The Risk of Art - Part 2

In a previous post, I wrote about the risk of art in terms of writing something potentially offensive and politically incorrect.  In this post, I'd like to talk about another kind of risk: doing something different.

I've been writing for many years.  My first agent thought action was my strong suit.  My second agent thought I was good at writing dark thrillers.  Later, after reading my first romantic comedy, she changed her mind and thought that was what I should be doing.  In truth, I simply enjoy telling stories, and I don't care whether they're funny or horrific.  But doing something different and stepping out of my comfort zone has never been easy for me (in life or in art).  In previous posts, I mentioned how my work has gotten more personal lately.  But scarier than that was the prospect of writing a romance.  I’m not even sure why, though I suspect that I’m just uncomfortable with material that wears its heart on its sleeve.  If not written well, the finished product could be schmaltzy and embarrassing.  But I felt it was something I had to do, especially since I like romances (when done well).  One of my favorites (pictured) is “Children of a Lesser God.”

“Secret Dreams” is the name of the romance I wrote.  I had no expectations of it.  I only wanted to do something different.  But life seems to reward risk.  At this moment, there’s a lot of activity on this project.  I have a couple of motivated producers, a young director, a star.  This risk may actually pay off, and it may be exactly the thing my career needed.  Unfortunately, I can't reveal much else.  But stay tuned . . .

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