't get into debt. But having money is a responsibilty of its own, and I really appreciate the challenge of having little.

Yes, I agree. I am now debt free, but still work. That amount of money cannot buy you a house where I live, nor support you for the rest of your life, nor cover the cost of major medical expenses if you are uninsured (or even if you *are* insured - another scary topic)

It could haul you out of debt - but IMHO living within your means is the real key to being rich. I appreciate living on little and saving a lot right now. But soon I will not have an income at all for several years. I am glad I am used to living on very little and have some savings.

I still would write for the money if it were offered, as long as the writing didn't bore me to tears. Nothing is worth that.

[Del]

I won't write a memoir. The tamest of events in my life (worthy of writing about) was viewed as doubtful. I can't imagine what they might think of the less believable parts of my life. I'll write fiction. You couldn't pay me enough to write about myself.

I also won't take an advance for work unfinished. I'll write it. Pay me if you like it. That way no one owes anyone anything...and my only deadline will be written on a tombstone.

[ChaosTitan]

I don't know that there is anything I'd cross my arms against and refuse to write. It's only a matter of being able to do it.



Ditto that. As long as the publisher wasn't picky about quality (because God knows there are subjects I've yet to try my hand at), I think I'd try anything for $100k. I can't guarentee the end product, but I'd try.*



*Of course, that could be the devil on my shoulder who's sick of living paycheck to paycheck....

[Queen of Swords]

I'm surprised, by the way, that so many people view $100,000 as a huge amount of money. Is it really that huge in today's world?

Well, let me put it this way. Two years ago, I was living in the Middle East and couldn't get a job, despite offering to work for free. I was desperately trying to raise enough money to come to Canada. One of the things I did was to take half-used candles from the trash cans outside the Catholic church, melt them down, make new candles and sell them outside the Protestant church. I don't think I'd have been popular with either church had they found out. So yeah, that's a pretty big sum of money by my standards.

[pepperlandgirl]

One hundred grand would pay off all my credit card debt, my car, and my student loans. I'd actually be pretty happy if I didn't have that shit hanging around my neck. It makes up about 3/4 of my monthly expenses. Even if 100,000 isn't enough to live off forever, it would sure as hell make my current living easier.

[scarletpeaches]

I've been reading that as £100,000. Still, even if it's only dollars - only!!! - I'd write anything. £50k or thereabouts would enable me to move to where I want to be. Easily.

[badducky]

I actually briefly worked on a pediatric palliative care grant proposal, and I couldn't finish. Imagine researching all the ways the children die slowly from awful, crippling diseases.

I lasted about half a day.

[glendalough]

100,000 is A TON OF MONEY. I just took on babysitting another kid, rather than trying to enjoy a tad moment of summer and possibly regain a sense of normalcy and sanity. No, I took another kid on to make a whopping $20 a day. 100,000 k is a lot, it's nearly everything.

[Mr. Fix]

Following the guidelines, I'd say, yes.

I view writing as a skill. A chance to sharpen it while being paid is agreeable to me. I can write about anything because, between me and my brother, we know everything! go ahead try me...:D

[davids]

I read some of the posts-think to myself and I am not kidding-what wouldn't I write? Anything that does not make me a buck! Then I considered kid porn-well I would not write porn about kids-so that is one-although I might write one to put up a bit of a fight agin it-racism? Same applies-if I can write about the racist and the way they think feel act-what is inside em-and so on then I might have a go-same for the kid porn stuff-but I had to admit to myself that even the money grubbing slut that I am-there are limits even for me!

[aruna]

One hundred grand would pay off all my credit card debt, my car, and my student loans. I'd actually be pretty happy if I didn't have that shit hanging around my neck. It makes up about 3/4 of my monthly expenses. Even if 100,000 isn't enough to live off forever, it would sure as hell make my current living easier.


100 k would certainly turn my life around right now - I have debts and a million other problems that could be solved with money. Yet still there are things that are more important, and doing something I know is wrong for money is one of them. if I had to make that choice I would regard it as a serious spiritual challenge but I would know without a doubt that taking the easy road would, in the end, a few years down the road, land me in a far worse plight than I am now.
Karma does work.
And if you have money but a terrible conscience, can you seriously be happy?

