COMPLETE v INCOMPLETE

[Comicality]

 

Well, to maybe give a different perspective on things...I write according to my current mood and emotion. My stories are my art of channeling what I'm feeling into something constructive. It fuels every word that I type, and it creates something much more potent than me just typing words on a screen.

 

I say this because I get a LOT of hate for having unfinished stories or for not updating more often. Please understand...I totally understand the frustration. I do. But what a I going to do? Write a 'happy' chapter when I'm feeling down in the dumps? Write an 'angst' chapter when I'm horny and just want them to jump in the sack already? Write something sad and dramatic when I'm feeling on top of the world? It comes off as FAKE! Do people understand that?

 

"Why can't you write what I wanna read right now?" Because I'm writing what *I* want to write today! Is that ok? Do I have ask permission? Do I have to cater to the audience all the day? That takes all the power out of my hands and turns my expression into a form of servitude, which destroys the whole point of what it was supposed to be in the first place. Don't do that. None of you. 

 

"Why do I start new stories when the others aren't finished?" Maybe because I want to express my feelings on something that doesn't fit into "New Kid In School". Maybe I want to talk about something that doesn't fit into "A Class By Himself". Instead of ignoring those feelings (Or trying to FORCE them into a story where they don't belong) I put them into something new that allows me to express what I truly feel. I mean...it's an art. Isn't that the point? 

 

As for a time limit...I don't know. I could always try to stick to some 'cutoff' date. But it would only force me to rush through it and possibly push out some project prematurely that wasn't my best. Like "Here! At least I got it out by Thursday. It's good enough." How quickly would the quality of our work decline if that was the case?

[Comicality]

Hehehe, a little video that I made a while ago! Both poking fun at some of my meanest critics, as well as at myself. Because, let's be honest, you can't ever win. Why try?

 

But I enjoyed making this, and had a laugh. I hope others did too.

 

 

[William King]

Just shove a warning in there, that's what I did, everyone loves warnings (shit, I won't get off topic going on about warnings. You know what I mean. Look out some bad stuff next, oops I killed the hero, don't read if you are sensitive because!). Just right at the start tell the readers:

 

This book is a work in process and being published with no regular schedule.

Just so that you know, before you start reading.

Your comments and feedback are welcome.

[MrM]

7 hours ago, Comicality said:

 

Well, to maybe give a different perspective on things...I write according to my current mood and emotion. My stories are my art of channeling what I'm feeling into something constructive. It fuels every word that I type, and it creates something much more potent than me just typing words on a screen.

 

I say this because I get a LOT of hate for having unfinished stories or for not updating more often. Please understand...I totally understand the frustration. I do. But what a I going to do? Write a 'happy' chapter when I'm feeling down in the dumps? Write an 'angst' chapter when I'm horny and just want them to jump in the sack already? Write something sad and dramatic when I'm feeling on top of the world? It comes off as FAKE! Do people understand that?

 

"Why can't you write what I wanna read right now?" Because I'm writing what *I* want to write today! Is that ok? Do I have ask permission? Do I have to cater to the audience all the day? That takes all the power out of my hands and turns my expression into a form of servitude, which destroys the whole point of what it was supposed to be in the first place. Don't do that. None of you. 

 

"Why do I start new stories when the others aren't finished?" Maybe because I want to express my feelings on something that doesn't fit into "New Kid In School". Maybe I want to talk about something that doesn't fit into "A Class By Himself". Instead of ignoring those feelings (Or trying to FORCE them into a story where they don't belong) I put them into something new that allows me to express what I truly feel. I mean...it's an art. Isn't that the point? 

 

As for a time limit...I don't know. I could always try to stick to some 'cutoff' date. But it would only force me to rush through it and possibly push out some project prematurely that wasn't my best. Like "Here! At least I got it out by Thursday. It's good enough." How quickly would the quality of our work decline if that was the case?

 

I consider your works serials, Comsie. I think one of the things I like about them is that they have that episodic feeling. I'm sure they all have a beginning, a middle, and an end but I also appreciate each chapter for what it is, it's own part of the story.

