The Authors Dilemma!

[Space Jawa]

So I’ve got this dilemma I’ve created for myself. I’ve got this book I’m writing. One that started off as a script of some sort and has since turned into a book. As I’ve got it planned right now, the book is intended to be three shorter stories which take place one right after another (with the same characters) that while together, each function with their own independent plot. Kind of like an ‘anti-anthology’ or a ‘non-collection’ or something like that. As I have it, the first of the three stories is finished – easier as it was mostly a transfer from script to book format – while the other two are each half finished.

The dilemma I’ve created for myself is that I have no idea how long I may be working yet on the second and third parts of the story. So, I’m wondering if for now, I should just put parts two and three away, take part 1 (which can be read by itself without loosing anything), and clean it up and maybe lengthen it a little, then see if I can get part 1 published on its own. Which if I were to do, if part 1 went anywhere, I’d later go back, finish parts 2 and 3, then try to get them attached to part 1 and see about getting them all published together as a “Final Authors Edition” or “The (title of stories) Trilogy”.

As I’ve taken longer and longer to write the other two parts, that particular idea has gotten stronger and stronger in my head. And if it weren’t for the part where wanting to do it “properly” the first time hanging on like a rabid…facehugger or killer rabbit or something…I probably would have already done it by now.

So could give me any advice on what to do at this point? Anyone have any insight they can give me that could help me make up my mind?

Thanks!

[JGonspy]

I'd say try both ways. If the first story is short enough, try and submit it as a short story to some magazines and such. If not, you can try shopping it around with some publishers and see how they react to a shorter novel.

I have no idea how successful either approach might be as I've rarely tried to submit anything, but I've been told that its usually best to get something really great published before investing in a larger commitment. Of course, if you're writing for yourself, you should just try and finish it the way you want it to. Perhaps it may not be picked up, but at least you've created something that you're satisfied with.

Also, I'm somewhat in the same position, except I find myself unable to go onto the next two parts largely because I require some more life experience due to the nature of the thing. I'm interested to see how this turns out for you, and I wish you all the best.

[ophyjgjhnfn]

I would have to say... go with your instinct on this one. Do the first book first. Remove yourself from the other two for a time and come back later. After all, a few things might change in the editing process that information will be moot or may have be expanded upon. So edit your first and then come back to haunt the dreams of your final two until they give in and show you what is meant to be written in them.

I do write myself and I can say at my current level, I am a terrible revisionist. Once I finish something, its good. I dont want to touch it anymore. I know how hard that can be. But have fun and dont give up. The first first draft I completed was very worth the wait and sits waiting for fresh eyes and a tender touch to walk it to the finish line. I wish you the best.