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

[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