Saturday, March 17, 2012

WIP Vs. Completed

There’s something that has been irking me for a while now. It seems that a lot of people in this fic-verse are strongly averse to reading stories that are Work in Progress. Some are strictly against drabbles but are kinda sorta okay with reading regular length WIPs. Others wouldn’t touch either with a ten foot pole. Not unless it’s marked “complete”.

The reasons behind it are manifold: 1. Impatience for updates, 2. need for instant gratification, but most importantly, 3. the fear that the story might go into an indefinite hiatus, leaving the reader high and dry.

All are pretty valid points.

The first two are individual personality traits that no one should have to apologize for. After all, we read Twilight fanfiction for fun. If a quick fix makes you happy, then so be it.

However, I have a few thoughts on the third point. I’ve been wondering whether or not there is a correlation between readers shunning WIPs and writers abandoning their work mid way.

Authors may experience a myriad of issues that could result in them setting aside their writing. Heath problems, death or injury in the family, writers block, job loss, any of these can contribute to a story going into a state of limbo. There is little we can do to safeguard against such misfortunes.

Nevertheless, it occurred to me that there is another reason that might be at work, in at least some of the cases, whereby authors give up on their projects because they feel unappreciated and ignored.

Just imagine the case of a relatively new author who doesn’t have the benefit of a BNA’s pimpage as a launching pad or know all the nooks and corners of this fandom to get a fix on where to showcase their work. The interactive system that is ff.net, where the only tangible form of validation an author can get is through readers’ feedback, how long do you think this newbie will remain motivated to churn out chapter after chapter if s/he never gets any kind of response from the readers?

I know that it can be argued that one shouldn’t write for the readership but for one’s own incessant drive to get the words out onto the paper. That is true. But when someone takes that pivotal step to lay it all out before a public forum, and then is made to feel invisible, the blow can be crippling.

I speak from experience. I’m clearly still here, but my scars are still raw enough to recall how close I came to call it quits.

So, a humble request to those who avoid WIPs, not because they crave instant indulgences but because they don’t want to risk investing into something that might go on hiatus, please consider that maybe your decision is triggering a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Personally, I love WIPs. The wait, the anticipation, the speculation, the engagement, they all add up to what makes reading Twi fanfiction a unique and joyful experience. Being able to follow a story from its early days, watch it grow and unfold its wings, and witness it take flight is a precious and magical gift that one cannot acquire through reading a published book, or a completed fic. Not to mention the possibility of interacting with the author!

There you go. That’s how I feel about the topic.

Thank you for indulging me:)
X0X0

24 comments:

  1. I dislike WIPs, for the reasons that you said that you liked them! (Different strokes, huh?)

    I *HATE* having to wait. The anticipation, for me, is actually impatience and a tad bit of resentment, especially for stories where the chapters are short and could be completed quickly if the author wanted to do so.

    My next story won't be posted as quickly as my previous ones because I have so much work to do on my other projects. But as fast as I can write it, it will be up and posted.

    Another author once told me I should hold back and wait a week between postings because it would generate more interest and reviews. But I just can't do that, because I picture someone out there like myself, who wants the next installment as quickly as possible.

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    1. I'm totally with you Lissa, especially if the story is already done I don't see why the author should wait.
      As for Dream I have lots of WIPs on my allerts and some of them haven't update in ages. It freaks me out bc I don't know if they are ever going to be finished. I only enjoy WIPs with a schedule (like yours ;) ) bc I know the author isn't going to give up the story (usually).
      I'm all for instant gratification so I'm all about the drabbles or drabblish fic, I actually prefer fics with shorter chapters and quicker updates. When I'm reading a complete fic I don't care about the lenght of the chapter, but for WIPs I don't like too long chapters bc usually they are filled with usless stuff.

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    2. Thanks, Sue. I'm glad you gave it some thought:)
      X0X0

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  2. I totally understand. Like I said, no one should have to compromise when it comes to things one does for fun. Thanks for sharing, sweetie:)
    X0X0

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  3. I have varying feeling about WIPs. One of the very first fics that I fell in love with hasn't been updated in over TWO YEARS. But, I have kept it on my alert list... just in case. But, I have learned to look at how often an author updates. If it seems fairly consistent, I take a chance on it. This has worked pretty well and I have found some new authors (like you!) in the process.