 

I consume author's offerings however they want to offer them. It is frustrating when a story arch does not come to its end because the author gives up or can't finish, but I understand. For most of us authors, this is, as said before, an 'extracurricular' activity so we do it when we have time.

 

Except for Brandon Smiling that I am writing as a serial per The Secret Life of Billy Chase being a serial, I do plan that all of my works will have a beginning a middle and an end. It may take me a while to get there ( Snowflake ) but in some cases it won't ( The Seashell ) and my next finishing project Souvenir.

 

Despite my desire to explode into a thousand shards of creativity, I've taken the advice of some of my elders here and have begun focusing on three stories in a writing rotation. This way I can grind out stories to their completion more quickly. Actually, this probably takes as much time because I have to focus my mind on a decent story to fill my plot for the next chapter. I use my musical soundtracks to reignite my passion for my next story chapter as I am finishing my last one. It keeps me forward thinking.

 

This can't work for everyone, but so far, it is helping me maintain focus and yet foster creative writing in balance.

[Timothy M.]

17 hours ago, lomax61 said:

As a reader on GA, I occasionally read both complete and incomplete works. I don't have a problem with either.

 

As an author on GA, I tend to have a solid framework written before starting to post. What I love about this site is that I've found the feedback on each chapter posted (as I'm writing) to be a good indicator of whether I'm on the right track. And if, from the comments, the next step in my plot has been guessed or seems obvious, then I'll rethink the subsequent chapters. This (as well as real world issues) leads to delays in posting, but has rewarded me with a much better storyline and finished project.

 

For amateur writers like me, this is one of the benefits of being here. Readers / reviewers may not be paying to read my stories, but the friendly and supportive ones help me to make them better.

 

I agree about the feedback. The comments and suggestions from readers on the chapters are both inspiration and motivation, and this is one reason I don't write the whole story before posting. I'm very grateful to those readers who don't wait for completion but read and encourage along the road.

In addition, when you start out as a writer, you're not sure whether your story is good enough or will capture any readers. It's difficult to write a 30+ chapter story based on hope and no feedback. Posting as you go will provide instant gratification - especially on a site like GA, where people are generous with likes and comments. If the price is having some stories forever incomplete for whatever reason, I think it's worth it.

However, I must admit having three Incomplete stories is a very bad idea when you hit a slump in writing motivation.   And you may feel frustrated as readers, but I promise you I as the author feel frustrated and even ashamed at the lack of posting. I want to feed those hungry birds cheeping for more - and I think most authors feel the same. 

Edited October 14, 2017 by Timothy M.

[Myr]

2 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

Posting as you go will provide instant gratification - especially on a site like GA, where people are generous with likes and comments

The "Testing Ground" is a halfway house for those that want to post and get feedback, but not go all in with posting in public.

[Comicality]

I don't know if folks know this, but I actually feel bad for not being more productive.

 

That's the honest to God truth. I overachieve every single week that I'm online. I look at what I've got, and try to force myself to do DOUBLE what is humanly possible on any given day. I honestly look at some of my own stuff and think, "Well, if I just concentrate and sit at this keyboard for six hours straight without interruptions...I can have this story up and posted on Monday!"

 

Of course...that almost NEVER happens, and I end up being behind schedule.

 

All it takes is one ring of the doorbell, or a big meal making me sleepy, or an extended phone call, or an emergency email, or a nasty comment, or just an hour's worth of good ol' fashioned laziness, to throw me a WEEK or two off of my battle plan. And then I have to catch up. And then I have to apologize. And then I get hate mail. And then I feel like shit but try to write anyway. It's a horrendous process, believe me.

 

But, sometimes I get into 'Comsie Mode' and I can write for hours without taking a break! And I get good feedback and awesome emails, which energizes me to the point where, even when I want to quit for the night, I might put in an extra hour just for them. So it definitely matters when readers participate. It's like a proud parent hanging their kid's crayon drawing on the fridge, you know? Inspire me, and I'll go TWO extra miles instead of one!

