What if … ? This is a crucial question for everyone, not just writers and attorneys. It’s so important, that this topic will form the basis for my new series —- What if … ?
As a writer and an attorney, this is an especially salient question for me since creativity is critical for both professions. This article will consider the importance of this question for writers.
The Story
When it comes to plotting and developing a great story, writers constantly ask themselves, “What if…?” With every twist and turn, regardless of the genre, this question is paramount. To capture and keep your readers, a writer must be true to reality. It’s all about believeability.
Writers are frequently asked, “Where did the idea for this story come from?” The answer starts with the following possibilities and the question: “What if… ?”
- A news event flashes. You ask, “What if…?”
- You or someone you know experiences a tragic event. You ask, “What if…?”
- You or your friend’s teenager is involved with someone with a questionable (nutty) family. You ask, “What if…?”
- You help someone through a difficult time. You ask, “What if…?”
- An idea just pops into your mind. You ask, “What if…?”
- You witness an event and ask, “What if…?”
- You take a trip and ask, “What if…?”
- As you develop and plot your story, at every twist and turn you ask, “What if…?”
Critical Legal and Business Considerations
The legal and business considerations go hand in hand since legal issues create business issues and visa versa. These can be brought to light with the simple question, “What if…?”
- What if this story is centered around real places, events, or people?
- What if this story is true?
- What if I sign a contract with an agent without obtaining legal counsel?
- What if I have an agent who is not properly representing my interests?
- What if I go with a traditional publisher and sign their contract without obtaining legal counsel?
- What if the publisher has a take-it or leave-it attitude and refuses to negotiate out potentially harmful provisions?
- What if there are provisions in this contract that I am not aware are harmful?
- What if this contract jeopardizes my ability to publish another book under better terms?
- What if I have not planned for the protection of my assets, including my copyright?
- What if I die? What happens to my work?
- What if I want to use images I found on the internet?
- What if I want to use some or all of the words to a song?
- What if I want to become an affiliate?
- What if I want to independently publish my book(s)?
This only touches the tip of the iceberg. In my Writers Beware of the Legal Pitfalls Series, I provide an educational insight of what some of these “What ifs” can look like. You can find the following topics at the links provided:
Copyright Basics Part 1, Copyright Basics Part 2, Copyright Basics Part 3
Disclosures; Defamation, Privacy, and Publicity;
I have represented a number of authors regarding a variety of issues and have provided a legal review of various manuscripts. When you ask yourself, “What if…?” feel free to reach out to me if you need legal assistance. As a fellow author I do understand the issues and consequences.
(c) 2021 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer
You’re right, the question “What if” leads to numerous ideas and paths. When I hear the phrase, it is padded with hope. It opens the door to new possibilities.