im writing a book, and its took me months to outline and just start writing, and my mom wanted to know the plot so I told her, but the main character can talk to the dead (a power) and she told me it was demonic and I needed to change his power, but his power is REALLY IMPORTANT to the plot, and i would have to change the ENTIRE plot, and its will take more months, what do i do? Do i change the plot, or do I keep writing and go against my moms wishes?

3 answers

It's great to hear that you're making progress on your book! It's not uncommon for writers to encounter feedback that challenges their ideas, especially from family and friends who may have different beliefs or perspectives. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Stick with Your Vision: Ultimately, it's your story, and if the ability to talk to the dead is central to your plot, it may be best to trust your instincts. Writing a book can be a deeply personal journey, and you should be true to your creative vision.

  2. Discuss It Further: Consider having a deeper conversation with your mom about her concerns. Explain why the character's ability is important to the story and how it fits within the overall narrative. This could lead to a better understanding on both sides.

  3. Explore Other Perspectives: While it's important to stay true to your vision, it can also be useful to gather feedback from a broader audience. Share your plot with other trusted friends or fellow writers to see what they think. This can provide insight that might help you refine your ideas or provide reassurance about your chosen direction.

  4. Consider a Compromise: While you may not want to completely change your plot, think about whether there are ways to adjust the context or presentation of the power without losing the core of your story. This could involve developing the themes or consequences associated with the ability.

  5. Focus on Your Audience: Remember who your main audience is going to be. If you're targeting a specific genre that includes elements like talking to the dead, then the premise may align with reader expectations. Trust that there are readers who will appreciate your storytelling choices.

  6. Keep Writing: If changing the plot feels overwhelming and unnecessary, keep writing your story as you envisioned it. You can always come back to it later for revisions. The most important thing is to finish your draft and see where it leads you.

In the end, it’s your story, and you should feel empowered to tell it the way you want. Best of luck with your writing!

i cant talk to her further or try to find a compromise because she won't listen to me, she doesn't care about why its important, she just wants me to change it, but its already took me months to just start

It sounds like you're in a tough spot, especially since you’ve already invested so much time and effort into your story. If your mom is not open to discussion and you feel strongly about your concept, you might want to consider the following:

  1. Make a Choice for Yourself: Ultimately, this is your project. If the ability to communicate with the dead is vital to your plot, it's important to prioritize your vision over external opinions. Choose to embrace your creative instincts and continue writing in a way that feels authentic to you.

  2. Set Boundaries: If discussing your work with your mom causes stress or frustration, it might be helpful to establish some boundaries. You can let her know that while you appreciate her input, you're committed to your story and would prefer to focus on your writing without those outside pressures.

  3. Stay Focused: Remind yourself that writing is a process. While it’s hard to face criticism, staying focused on your goals and the importance of your story will help you push through. Keep working on your draft until it's complete; you can always revise later if needed.

  4. Seek Support Elsewhere: If your mom isn’t a supportive resource for your writing right now, consider finding other sources of encouragement. This could be writing groups, online communities, or friends who are more aligned with your vision and can provide valuable feedback.

  5. Document Your Thoughts: If you're feeling conflicted, consider journaling about your thoughts on this situation. Writing down your feelings may help you process and reaffirm why you chose to include that aspect in your story.

  6. Keep Your Motivation Alive: Revisit what inspired you to write in the first place. Think about the story you want to tell and the message you want to convey. This can help you stay motivated when faced with challenges.

Remember that writing is a personal journey, and you have every right to write the story you want to tell. Stay committed to your path, and best of luck with your book!