 

Speaking of which...I seriously need to put my money where my mouth is and write more reviews myself. I've been slacking for at least a year now.  

[Page Scrawler]

3 minutes ago, Comicality said:

I don't know if folks know this, but I actually feel bad for not being more productive.

 

That's the honest to God truth. I overachieve every single week that I'm online. I look at what I've got, and try to force myself to do DOUBLE what is humanly possible on any given day. I honestly look at some of my own stuff and think, "Well, if I just concentrate and sit at this keyboard for six hours straight without interruptions...I can have this story up and posted on Monday!"

 

Of course...that almost NEVER happens, and I end up being behind schedule.

 

All it takes is one ring of the doorbell, or a big meal making me sleepy, or an extended phone call, or an emergency email, or a nasty comment, or just an hour's worth of good ol' fashioned laziness, to throw me a WEEK or two off of my battle plan. And then I have to catch up. And then I have to apologize. And then I get hate mail. And then I feel like shit but try to write anyway. It's a horrendous process, believe me.

 

But, sometimes I get into 'Comsie Mode' and I can write for hours without taking a break! And I get good feedback and awesome emails, which energizes me to the point where, even when I want to quit for the night, I might put in an extra hour just for them. So it definitely matters when readers participate. It's like a proud parent hanging their kid's crayon drawing on the fridge, you know? Inspire me, and I'll go TWO extra miles instead of one!

 

Speaking of which...I seriously need to put my money where my mouth is and write more reviews myself. I've been slacking for at least a year now.  

Hey, Comsie! How's it going?

That "Hitler video" almost made me pi$$ myself! I'll, admit, there's moments where I feel...testy, but yelling abuse at you or anyone else won't make the stories get published faster.

I hope you can get something done, soon!

[Comicality]

 

LMAO!!! You've never seen that before?

 

Then you prolly haven't seen the follow up, which came a lot later, then huh?

 

 

[Page Scrawler]

15 hours ago, Comicality said:

 

LMAO!!! You've never seen that before?

 

Then you prolly haven't seen the follow up, which came a lot later, then huh?

 

 

Poor Comsie. You really do work hard. And we appreciate everything you've accomplished, no matter how small.

[Laura S. Fox]

I truly admire authors who have the mental strength and motivation to write an entire book and post chapter by chapter afterward. However, I understand the frustration readers experience when they read a story that is not complete(I have my own sins to repent, especially in the fanfiction realm). 

 

What I try to do, however, is to make a compromise between writing on the go and developing the required discipline to create an entire book. And that compromise is that I first create an outline for the story I want to write. I think it was among Pixar's 20 rules of storytelling or something like that, to have the ending figured out before even writing anything. So, following that advice, I do know the ending of all my stories, and I try hard to discipline myself to get there within a reasonable time. A flat tire every now and then still happens.

[Jordn87]

For me I built up a chapter surplus, then write the next ones as I release those. For example I have literally everything outlined and planned for the rest of the story so writing a chapter for me takes 3 - 5 hours if I sit down and focus solely on it.   I totally get your point too, because as a reader its awesome to have an ending. Though their are stories where seeing a chapter posted  almost makes me giddy lol I think the way someone does it truly depends on the author's writing style 

[CscottyCA]

As a reader an an aspiring author, my thinking on this topic has evolved over time.

 

When I first started reading stories on GA, I did become frustrated with incomplete stories, mainly because I felt like the momentum of the story was lost if it was months between chapter postings, or if the story was left cold.  

 

Then, I started engaging in the site more -- reading comments (and author replies), forums, etc. And I developed an appreciation for two things: (1) authors and the writing process: it takes an incredible amount of time, energy, motivation, and inspiration to write and nurture a story. As many pointed out, your muse may not come calling on a regular basis, or you simply don't have the capacity to write given the demands of the "real world" - that's my particular challenge right now. (2) The point of the site is not to read a collection of polished, completed stories. Yes, there is that in the site, but it's also a forum for authors to get their work out to an audience, test out ideas, get feedback from readers, and to generally convene around gay literature/topics. It's a community of authors and readers with a broad spectrum of types of engagement. 

