Continued from the last post, here are more things I learned in my latest WMFH project. Enjoy!
Lesson 4: Double-check the POV
I recently read an interesting blog from an editor who hates writing writers’ stories (http://whitewolfwriting.blogspot.com/2010/12/questions-editor-says-dont-ask-just.html). It annoys him when writers ask him to make the POV decisions.
In original fiction, I can understand that concern. But in WMFH, the licensor usually has a specific vision of what the writer is allowed to do or not to do. The Stargate book franchise actually requires third person POV using the main characters. No Mary Sue’s or original characters allowed. No first person POV either. I’m sure other media tie-in franchises operate the same way. In this case, the editor was willing to let me go first person, but really wanted third. So I wrote the story in third person per his wishes.
Lesson 5: A deadline is a deadline.
In this particular project, I was allowed to name my own deadlines. That was good because I’m working on multiple projects. What I didn’t expect, however, was how quickly that deadline came due. But I told the licensor when I’d have the story in, so I have to have the story in. No exceptions. To do anything less would ruin my reputation. Not to mention I’d have to forfeit the second half of my advance and send back the first half.
National disasters or medical/family emergencies might qualify me for an extension, but anything short of that is just an excuse for bad planning or sheer laziness. So: Deadline, Ho! (did I make it?)
Lesson 6: Don’t spend the money.
Speaking of advances, I received half my money after story approval. The second half I don’t get until the story is put to bed. But if I break the terms of the contract, I have to pay the first half back to the licensor. But if I give in to temptation and spend that money, then break the contract, where am I going to get the funds to pay it back? I think I’ll stick that puppy in a savings account and ignore it until I’m sure it’s really mine.
(…Concluded tomorrow)
