Melissa Barker-Simpson

Writer’s Quote Wednesday – Sir Terry Pratchett

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It seems apt this week that I’m using a quote by Sir Terry Pratchett, when my brain is steeped in fantasy! In truth I always try to remember these words, because I have a tendency to avoid difficult emotional scenes – especially those involving death.

Terry Pratchett

I like to use humour in my work. I’m not always successful, but I give it my best shot. The humour in my Morgan and Fairchild series (not fantasy) comes from my brother and the stories he shares with me about the camaraderie within the army. It’s a fact that in certain professions humour is a necessity if only to deal with the difficulties of the job. But that doesn’t mean I should shy away from describing the physical and emotional effects of battle. I’m learning that with my latest character. She has an acerbic wit, which I use to balance things out when the situation calls for it. But as for the horrors of war – I try to reflect that to the best of my ability.

What about you? How do you deal with scenes involving tragedy and death? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Don’t forget to visit Colleen’s place, where you will find an array of inspiring quotes.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mel

26 responses to “Writer’s Quote Wednesday – Sir Terry Pratchett”

  1. Silver Threading Avatar
    Silver Threading

    I like that quote Mel. I always have a hard time with murder and death too. I like how he says people are going to get hurt if there is a fight going on. I guess that means to let the scene play out in your mind, blood, gore and all! Thanks for sharing such an excellent point of view! ❤

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      That’s so true. If we are going to honour the story, we have to let the scene play out in all its glory. Otherwise, in his wise words, it would be a betrayal. I’m glad you enjoyed the quote. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to reflect ❤

      Reply
      1. Silver Threading Avatar
        Silver Threading

        It makes me think. Thank you, Mel. 💖

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        My pleasure ❤

  2. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    I have spent a lot of time studying humor, which is a lousy approach to adding humor to writing. Frankly, I didn’t know what else to do. I love humor in writing and find mine too stark.

    I’m still working on it.

    Tragedy and death–they are part of life. I think we do children a disservice trying to exclude them. There are ways to make it age-appropriate, but one is not to ignore the existence.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I completely agree, Jacqui. For me, I think it’s more about hurting my characters! So maybe it’s completely selfish of me and, of course, unrealistic!

      Reply
  3. callummclaughlin Avatar
    callummclaughlin

    This is a great quote and a very interesting subject. I read an interview with the writer of the Saga series, Brian K. Vaughan, where he said that he isn’t afraid to kill off his readers’ favourite characters because we read fiction to prepare ourselves for the things we face in the real world, such as death. I thought it was a really good point, but I absolutely understand the difficulty in saying goodbye to a beloved character we have created.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I definitely need to take a leaf out of Vaghan’s book, because it terrifies me! But it’s getting easier. It means I suffer too, as I would any beloved character whether written by me or another author. I agree with the point about preparing ourselves for ‘real life.’ It’s an important thing to remember, I think. We learn so many things by reading, and that’s just one of the many gifts found between the pages of a book. Thanks for your insight, Callum 😀

      Reply
  4. Widdershins Avatar
    Widdershins

    I reckon let the blood (metaphorical or otherwise) drip onto the page – even menstrual blood – if it falls in with ‘Vernor’s Law’ – apparently Vernor Vinge said, ‘All scenes need to accomplish at least two of three things: 1 Provide background information, 2 develop the characters, and 3 advance the plot’ … I’ve got it printed out and taped to my wall … every time I get a little waver-y about what needs to happen in a scene I look up and there’s Vernor, getting me back on track. 🙂

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      That’s sound advice. I have notes and lists taped everywhere, for every stage of the process! My checklists are legendary! Thanks for the input. I will add Vernor’s wisdom to the toolkit 😀

      Reply
  5. Patricia Lynne (@plynne_writes) Avatar
    Patricia Lynne (@plynne_writes)

    Great quote.
    I like adding a little humor to my stories. I never know if readers get the joke, but when I’m reading it, I’ll giggle.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I can completely relate! We’re supposed to write for ourselves though too, right? 😀

      Reply
  6. Alex Hurst Avatar
    Alex Hurst

    Love that quote. It’s so true! I find it hard to get into a story when there’s too much or too little humor, but the stupid deaths thing is a good point. I’ll have to keep that in mind for future tales. 🙂

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I agree with you about the humour. I’m currently reading A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore and he uses humour exceptionally well. In the beginning it was laugh out loud funny, which was a great hook. The further I get, the easier it is to see how well he balances the different emotions of the characters. I’m loving it! 😀

      Reply
      1. Alex Hurst Avatar
        Alex Hurst

        That sounds wonderful! Thanks for the recommendation!

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar
        mbarkersimpson

        My pleasure – it’s about an ordinary man who gets the unfortunate job of becoming Death! Even the chapter titles are funny, like Thanatoast, for example! 😀

      3. Alex Hurst Avatar
        Alex Hurst

        Nice!!! I will have to add this one to the list. 🙂

  7. Celine Jeanjean Avatar
    Celine Jeanjean

    That’s a great quote! But then Terry Pratchett is a god amongst writers. I also like to use humour in my writing, but I definitely have to keep myself in check and make sure that the story still develops as it should and that the serious elements are also fully developed. Getting that balance right between the serious and comical is the hardest part really!

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I completely agree. Writing often feels like a balancing act! I’m glad you enjoyed the quote 😀 Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  8. M.J. Moores Avatar
    M.J. Moores

    Hi Mel! Great quote 🙂
    I must say that as a writer I love flushing out a real guttural fight or harrowing death – I take pride in those scenes and stretch my craft to its limit to give the absolute ultimate experience I can… I’m almost a little sadistic at times when I catch myself thinking, “Oh, ya… this’ll really rip their heart out.” As a reader though, a death or tragedy, if well written, almost always makes me cry and my chest ache… when I feel those scenes coming I get tense and nervous but I can never put the book down! 😉
    I also like to try and lighten the mood when things get heavy in my writing (though I’m far from humorous myself)… I tend to rely on sarcasm and the innate knowledge that we gotta make pie from a cow patty sometimes – lol!

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Lol! I think I must retain a great deal of the reader in me, and in truth it often feels like the writer is a separate entity! I enjoy battle scenes, and like to stretch my muscles too – I just waver when it comes to my characters getting hurt. I’m learning to get over it! Thanks for sharing your perspective 😀

      Reply
  9. Writer’s Quote Wednesday Weekly Wrap-Up from 6/3/15 | Silver Threading

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    Reply
  10. Meredith Avatar
    Meredith

    Mel, I write for my blog, and have published some short stories. Your question made me think about when I was reading Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. I was approaching the end and all seemed to be going how I love stories to end, happy ever after, when shocking news is delivered about a character. I exclaimed out loud, “Oh No!” and burst in to tears. Just like real life. When an author can deliver this kind of emotional response, I read everything they write!

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      I know exactly how you felt, Meredith because it killed me too! I’m a huge fan of Dean Koontz and love Odd Thomas 😀

      Reply
  11. Meredith Avatar
    Meredith

    By the way, your question is excellent and the quote thought provoking.

    Reply
    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar
      mbarkersimpson

      Thank you so much 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it. It certainly got me thinking!

      Reply

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