[Chasing the Horizon]

I wouldn't write nonfiction because I simply wouldn't have a clue where to begin.

As for fiction, for $100,000 tax-free (or even taxed, I guess *grumble*) the only requirement would be that I get to create my own characters. Otherwise, I could follow any guidelines on plot and content. Even if it was a genre (like YA) that I don't like reading and have no interest in, I could suddenly become very interested for $100k.

There is nothing as far as extreme content goes that would discourage me. You want to pay me $100,000 to write a book with a child raping kiddie porn producer as the protagonist? Great! (I'd give it a try for a lot less than that) To me, trying to make a character like that sympathetic would be a fascinating challenge. I probably wouldn't succeed, but I'd certainly try.

My own beliefs and feelings about a subject are irrelevant to my writing. How would my character feel about this? That is the only question that matters. I disagree with my characters frequently, which means nothing. I'm not writing an autobiography, I'm writing a novel. If people are so easily influenced that this changes their minds about something, then, well, they were bound to get influenced and someone else will probably influence them the other way a week later.

And to me, $100,000 is a lot of money. No, it won't have you set for life, or even buy you a house in my area, but it will pay off all my debts and pay my basic bills for about five years. To me, that's a lot.

[lfraser]

I wrote a lot of hooey for money when I worked in marketing research. At the time I was desperate for a job, having just graduated from university, and it seemed like a good gig to me. The job was mostly research and writing -- both things I love doing. But, and this is a big but, in the course of my work I helped sell cigarettes. I helped design packages that would sell even more cigarettes. It makes me sick to think about it now.

So if you're talking about non-fiction, then yes, there are probably things I would not write about. If it were fiction, I don't think there's any topic I wouldn't tackle, if I thought I had the skill to carry it off.

[aruna]

My own beliefs and feelings about a subject are irrelevant to my writing. How would my character feel about this? That is the only question that matters. I disagree with my characters frequently, which means nothing. I'm not writing an autobiography, I'm writing a novel. If people are so easily influenced that this changes their minds about something, then, well, they were bound to get influenced and someone else will probably influence them the other way a week later.



My bold.
What you write here is the very antithesis of how I see my own writing. I wish I had a copy of Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer here; she has a quote in it that beautifully sums up how I feel.
But I'll try and put it in my own words.

What I write is an extension of myself. The characters I create are a part of my very substance. How they act and what happens to them can never contradict who I am.
If I feel a subject is evil - eg child abuse - and I have a character who is an abuser, then, because he is created out of my substance, he automatically has to come to a bad end and pay for what he has done, because I regard child abuse as the ultimate evil. Similarly, the child who has been abused will find healing, because I believe that all wounds CAN be healed. To promote that abuser as somehow a winner, and his actions as worthy of emulation? Never. Not for a million.
I have a responsibility for every word I put out there. If what I write promotes what is shoddy, base, evil in society, then I myself am a contributing factor to such tendencies in the world. As a writer I have power, and I want to use that power to make this world a better place, no matter in how small a way.
To sell out that influence for mere money - why, it's like selling my soul! No thank you.

[aruna]

So if you're talking about non-fiction, then yes, there are probably things I would not write about. If it were fiction, I don't think there's any topic I wouldn't tackle, if I thought I had the skill to carry it off.

But there's a difference between tackling a topic in fiction, and actually promoting it. I think we were talking about writing in favour of things we strongly disagreed with.

[joetrain]

like aruna i don't know that anyone can write outside what they believe and feel, it would be writing what you do not know.

if you were asked to write a child rapist hero for the money, to make it good you'd have to connect to something in yourself that emulates the character. could be as simple as when you stole some grapes from the supermarket but you couldn't help yourself, so you swallowed the guilt to receive praise of some kind. ... but something to put you in the shoes of the character.

[Chasing the Horizon]

I don't pretend to have some high moral character, in myself or in my writing. Honestly, I don't believe I have that much influence, even if I was published and on the bestseller list. (Hint: that's why they call it fiction) It's the same reasoning by which I don't blame shock rockers, rap music, and violent movies for violent acts. Personal responsibility. It's not my fault if other people do bad things, even if I wrote a how-to manual on getting away with violent crimes. People were committing heinous acts of violence long before the printed word. It's human nature. Anyone who thinks they can influence people's actions through fiction writing needs a reality check.