 

That's all to say that as someone involved in this community I feel it's my duty to support the authors on this site in whatever form or frequency they choose to post. I personally love it when an author posts regularly, but I'm okay if they don't. I do factor in posting frequency when deciding to start a new story, but there are some stories and authors that I'm so moved by, that I'm willing to continue follow them even if I have to wait months (or years) between chapters. 

 

I also really appreciate it when an author gives a head up about long delays, or a quick update if they haven't posted in a while. Even a "I'm alive, but busy!" is great. I genuinely start worrying about authors if I haven't heard from them in a while. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Solus Magus]

I personally appreciate both sides.

 

Complete stories are good when you're starting to love reading. It would push me away if I'm trying to fall in love in a certain story, only to find it unfinished, or at least chapters are posted irregularly. However, since I grew up reading japanese mangas and western comics week after week and month after month, I'm used to waiting for the final product.

 

Incomplete stories taught me to trust in the process. Our anticipation shows us that we are genuine with our desire to know the ending. That means the author is really great at keeping their readers on their toes. However, it is a major heartbreak if the chapters are posted far away from each other. Especially if the story is already building up to the peak for the dramatic climax. 

 

To put it short, complete stories are like watching a long ass movie. While incomplete stories are like watching a long ass tv series.

[Comicality]

I think it just comes down to a level of respect for the process. We're all authors here, right? How many of you can truly deliver your best work under pressure and tight time limits?

 

I cant speak for everybody else, but...I would be embarrassed if I was represented by something that was rushed and lackluster in its presentation. You know? 

[Mikiesboy]

For me, i cannot post until the story is finished. I don't write well under the pressure of having to pop out a chapter a week. Though, i think that most of that pressure is self-imposed. My last posted story Changes took me nearly a year to complete due to the research required and my life. I worked hard to get that story right and it was successful based on feedback. I guess we each need to find what works for us, and what we can tolerate. 

[grahamsealby]

On 01/11/2017 at 9:00 PM, Mikiesboy said:

For me, i cannot post until the story is finished. I don't write well under the pressure of having to pop out a chapter a week. Though, i think that most of that pressure is self-imposed. My last posted story Changes took me nearly a year to complete due to the research required and my life. I worked hard to get that story right and it was successful based on feedback. I guess we each need to find what works for us, and what we can tolerate. 

I hear you Mickiesboy, when you have a busy work and social life,allotting time to write a story can be onerous. I have a distinct advantage in that I'm retired and can allocate my time between writing and my dog. As I've indicated, I intend not to publish until I've completed my stories. This actually serves as an incentive for me, knowing that I can't post anything until the work is completed.

[MrM]

On November 1, 2017 at 4:00 AM, Mikiesboy said:

For me, i cannot post until the story is finished. I don't write well under the pressure of having to pop out a chapter a week. Though, i think that most of that pressure is self-imposed. My last posted story Changes took me nearly a year to complete due to the research required and my life. I worked hard to get that story right and it was successful based on feedback. I guess we each need to find what works for us, and what we can tolerate. 

 

I intend to work this way with my next new story. Unfortunately I've committed too many stories in the 'On Hold' mode to do that just yet. I need to finish all these stories before I dare start anything new.

 

That said, I will take what time I need to write a new chapter. I may lose readers right now taking this time, but hopefully in the future, when the works are completed, I'll have new readers that might like them.

 

I rather deliver something of quality than rush an make something quickly that is unreadable. The 'Chapter A Week' thing is just not possible for me.

[Mikiesboy]

1 minute ago, MrM said:

 

I intend to work this way with my next new story. Unfortunately I've committed too many stories in the 'On Hold' mode to do that just yet. I need to finish all these stories before I dare start anything new.

 

That said, I will take what time I need to write a new chapter. I may lose readers right now taking this time, but hopefully in the future, when the works are completed, I'll have new readers that might like them.