    I had never thought that an author might walk away due to lack of readership. But, I guess it must depend on the reason for writing a story. Are they just looking to try their hand at writing or are they using this as a stepping stone to getting published. Make me think... Hmmm...

    Sally

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    1. Thank you, Sally:) I appreciate you taking the time to give this some thought.

      Love,
      X0X0

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  4. I agree with all of your points. I myself, read all types. And sometimes I am disappointed when a writer walks away. The stories that have been abandoned on my list actually all had a lot of followers. However, I Beta for a few new writers, and I see how hard it is to get into the loop. And the funny thing is, they are still writing. But I wholeheartedly agree that there are so many under exposed stories sitting on FF. I see that changing as more FB groups are formed.
    The drabbles are definitely the cure for instant gratification, and I never like to wait a month for another chapter in any story. But some writers put SO much detail into their story, and that takes time. And in the meantime, while we wait for our favotires to post, we can always read updates of other stories that are making their debut. There is always something to read.
    Best, Fran

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    1. Thank you, Fran:) It is indeed nice to see the FB groups helping out the newer authors!
      X0X0

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  5. There are several reasons that I avoid WIP's. First and foremost, I have a terrible memory. When an update comes in, there are times that I cannot remember where we were in the story and I'm having to go back and re-read much of it to catch back up. Many times, I completely lose interest. More so when the stories aren't on a regular schedule. Second, I lose momentum. I lose the 'feeling' that I get as I journey through a story. Third, the whole 'abandonment' issue. Why in the world do I want to read that a fic that is going to leave me high and dry? No thank you, my time is too valuable for that and it happens ALL THE TIME. All of that being said, there are a few WIP's that I do, indeed, read. These fics are incredibly good, so that I am taking pieces of them with me when I'm done and I rarely have to go back to figure out where we were. Also, the storylines are such that I need a break in-between updates. Finally, sometimes the author's have become 'friends' and this is my way to show support. As far as drabbles go, I just don't like them. I can't sink my teeth in and I want an escape.

    So, there you go, my reasons for not reading WIP's. No matter what though, let me make this VERY clear: I do realize how incredibly blessed I am to have access to such wonderful media, authors, and story-lines ;)

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    1. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, athome jo. I understand where you're coming from.
      Best,
      X0X0

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  6. You can't write just for the reviews. You have to write because you have a story to tell.

    My first fic was 80K words and got a whopping 45 reviews. If I had been doing it for the reviews, I would have been heartily disappointed. The story I'm finishing up now is over 70K words and has 109 reviews. There's probably a grand total of ten people reading it, but I'm not writing it for that reason.

    Reviews are great. I was stunned and overwhelmed by the attention that "Written in the Stars" got and deeply flattered by the kind reviews. But you can't do it just for that reason, or you're setting yourself up for a disappointment.

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    1. You are so right, Lissa! The purpose of my post wasn't to say that one's self worth should rely on their review count. But that being made to feel invisible is not a pleasant experience which might influence some to lose heart.

      Thanks you for reading and thinking about it.
      X0X0

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  7. I like both WIPs and complete stories. I will admit that sometimes I don't like the wait for a chapter update but that adds to the fun of finding out what happens next.

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    1. Thanks, Laurie:) Nice to see you here. Appreciate you checking out my blog post!
      X0X0

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    2. Welcome. I plan on nosing around your blog :) xoxo

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    3. You're welcome to hang around, Laurie:)
      X0X0

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  8. This is a great post and so nice to see a writer's POV on this subject. I read WIPs all the time. But, the stories we see now are not the stories we used to get. It is a changed fandom. There are writers that abandon stories with no comment, just to post others. Do not update for months on end. Hold updates for ransom, which they clearly note in their A/N's. Leave every chapter with a cliffie or leave a cliffie after waiting months for an update. State the story is already written but you still wait weeks for the postings. And then the infamous pulling the story to publish half way through. These things happen more times than not and readers don't want to deal with it. Because I do reviews, I do deal with it, but it doesn't mean like it or accept it. I can see why many will only read completed stories. And there are many well known writers that are known for this behavior. It makes it frustrating on a whole when you are enjoying a story and then hit one of these road blocks. As a reader, we do try to be empathetic to a writer's RL, but the readers have a RL too.

