You know, to some degree I understand writer hindsight, e.g., when Stephenie Meyer regretted that she killed a character who she later realized was deeply sympathetic and had story potential that could never be used. (I realize almost everyone I know who’ll read this is cringing about my referring to SM, but that’s the example that came to mind first, and I make no apologies for supporting any writer and her success.)
But truly, at some point, a writer has to let go of a work, whether in a series or a stand-alone novel. If we question our choices as writers and can learn from that, then I’m all for it. There are many things I’d do differently now in several books. But it’s best to take that energy and those lessons learned and go forward, not look back. And when your work has created an enormous fandom, let them debate the different choices you could have made if that interests them, but don’t be drawn into it–that seems like an almost narcissistic trap.
In this particular case, I always thought having HP and Hermione end up together was the predictable outcome, so I admired that JKR made a different choice.
In 1883 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle literally killed Sherlock Holmes by having him and Professor Moriarity fall to their deaths from the top of a waterfall in order to devote more time to his historical novels. Ten years later he wrote him back to life to stop the outcries from his publishers and fans.
I guess that now the tools of all writers should include a moleskine notebook, a jar of #2 pencils, a computer, a thesaurus, a waste basket and an ever-ready Keurig for great cups of coffee in less than a minute. Mlle. Renee just added a sympathetic four-pawed companion.
This reminds me of the whole JK Rowling thing yesterday
You know, to some degree I understand writer hindsight, e.g., when Stephenie Meyer regretted that she killed a character who she later realized was deeply sympathetic and had story potential that could never be used. (I realize almost everyone I know who’ll read this is cringing about my referring to SM, but that’s the example that came to mind first, and I make no apologies for supporting any writer and her success.)
But truly, at some point, a writer has to let go of a work, whether in a series or a stand-alone novel. If we question our choices as writers and can learn from that, then I’m all for it. There are many things I’d do differently now in several books. But it’s best to take that energy and those lessons learned and go forward, not look back. And when your work has created an enormous fandom, let them debate the different choices you could have made if that interests them, but don’t be drawn into it–that seems like an almost narcissistic trap.
In this particular case, I always thought having HP and Hermione end up together was the predictable outcome, so I admired that JKR made a different choice.
I never thought Ron and Herm. were believable as a couple … she didn’t appreciate his goofiness.
…and you know he’d get a lifetime of “Well Harry would do this ….”
Actually, no, I don’t know that. I think she’s pretty sure SHE knows what’s best. I like that about her. I wonder if Hermione is an Aries…
I was going to say ..NO WAY Hermione is a total Virgo, bossy and nit picky… but I thought, hmm I better check
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Astrology
and I was right! Also check out those Leo’s — someone was born on my birthday!
Oh, well, the Virgos in my life and I have been aligned. It’s a sign I understand and that understands me, so I’m content with Hermione as a Virgo.
you missed the most important part..A WEASLEY HAS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
That’s only the most important part to you, Leo.
you say that like there is something wrong with it.
I never thought Harry and Hermione would make a good couple, and I was happy to see they remained close friends without the dramatrauma.
Same. It was nice to show a boy/girl friendship that stayed that way into adulthood.
In 1883 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle literally killed Sherlock Holmes by having him and Professor Moriarity fall to their deaths from the top of a waterfall in order to devote more time to his historical novels. Ten years later he wrote him back to life to stop the outcries from his publishers and fans.
These discussions always remind me of a button I used way back when (7/22/07):
Unless, you have a time machine and a magic purple crayon. One can only do so much with a screwdriver.
Don’t tell MacGyver that.
I’m surprised that one little button can generate so many responses.
Coffee talk!
Verklempt! Talk amongst yourselves…
Exactly!
I guess that now the tools of all writers should include a moleskine notebook, a jar of #2 pencils, a computer, a thesaurus, a waste basket and an ever-ready Keurig for great cups of coffee in less than a minute. Mlle. Renee just added a sympathetic four-pawed companion.
That sounds like writer heaven to me!
HE HAD ME AT MOLESKINE
It’s the gift I always give to nieces and nephews when they start college.
I’ve said it before: You are a good uncle.
That’s what my uncle (who was a Hemingway fan and heard that was what he wrote in) gave me many years ago.
Is that what happened to Gretchen..?
Possibly. That was Tim’s doing, and he was still drinking coffee then.