Question to you writers

[strangevisitor7]

I haven't written anything more than one chapter but I have begun a longer fiction. I just started chapter 4.

So, I am looking for some advise.
When you are working on a long multichapter fiction, do you post as each chapter as it is finished or do you wait till the whole thing is written? Do you always know where its going because I can see my ending but not clearly?
Should I post any way.

If you post each chapter before the whole fic is done what if something changes further down the line?

I realize that everyone has different things that work for them.

I want to start posting this story but I have some concerns that the story may never be finished or that I write myself into a corner and can't finish.

So just thought I'd ask.

Comments

[pen37.livejournal.com]

I wait until I get the whole thing written before I post it. That way, I don't leave anyone hanging if I get 50 pages into an epic work, and then loose interest.

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

I thought as much. Thanks It is so tempting to get it out there for the feedback but I have never written something so long and I am afraid I might lose interest.

[lark_ascends]

Me, after having the experience of getting blocked and having the posting expand out to a year, I wait until I'm finished to post (or close, would be the other exception).

As a reader, it's frustrating when it takes months/years to get more chapters in a fic.

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

Ha I have been that reader begging someone to finish their story. Thanks. Heading back to finish Chapter 4. I am sensing about 8-9 chapters. i must be crazy ;)

[lark_ascends]

My other advise is to get your beta/someone who's willing to look over the fic while you're writing it. Gives you some feedback etc. and hopefully will keep you going.

Assuming you have one.

If you don't, I'm sure someone will volunteer ;-)

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

Wait did i see your hand in the air?

I have been sending it to my mother. She was an English teacher and she loves both SPN and the second fandom.(which I am trying to keep under wrap until the big the reveal in chapter 2.) No not NCIS

Huh.. Abby meets Dean. Gotta go.

[lark_ascends]

Maybe? *grins*

Feel free to send me an email, or if you have gchat, jabber or ever are on LJ talk, feel free to talk that way.

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

I would love to send you my story.At least the first chapter. What email would be best. Or you could confirm by emailing me at PTAHHP@insight.rr.com.

No pressure on timing as I won't posting until the rest is done. *looks around gratefully*

[kaylashay81]

Back in the day of my first fics, I posted as I wrote. (there's still one that I'm doing that way)

At the time, I think I was eager for any kind of feedback. Now, I prefer to hold off on the posting on multi-chapter stories or stick to one chapter stories that have an ending but could be continued.

I found it better to do that than to get to writer's block and then get the "are you ever going to finish" reviews. Of course, if you go this route, I suggest still posting over time even if it is complete instead of posting the whole chunk at once. This gets you a wider audience.

PS: beta'ed fic got delayed one more night... work spilled over...

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

I find that at this early stage of my writing i am a bit of a feed back whore. I think if I fulfill my need to put things out there with one shots and single chapters i can move this bigger one along and post it later.

As for the other fic - you get to it when you get to it. thanks

[lark_ascends]

Just have to say, love the Plot bunny season icon. Gorgeous!

[sierraphoenix.livejournal.com]

"Distant Relations" was the first fully-formed fic idea I've ever had. From the get-go, I've pretty well had it mapped out from start to finish. I started posting it the moment I started writing it. I had posted other stuff before, but it was mostly poems and one-shots, and from the beginning I knew that "DR" would be much longer. Since I had everything plotted out (well, everything except the scene where Avery died…that was a surprise to all but my muse, whom I think made that crap up on the fly), I wasn't concerned that it wouldn't (won't) get finished, because I already know how it ends and all the scenes leading up to the ending.

In hindsight, however, I wish I had waited until I was further along in writing it. Although, I've known every scene that would happen, there were times when, for several weeks, I just wasn't in the mood to write or was far too busy to write, and there were long gaps between updates. But back then, when I was just starting, I was so excited just to have an idea that I wanted to share it. I think in the future I'm going to adhere to my best friend's rule of writing and not post until I am at least halfway through. She learned her mistake after a fic completely stalled and she was forced to leave it as a terminal WIP. Anyway, that's my two cents. :)

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

I sensed that DR was fully formed. From the things you said I got the impression it was execution rather than plot that was holding you up. And I admit I was on of those who badgered you. (sorry about that).

back then, when I was just starting, I was so excited just to have an idea that I wanted to share it.

See that is exactly what i am going through.

she was forced to leave it as a terminal WIP.
And this is my biggest fear.
I have just joined some challenge communities and I will use those to feed the need until the big one is done.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share with me.

[sierraphoenix.livejournal.com]

And I admit I was on of those who badgered you. (sorry about that).

So far, everyone has been fairly polite and patient. And when I was struggling in the long gaps between updates, some of those reviews urging me on actually helped to get me going again. So if you did badger (which I've never thought so), it was more helpful than anything else. ;)

Those challenge communities are also really helpful. I've noticed when I just couldn't seem to write on 'DR', writing another short piece seemed to help. Have fun with it! :)

I'm curious, I can't remember whether you've mentioned it before or not, but is the longer fiction you're working on a crossover or a one-fandom piece?

[strangevisitor7.livejournal.com]

Its a crossover with a fandom I don't reveal until chapter 2. A different solution to saving Dean from his deal. I just finished Chapter three which is from the POV of the other fandom. That was fun because they see the Winchesters as criminals and maybe not worth helping. I like crossovers - more room to play