 

I rather deliver something of quality than rush an make something quickly that is unreadable. The 'Chapter A Week' thing is just not possible for me.

not trying to force my opinion on anyone, but i think if you finish the story and then post weekly.. you'll gain readers .. they'll know the story is done and that you will post regularly until it's done.  while you do that you can continue to write.  I cant write a chapter a week either.. just isn't going to happen..   good luck with your stories MrM!!!  

[MrM]

15 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

not trying to force my opinion on anyone, but i think if you finish the story and then post weekly.. you'll gain readers .. they'll know the story is done and that you will post regularly until it's done.  while you do that you can continue to write.  I cant write a chapter a week either.. just isn't going to happen..   good luck with your stories MrM!!!  

 

I suppose that a solution I could do for this is for the ones that are currently 'On Hold' I can unpublish, finish them, and republish them later. When I started posting stories to GA I was very ignorant about how things worked and I just, sort of, vomited up a lot of what I've been working on. It was partially a test to see if anyone would want to read my stuff at all. I'd never posted any of my writings before so I wanted to see if it would be worth doing. 

 

Now that I see that folks will read my stuff, I can, perhaps, do my writing in a more structured way following your fine example, Tim.

 

 

[Mikiesboy]

2 minutes ago, MrM said:

 

I suppose that a solution I could do for this is for the ones that are currently 'On Hold' I can unpublish, finish them, and republish them later. When I started posting stories to GA I was very ignorant about how things worked and I just, sort of, vomited up a lot of what I've been working on. It was partially a test to see if anyone would want to read my stuff at all. I'd never posted any of my writings before so I wanted to see if it would be worth doing. 

 

Now that I see that folks will read my stuff, I can, perhaps, do my writing in a more structured way following your fine example, Tim.

 

 

readers get attached to the characters.. and my last i posted on Saturday mornings every week for 13 weeks... people looked forward to it.. knowing they can rely on you keeps your readers.. 

[Myr]

On 11/9/2017 at 12:29 PM, MrM said:

I can unpublish, finish them, and republish them later.

Please avoid this.  It drives staff nuts because people submit support requests saying "What happened to story x?"

[MrM]

3 hours ago, Myr said:

Please avoid this.  It drives staff nuts because people submit support requests saying "What happened to story x?"

 

Ok.

 

I have republished the one I unpublished. Sorry about that.

Edited November 14, 2017 by MrM

[Comicality]

Would you stop?

 

Think about this...if a story that you got involved in was just...'taking too long' for your tastes, it's natural to move on to something else. It happens. But...would you go back to read the story you left behind if something new was posted? Just curious. I mean...there's a new addition to something that you loved. Right? Do you want to read it?

 

Yes, hehehe, I have a huge bias in this question! LOL!

 

Would you go back and read it? Would you want to know how it ends? And if so...would feel bad about making someone else feel bad? Would it matter? If you got what you wanted...would it be enough?

 

If it was me, I don't know how I would feel about it. So maybe I'm in the same boat. Who knows? 

[Carlos Hazday]

1 hour ago, Comicality said:

Would you stop?

 

Think about this...if a story that you got involved in was just...'taking too long' for your tastes, it's natural to move on to something else. It happens. But...would you go back to read the story you left behind if something new was posted? Just curious. I mean...there's a new addition to something that you loved. Right? Do you want to read it?

 

Yes, hehehe, I have a huge bias in this question! LOL!

 

Would you go back and read it? Would you want to know how it ends? And if so...would feel bad about making someone else feel bad? Would it matter? If you got what you wanted...would it be enough?

 

If it was me, I don't know how I would feel about it. So maybe I'm in the same boat. Who knows? 

 

If I stop reading a story due to lack of regular updates I rarely return to it. If I tried to pick a story again after a long hiatus, I'd have to go back and read from the beginning. Memory sucks as you get older and there's not enough time to read everything over once a new chapter gets posted. I preach patience to new authors. Patience to post until you have a quality product, preferably complete. Patience for your stories to gain acceptance and a following to develop. And patience to accept criticism instead of lashing out at readers who take the time to comment. All that does is lose you fans.

 

I tend not to bother with authors who post multiple stories but seldom seem to complete any of them.