My story took a dark turn

[GoldenMaia]

So, I'm writing this really nice romantic story but suddenly the thing has taken this really dark turn. I'm thinking I'll just cut out the dark stuff and maybe put it into another story. However, it makes for more action/drama. Anyone know what the feeling is regarding stories that suddenly change flavor?

I like how this site has anything from brutal to loving and sweet but what happens when the story has a bit of both?

 

[DreamCloud]

I think the answer would depend upon your definition of dark stuff.

 

[sr71plt]

Mine do that too. I usually just go with where it's going.

That's how I got into writing erotica in the first place. I was writing along on a mainstream mystery, when my detective crossed the street to ask questions of a James Dean type working on his Pontiac Tempest convertible, and, first thing I knew, they were fucking on the hood of the Tempest. I cut that out for the mainstream mystery, but that became my first GM story. I think here it's titled "On the Hood of the Car," or something like that.

 

[NaokoSmith]

Definitely go with it! It sounds intrigueing.

 

[NotWise]

The seven-chapter series I have on I/T has a pretty dark turn in the middle -- the female lead character is attacked by her schizophrenic boyfriend who tries to cut her hands off. That didn't bother the readers at all. What really bothered the readers was when the last chapter that I posted left the brother and sister main characters alienated from each other instead of humping wildly to the end. The howls from the story's small group of fans were deafening.

 

[SusanJillParker]

So, I'm writing this really nice romantic story but suddenly the thing has taken this really dark turn. I'm thinking I'll just cut out the dark stuff and maybe put it into another story. However, it makes for more action/drama. Anyone know what the feeling is regarding stories that suddenly change flavor?

I like how this site has anything from brutal to loving and sweet but what happens when the story has a bit of both?

Sometimes when I'm unclear where the story is going, I leave it up to the characters to tell me where they want to go.

Once I develop the characters, they take over the story. I suspect the same happened to you and to your characters.

When that happens, listen to their voices. Then, when their message is strong enough just hand the keyboard to them and sit back.

Good luck.

 

[lovecraft68]

Don't deny the muse. If it took you there you were meant to go there.

And many times some darkness can add to a romance makes it more compelling.

 

[Gorza]

I'd say go with it. You have to think of your readers, but it's more about managing their expectations rather than giving them what they want. You could leave a vague note at the beginning of the piece that it takes a 'dark turn', so that they are somewhat prepared, but not entirely briefed about what will happen. You could always use an editor or beta-reader to look at your draft and bounce ideas off.

 

[Hypoxia]

Drama depends on dark turns. Run with it. Use plot structures:

BASIC--
1 Anticipation (The Call, The Fall, Greed)
2 Dream (Initial Success or Fascination; The Journey w/tests)
3 Frustration (Confronting the Real Enemy; The Central Crisis)
4 Nightmare (Disaster, Final Ordeals)
5 Resolution (Victory, Escape, The Goal)

COMEDY--
1 Under the Shadow (confusion, uncertainty, frustration, separation)
2 Tightening the Knot (confusion worsens into a nightmarish tangle)
3 Resolution (revelations, new perceptions, transformed situation, joy)

In comedy, the low are brought high. In tragedy, the high are brought low. In erotica, somebody gets fucked. Those are the rules.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Go with the darkness, see where it takes you, then decide what to do - rewrite for an "audience" or keep writing for yourself (maybe find another audience along the way?).

I find darkness is usually there because something is trying to get out, to find its own light.

 

[HandsInTheDark]

Go with the darkness unless you've managed to horrify yourself, and it sounds like you haven't. But if you're diving into abuse, noncon or incest you really want to warn the reader upfront, either via a category choice or authors note.

 

[49greg]

It's happened to me a few times and scared the heck out of me when it did. I have no idea where it came from.