To promote that abuser as somehow a winner, and his actions as worthy of emulation? Never. Not for a million.
For a million dollars I would write absolutely anything. A million dollars would let me spend the rest of my life writing whatever I pleased without ever having to worry about money. There's very little I wouldn't DO for that sort of opportunity, much less write.



I have a responsibility of every word I put out there. If what I write promotes what is shoddy, base, evil in society, then I myself am a contributing factor to such tendencies in the world. As a writer I have power, and I want to use that power to make this world a better place, no matter in how small a way.
To sell out that influence for mere money - why, it's like selling my soul! No thank you.
If I ever so much as think something that self-righteous I hope someone's kind enough to shoot me in the head and put me out of my misery.

[Chasing the Horizon]

if you were asked to write a child rapist hero for the money, to make it good you'd have to connect to something in yourself that emulates the character. could be as simple as when you stole some grapes from the supermarket but you couldn't help yourself, so you swallowed the guilt to receive praise of some kind. ... but something to put you in the shoes of the character.
Yes, I would have to connect with the character. I'm not afraid of the darkness in myself and would try my best to be accurate and convinceing. When I sit down to write I no longer exist. The characters and story are a world apart from reality, and my only responsibility is to their reality. Like I said before, I would find this an interesting (if perhaps impossible) challenge. Hell, maybe someday I'll try it for free, just to see if I can.

That's the great thing about writing, I can become anyone and do anything without consequences and without the possibility of any harm becoming anyone real. Surely the greatest accomplishment in character development would be to take a character who's very being offends and disgusts you and somehow come out with an understanding of them as a person.

[RLB]

But there's a difference between tackling a topic in fiction, and actually promoting it. I think we were talking about writing in favour of things we strongly disagreed with.

I agree. There's a huge difference between including uncomfortable/detestable subject matter (whatever that may be for each of us individually) in one's writing and actually glorifying/promoting it.

It's to do with intent, and truth as we see it.

[RLB]

Surely the greatest accomplishment in character development would be to take a character who's very being offends and disgusts you and somehow come out with an understanding of them as a person.

And there's a difference also between writing a complex villain for whom the reader may at times feel sympathy/understanding and promoting the vile things the villain does as right and good.

[Eeman]

I have a responsibility for every word I put out there. If what I write promotes what is shoddy, base, evil in society, then I myself am a contributing factor to such tendencies in the world. As a writer I have power, and I want to use that power to make this world a better place, no matter in how small a way. To sell out that influence for mere money - why, it's like selling my soul! No thank you.Bravo, Aruna. And I don't see this as self-righteous at all.

[De Lady]

Erotica. I don't have that much imagination...

[aruna]

Personal responsibility. It's not my fault if other people do bad things, even if I wrote a how-to manual on getting away with violent crimes. People were committing heinous acts of violence long before the printed word. It's human nature. Anyone who thinks they can influence people's actions through fiction writing needs a reality check.




Let me borrow your own words:
If I ever so much as think something that cynical I hope someone's kind enough to shoot me in the head and put me out of my misery.;)

Yes, I was aware that my words sounded self-righteous,. I almost added a sentence to that effect. Doesn't make it any less true. Every act, every word, indeed every thought we put out there has an effect, even if not obvious or immediate. Don't kid yourself!

And there's a difference also between writing a complex villain for whom the reader may at times feel sympathy/understanding and promoting the vile things the villain does as right and good.

I've written complex villains. My last complex villain is mass murderer responsible for over 900 horrible deaths. I have made him very understandable, and, I hope, in places, even likable; certainly pitiable. But there is no doubt that what he does is reprehensible. No, I don't write all sugar and spice! One of my novels is set for almost a third of the time in Bombay's Red Light District - nothing saccharine about that. And yes, I have been there myself and spent time speaking to some of its dwellers.