    Sorry, blabbing on now. :)

    So glad to see you posting on your pretty new blog. Hope to see more op-ed's from you :)

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    1. Thank you, lovely!:) Glad you came to take a look and share your thoughts. I think I may have given off the impression that one should write for the sake of reviews. That was not at all what was I driving at.

      Oh well. It was nice to have people speak out just the same.

      Lots of love!
      X0X0

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    2. No matter how people took your thoughts, they read them and commented. That is fantastic! I always comment when on blogs. I like the writer of the post to know I read their words and they were noticed. I think it is great you are doing this and hope you continue. To have a writers point of view makes you look at things differently as opposed to the readers. As well as you always being so gracious in your comments. Would love to see more writers post their thoughts like this, and not just about their stories. :)

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    3. So true. Whether anyone agreed or not, at least they spent two minutes thinking about it. That's more impact than I can hope for.

      You're tremendously awesome for taking the time to check this out.
      X0X0

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  9. I enjoy reading both WIP and complete stories. WIPs are my daily treats as soon as I'm in bed (I don't watch TV, so I've lot of time to read at night) or early morning before I get up. Sometimes at the office, but since I got caught I'm careful. Every email-alert puts a smile on my face and is very appreciated. Of course I prefer WIPs with regular updates but always am greatful to get one. Even if it's only every few months. I remember easily the plot of each story, so it doesn't matter if there is a long space between updates. But the anticipation fades the longer it takes.

    It is unfortunate when a story is put on hiatus, but heck, it's not my right to complain. We all have RL. I see it as a great gift (no obligation) you authors are willing to share with us readers and I try with my reviews to show you the respect you deserve for your fantastic work.

    Complete stories are always on my iPod for times and places without internt access. Sometimes I reread WIPs after they are complete.

    Love and hugs
    Andrea

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  10. 'Is it complete?' 'Oh, I'll put it on alert until it's complete.' 'I only read completes.' UGH!!! To each their own, of course, but I think it's frustrating. Now, I admit, when I first started reading ff, that I was the same way. I couldn't wrap my head around reading a chapter and not being able to read the next until someone else said I could... BUT I GOT OVER IT. And now, I prefer to read a WIP. Many WIPs. I read completeds, too, but they overwhelm me. A WIP doesn't. It gives me something to look forward to. Something to be excited about. Something to miss, and then get back. How often does that happen in life? And, of course, being someone that is writing multiple WIPs, I wish more readers embraced my thinking. I know I'll never abandon them, but not everyone else has that confidence. I know some authors have left people hanging, for whatever reasons, and though a few stories I started have followed that path, I guess I didn't love them enough to be upset about it. I can't even remember their names, to be honest, and there's plenty more out there to satisfy my cravings...

    As for me... I write for me. My first story I had the guts to share was my OF that I'm still writing. I started it on a whim... little snippets in tumblr text posts. A handful of people were reading it. Then it turned into something... and I eventually created a blog for it. And just when it got really good, most everyone stopped reading it. Even my friends. That hurt, because, though I know I made 'mistakes' and my writing wasn't/isn't perfect, I KNOW it's a beautiful story. But not Twilight. And that pretty much sums that up. Didn't people read before fanfiction? *rolls eyes*

    So, I dipped my toe and wrote a ff. A O/S. To this date it only has 10 reviews. But it's Charlie, so... I didn't have the guts to write Edward and Bella on the first try. And no one is interested in reading that, either. Yes, things are different now... God knows I can't stop. But being that they're all WIPs, I get it. A lot of people won't read them. And yes, I write for me, I always will... but it's nice to know that someone else finds something special in your words. I don't write for reviews, and I'll keep writing even if I never get another one - because I have stories to tell whether anyone is listening or not - but it's still nice to hear that someone is. And that someone likes it enough to wait for more.

    That's my ramble. I'll shut the hell up now... God knows I have open docs to fill.

    WIP reader,

    CM

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  11. Dear Chloe,

    Thank you so much for sharing this, bb. I totally know what you mean. I'm sorry about your experience with your original work. Maybe readers here come to read Twific only and don't want to delve into something that isn't twi-related. I have heard TWCS and FictionPress.com cater to the authors who are trying to write original stuff. You could showcase your work there maybe?

    You're writing wonderful stories with wonderful plots! So have plenty to be proud of:)

    Lots of love,
    X0X0

    Fellow WIP reader, Issy

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