Ret-cons...

[Comicality]

 

Have you, as a writer, started building upon a story from the very beginning...and then later looked back at your 'foundation' and wanted to change a few things retroactively?

 

I've been through this a few times myself, but I only edited and changed this stuff in ebooks and the like, where I went back and nearly rewrote the whole story from the very beginning, correcting mistakes and plot holes that I didn't see before. But...if that's not an option, how does one go about 'fixing' past scenes in your story without messing with the continuity you had going from the beginning?

 

I was thinking about maybe writing an article on this, so any input and ideas would be welcome.

[Brayon]

10 hours ago, Comicality said:

I was thinking about maybe writing an article on this, so any input and ideas would be welcome.

Great minds think alike. I was thinking of doing a Topic Tuesday on the subject as well. I will defer to you though, Comsie.

 

I've done a RetCon on my the Half-Elven Warlock story. After discussing it with a local friend (not the ones from my Topic Tuesday: Beware of Advice), I realized I had some big plot holes, and everything that was published got revamped and re-edited. For online, and serial posted stories, like what you and I post a lot, I see RetCons as par for the course. They help in the creative process. Most Role-Playing companies, and Comicbook companies, judiciously use RetConing in order to control the direction of new stories.

 

I see it as a Vital Tool, in our toolbox as serial posters.

[Valkyrie]

10 hours ago, Comicality said:

 

Have you, as a writer, started building upon a story from the very beginning...and then later looked back at your 'foundation' and wanted to change a few things retroactively?

 

I've been through this a few times myself, but I only edited and changed this stuff in ebooks and the like, where I went back and nearly rewrote the whole story from the very beginning, correcting mistakes and plot holes that I didn't see before. But...if that's not an option, how does one go about 'fixing' past scenes in your story without messing with the continuity you had going from the beginning?

 

I was thinking about maybe writing an article on this, so any input and ideas would be welcome.

Here's a couple of options:

 

1.  The narrator could be an unreliable story-teller or have a skewed perspective which can allow some plot holes to be forgiven.  

2.  Explain the plot hole in a later chapter or sequel.  

 

If it's done well, the earlier transgression can be overlooked.  

[VampireMystic]

2 hours ago, Valkyrie said:

2.  Explain the plot hole in a later chapter or sequel

I'm working on that one.

 

Happy to see you @Comicality

 

More later. Probably. Maybe. Theoretically. *shrug*

[Comicality]

12 hours ago, BHopper2 said:

Great minds think alike. I was thinking of doing a Topic Tuesday on the subject as well. I will defer to you though, Comsie.

 

I've done a RetCon on my the Half-Elven Warlock story. After discussing it with a local friend (not the ones from my Topic Tuesday: Beware of Advice), I realized I had some big plot holes, and everything that was published got revamped and re-edited. For online, and serial posted stories, like what you and I post a lot, I see RetCons as par for the course. They help in the creative process. Most Role-Playing companies, and Comicbook companies, judiciously use RetConing in order to control the direction of new stories.

 

I see it as a Vital Tool, in our toolbox as serial posters.

 

It's ok. Go ahead. It was just a thought in the back of my mind. But if you got ideas ready to go, then go for it. Should be cool!

[Comicality]

9 hours ago, VampireMystic said:

I'm working on that one.

 

Happy to see you @Comicality

 

More later. Probably. Maybe. Theoretically. *shrug*

 

Just a brief visit.

 

You guys need to blab more!

 

I just didn't want to be the pervert on the block. That's all. But I love reading your thoughts. Keep posting! This board is awesome! XD 

[VampireMystic]

4 hours ago, Comicality said:

You guys need to blab more! 

My attention is on resuming work on chapters. And plugging holes. *snicker* (Alas for geographical impossibility)

 

But, heading into halved hours  at work, (damn summer) so I'll need something to keep me out of trouble.

 

0.0 *blink* *rereads* To paraphrase avenue Q: "Everyone's a little bit pervert." (According to somebody)

 

*mic drop*

Edited May 8, 2018 by VampireMystic

[Hudson Bartholomew]

This is my biggest fear. Writing myself into corners, wanting to take the story in a new direction that doesn't match with what came before. Which is why I can't post a story until the whole thing has been written and all the plot holes addressed. I don't know how people do it... they are far braver than I am. 

[Timothy M.]

I've done rewrites with one of my stories when moving it from another site to GA, but it wasn't plot holes as much as expanding and improving. 

 

As an editor, I think one of my jobs is to point out inconsistencies with earlier chapters - which may then be revealed as plot holes.  

I even do it as a reader sometimes.   I'm not sure it's appreciated in those cases.

[VampireMystic]

On 5/14/2018 at 10:25 AM, Timothy M. said:

I've done rewrites with one of my stories when moving it from another site to GA, but it wasn't plot holes as much as expanding and improving. 

 

As an editor, I think one of my jobs is to point out inconsistencies with earlier chapters - which may then be revealed as plot holes.  

I even do it as a reader sometimes.   I'm not sure it's appreciated in those cases.

I'd appreciate it.

 

In fact, after your comments on ch 2 or something of mine, I'd like to hear your thoughts on ch 3

[Myr]

I have written myself into a corner on my HP PoD story and I just recently had a brilliant idea to fix it that should fit into the story just fine.  I'm not going to tell you what it is though, as hopefully, I'll be able to complete the patch with none being the wiser.

[Pmsingtiger]

I tend to rewrite the entire thing. That's why I'm trying to write faster...to avoid that. I still change things, it's hard not to when you have a good idea! 😧