[aruna]

Actually, I can give a very plausible example. There's been a spate of novels/memoirs recently glorifying the lifestyle of callgirls. Since I have researched prostitution for a novel and I'm a good writer it's not outlandish to imagine that a publisher could offer me a fat advance for such a book. Would I do it? No.
It's naive to think that these books don't have influence. They do. The more books of this sort out there, the more prostitution as a legitimate lifestyle choice becomes acceptable - so-called "Happy Hooker" memoirs. Young girls read the books, see the easy money and think, "why not? Callgirl so-and-so in book so-and-so had a great life."
I do not want to contribute to that. To understand why not, read Danuta Kean's blog (http://www.danutakean.com/blog/index.php?paged=2), where a couple of these memoiristas and callgirls reveal just how glorious the life is. You have to scroll down a bit to get to that part. Or the article (http://www.danutakean.com/blog/?cat=8) that started off the controversy, published in the Daily Mail.
I wouldn't want to be a part that misery; call me self-righteous if you like.

[MelodyO]

I wrote porn for 400 bucks once, so obviously my sellout threshold is WAY lower than some of you around here.

It was pretty good porn, though.

[NovaHairstylingGel]

One thing I will never ever write about is a little ordinary man rebelling against the whole evil 'system' to protect the rights of the unpriviledged. Why don't you just mind your own business, little ordinary man.

[seun]

I only got £50 for my porn story, damn it.

[MelodyO]

I only got £50 for my porn story, damn it.

Ha! The funniest part was I somehow thought it would be this high class magazine wherein genteel women read high class erotica in between business meetings...and when I got my free copy, it had a naked English construction worker ON THE COVER. Gah! ::covers own eyes::

[aka eraser]

I wouldn't write puff piece PR for PETA. Even if they let me alliterate all over the place.

[ChunkyC]

You're a good man, Frank. I wouldn't write anything for them either, despite my non-hunting bent. Actually, I wouldn't write a single punctuation point for any organization that authorizes violence in any form to advance their cause.

And as for how big a sum $100,000 is? I could pay off my mortgage with that and quit my current 60 hour per week day job, replacing it with a far less stressful line of work under 40 hours a week, like in a bookstore or library.

*dreams*

[Del]

Ha! The funniest part was I somehow thought it would be this high class magazine wherein genteel women read high class erotica in between business meetings...and when I got my free copy, it had a naked English construction worker ON THE COVER. Gah! ::covers own eyes::

There is something to be said for researching your queries.

[Del]

And as for how big a sum $100,000 is? I could pay off my mortgage with that and quit my current 60 hour per week day job, replacing it with a far less stressful line of work under 40 hours a week, like in a bookstore or library.

*dreams*

$100k would put me back on the road...seeking unsuspecting hotspots to support my AW habit.

It is amazing what you can do with a range extender and a cantenna. :D

[pepperlandgirl]

100 k would certainly turn my life around right now - I have debts and a million other problems that could be solved with money. Yet still there are things that are more important, and doing something I know is wrong for money is one of them. if I had to make that choice I would regard it as a serious spiritual challenge but I would know without a doubt that taking the easy road would, in the end, a few years down the road, land me in a far worse plight than I am now.
Karma does work.
And if you have money but a terrible conscience, can you seriously be happy?

Well, obviously you couldn't be happy with a terrible conscience, and I doubt anybody would truly expect you to do something you deem wrong or immoral. But I wouldn't consider the situation a spiritual challenge at all, and I don't really believe in karma. No sense in letting my life be dictated by a concept I don't put any stock in. So, yes, I could seriously be happy with the money.

[Kate Thornton]

Money isn't everything, but it can make such a big difference in your life.

I wish I had enough money to give it away unconditionally every time I feel the need, which is often.

That said, I would not knowingly write anything to cause misery or inflict harm just for the money.

I understand needing money and being willing to write anything you could for it - but I also understand having subjects that you would just never write, no matter the fee. Everyone has their own threshhold.

[Tiger]

Anything that enourages new age missionaries

[zahra]

I don't really believe in karma. No sense in letting my life be dictated by a concept I don't put any stock in. So, yes, I could seriously be happy with the money.

Oh, thank God, someone else who doesn't believe 'what goes around, comes around'. I was beginning to feel I was the only one in the universe.

[MelodyO]

There is something to be said for researching your queries.

I didn't know a query from a cuisinart then. Ah, those were the days.

[Hillary]

The 'word' irregardless. Won't write that. EVER.

