anthropomorphic characters: a.k.a. talking animals
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Posted by Cynthea on June 7th, 2006 filed in middle grade and YA novels, picture books, writing basics |
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Let me clear up a myth about talking animals. You might have heard it before. “You shouldn’t write about talking animals. That’s a big no-no.” Yet you see hundred of books come out, starring them. What gives?
According to some, talking animals are hard to do. So? What if you’re a natural at it? Does that mean you shouldn’t write them? (Snoop says, “Heck no!”) There is one word of caution though when it comes to writing novel-length talking animal books. Finding an editor or agent who will openly admit they like to work with novel-length talking animal books is difficult. They RARELY advertise their secret love for yapping giraffes because so many anthropomorphic stories are written poorly. BUT if this is your passion, you must write your book anyway. And be on a serious lookout for editors/agents who have worked with them before.
I also think a lot of people get caught up on the “no talking animal” rule when it comes to picture books since a ton of PBs feature animals. But have no fear. If your characters must have four legs, write away. Most editors (if their house publishes talking animal books) won’t even blink when they see you’ve written something about an alligator who’s lost his wooby. Or you may leave the text open-ended and the editor can decide if she wants to make the children humans or reptiles. But please don’t stop yourself from writing stories with animals in them because you read or heard that was a no-no. Write what you love to write and write it as well as you would any book.
Read my story, I dared to write a talking animal book if you like to be entertained.
I have written for children for many years, always using animal characters. Most of these have taken human characteristics. I have found over the years that I have been disuaded by most readings on the internet that writing with such roles is a big turn-off. How is this reflected in todays market when books like Harry Potter have taken over the reading market? Any advice would be greatly received.
thank you
The answer is, it’s not! When people say, “Don’t write about talking animals because nobody wants them,” they’re simply mistaken. I heard this, too, when I began and it horrifies me to think that people are still spreading this rumor.
FALSE: NO ONE WANTS TALKING ANIMAL STORIES OR FANTASY OR WHATEVER…
TRUE: NO ONE WANTS *BAD* TALKING ANIMAL STORIES, *BAD* FANTASY, *BAD* ANYTHING.
The reason anthropomorphic characters in particular are so often scorned is because so many novice writers think they can write these kinds of stories. Seriously, practically everyone thinks writing a talking animal book is a cinch. But here’s the truth: it takes a lot more than making the animal talk to write a good talking animal story. It has to be convincing. Any fantasy story has to be convincing. Many people don’t know how to make their talking animal stories convincing. So a zillion manuscripts get rejected with talking animals in them simply because they’re not good. Then these writers or advice-givers then assume that editors don’t want talking animal stories.
The reality is this. If you can write talking animals well, you only face a slightly harder market than if you wrote only realistic fiction simply because there are fewer editors who like to do fantasy of any sort, talking animals included. That’s the only thing I’d say to you about what to expect when you pitch your manuscript.
So don’t let the naysayers dissuade you. Publishers buy manuscripts featuring talking animals in TODAY’s market. The proof, as you have so wisely observed, is right there on the shelves. However, make sure you understand what it takes to make a talking animal book *good* if you want a shot at selling your own books.
That’s the key.
Write on!