Fellow writers, don't you just hate when people ask you this?

Question

- What is your novel about?

my plots never play a huge role in my novel and i always feel like answering this question makes my novel sound...trivial I guess, when in fact its pretty deep.

Answer 1

I hate the question, but I know why people ask it. Sometimes they're being polite, sometimes they're being nosey, sometimes they're genuinely interested in your work. Smile politely and give a response depending on why you think they're asking.

If they're being polite, just say it's about a "man/woman/child that discovers BLAH about themselves."

If they're being nosey, say something vaguely related using really big words you're quite sure they won't understand. Try hegemony, that's always a good one.

If they're genuinely interested, tell them the truth - that the plot's not really that important, because it is character driven (I'm assuming that's why the plot isn't as important), and tell them about the characters. Or whatever it is that makes the plot secondary.

Answer 2

i always take that opportunity to come up with an entirely different story. usually whoever asked it gets the point by the time most of my characters have transformed into fallen angels or have decided to embark on an epic quest to save the world by rallying all starbucks's in the world together. it's just one of those questions that makes you want to tear your hair out, because if you were supposed to talk about what your novel was about, you'd be a movie script writer. but as it is, you're a novelist, and so your explanation is written.

Answer 3

Wow you sure are too much of a sensitive and deep artiste for those normal people. The nerve of them thinking they can ask politely interested questions to someone of your caliber. Next time instead of trying to come up with an answer, why don't you just kick those peons in the shins.

Answer 4

I am a painter, and I totally identify with your problem. Its like they are asking you to do the impossible sometimes, by summing up your work. They should just read it / look at it themselves! It is the same thing in the end...I think that they are just too lazy to look for the meaning in art! The reaction and personal impression of the work on your audience is part of what makes it whole in any case...I think sometimes people just want the abridged version.

Answer 5

Why does that question have to be answered with a plot snippet? It doesn't directly ask about the sequence of events, so you could just as easily answer with a conceptual overview.

Answer 6

I like to say "It's about time.". Once in a while someone will ask "The concept, or the herb?" That's rare. After a suitable pause I say "It's about time you bought a copy and quit waiting for Readers Digest to condense it for you." I say all this in an amiable tone of voice, usually. Ah,---I know what you mean ; but they mostly mean well.

Answer 7

Never forward the action according to a plot... I just offer to let them read a sample; they usually back away in fear. Sigh.

Answer 8

Yes, I rank it up there with "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I generally just tell people it's science fiction and if they're still interested, I might discuss it if I'm in a really good mood.

Answer 9

My father asks it all the time and I have never answered him and sometimes that makes me wonder if I should be able to answer.

Answer 10

Look into the middle distance."What are real stories ever about? Our collective ability to fail of our potential." (throw water at them).