[Hillary]

The 'word' irregardless. Won't write that. EVER.

*handface*

Dammit. Okay, I guess I'll write anything, then.

[JennaGlatzer]

:D


Why the question... did someone offer you lots to write a book? What about?

Sort of (not $100,000, though). It was an offer to ghostwrite a memoir. In the end, I realized I just didn't believe the person's story fully. It got me thinking about where that "line" is for me between what projects I'll take on and which ones I won't. Mostly, like Lauri, I won't take on anything that I think will bore me to tears (which means anything about politics or finance, among other topics). It's just not worth it to me anymore. I know there will be less boring books for me to write, even if for less money, and I'd rather hold out for that. But a few times, I've avoided projects that just didn't feel "right" for other reasons-- mostly that I didn't want to promote whatever the person wanted me to write about (evangelizing was the latest one I remember like that).

[Inky]

I was offered a job to ghost write two weeks ago. While very flattering, I had to decline. It would have probably been quite an experience, but I had to be honest with the hopeful: I know absolutely NOTHING about ghost writing. Wing it, you say? No. There are contracts involved, of which I'm clueless, not to mention he was under the impression my pay would simply be a cut of his sales. Say it isn't so. If I'm not mistaken, I'm paid, regardless if his book sells or not.
Plus, doesn't there have to exist an interest? This guy may have an interesting life, but would the rest of the world really care?
He may go on to make someone filthy rich, but it won't be by my hand.
So, I guess I have to say I would also turn down the money regarding a style of writing that I know nothing about.

Oh, Jenna? I gave him your phone number. Hope you don't mind. You can pay me 10% of the proceeds.:ROFL:

[aruna]

Well, obviously you couldn't be happy with a terrible conscience, and I doubt anybody would truly expect you to do something you deem wrong or immoral. .

I don't believe anybody can be happy with a terrible conscience - just that, like Kate said, everybody has their threshold.

As for karma: I have see it constantly at work in my own life, so for me it is not just an empty concept. But obviously I don't expectt anyone else to blindly "believe"! That said it does not rule my life. I do what feels good and right; not out of fear of consequences but simply because it feels good and right to me.

I just started reading Pat Wood's Lottery and I like the front quote :

"Ordinary riches can be stolen. Real riches cannot." Oscar Wilde.

[Kudra]

I decided a while ago that I wouldn't write anything for money that I wouldn't write for free. Said another way, all my work has to be work that I fully believe in. I realize that's not a very popular viewpoint.

From a purely career viewpoint though, if I wrote a book that was boring/not my passion/conflicting with what I believe in, it would in some way define me as a writer. It might bring similar high-paying work my way. If I wrote, let's say, one porn book for $100,000, I'm pretty sure I'd get another offer or two down the line. If it's something that I don't want to do long-term and be known for, taking the $100,000 might be profitable in the short term, but not so much in the context of a whole career.

It's the same reason we didn't all become engineers. Money, but no satisfaction. $100,000 won't last forever.

[aruna]

It's the same reason we didn't all become engineers. Money, but no satisfaction. $100,000 won't last forever.

It's a cliche, but it's still true!
As a matter of fact that was the situation I was in with book 4 - and it wasn't even porn or anything that went against my conscience. I simply saw that my editor/publisher was pushing me into a direction I did not want to go in, asking me to write books that I found shallow and formulaic. It was very seductive, with her telling me "Write what we want you to write for a few books and when you're big you can write what you want". I even said yes, yes, yes at first, over lunch at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne!

But once I started I realized that I was on the fast track to becoming a hack writer; it would make me lazy and sloppy and the books I really want and need to write would die. There was no joy in that writing.
Pulling out was hard to do but I think in the end it made a far better writer out of me as I have to try so much harder to make it on my own terms - and I know that I will get there in the end, and that the money, when it comes, will be really life-changing.

[Queen of Swords]

For me it depends partly on what I need the money for. Right now I wouldn't mind having extra cash, but it's not as though I desperately need the money. About four years ago, though, I was trying to raise money for my mom's chemotherapy, because there was a drug called Avastin which we couldn't afford. If someone had offered me $100,000 to write a book at that time, I'd have jumped at it no matter what the book's content was.