Original fic thoughts

[unfeathered]

I've been thinking these last few days about maybe, when I have a gap between ideas for fanfic stories, actually going back to my original novels and trying to get the first one up to publishable standard.

This is not the never-ending porny fic of doom I've mentioned before, but actually – wait for it (and don't laugh because I know this is not what anyone who's read what I've posted on LJ will expect!) – a children's school story set in a stage school. Yes, really. Turns out there are exactly two things that interest me enough to write about them: porn/bdsm and the theatre.

To enlighten you as to just how funny the idea of me actually getting the first of these novels up to 'publishable standard' is… I've been working on that (on and off) for – um, God – for about twenty years. Though only seriously for twelve years, which is when I started the complete re-draft that I'm still working on. Still… pretty laughable.

The thing is, I think it's pretty good. I enjoy reading through it. I'm just in the middle of working out the POV. It's third person and originally was written like all the other school stories I read growing up – i.e. sort of 'group' POV with occasional dips into individuals' POVs. But then I started reading stuff about how it's better to stick to one POV, and to be honest most of the story is about one particular girl, so I started changing it all to her POV. And then I didn't get to the end of that, and I can't be absolutely sure of the timing but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with discovering LJ… *g*

So there's not actually an awful lot left of that to do. But I'm a little scared to go back to it, because I've learnt such an incredible amount about my own writing these last two months since I've had people commenting on it that I'm afraid I'll find horrific amount I'd want to change.

Still, we'll see. If I get a suitable lull, I'll have a look at it.


* * *


Further thought, brought about (obliquely) by fandom_me's post here: I write best people in a closed environment, because then the story is actually about how those characters relate to each other and I don't need a huge damn plot. (I'm not good at plot.) Cases in point:

1. Master Plan - set on the Valiant where there really aren't going to be random characters floating in and out.

2. School story – set in a school. Again, very few random characters butting in.

3. Slash stuff – tends to be a pair of guys getting it on. Again, limited cast.

Intersting…

Comments

[fandom-me.livejournal.com]

My 'dirty little secret' is that I have the *desperate* urge to write original fic. I just haven't quite got the balls to even TRY. That you have and that you ARE is just awesome.

[unfeathered]

Well, put it this way, if I'd discovered fanfic first (though unlikely at the age of whatever I was when I started writing Ballet Shoes/Chalet School imitations) I probably never would have even tried writing anything original.

*stops and thinks*

Saying that, it never occurred to me to write about the Ballet Shoes/Chalet School characters, i.e. fanfic. I just wrote stories copying the format.

(In fact, this particular story I'm talking about started off as a Ballet Shoes/Chalet School copy. It just got a lot better along the line! *g*)

[becky-h.livejournal.com]

I'm really fortunate that I have my gaming as a step between fandom and original stuff, since most of my gaming has happened in a universe with odd hybrid OCs/Canon Characters. It's been a really, really, great learning experience. Gaming has in general, actually, but mostly it's taught me how to *create characters*. Which, um, is pretty much always where my brain goes.

And I'm babbling. Don't mind me.

[unfeathered]

See? You're halfway there already!

As for creating characters... I've dabbled in a couple of other school stories (again, we're talking a long time ago) but nearly everything original that I've written has been this one school series (there are 16 books, written while I was at school and just afterwards) and I love my characters so much that I want to go back to writing them. But creating new ones? Boy, that's hard.

[becky-h.livejournal.com]

This actually is embarrassing, but: This (http://www.greatestjournal.com/users/muses_inc/72519.html?mode=reply)? Those are my *retired* characters, not including the eight in play now. Quality is hugely variable, but damn I can't say I haven't had practice.

I think most of what scares me, and this sounds weird, but I know the fictional universe better than the real one, in some ways. I should probably try writing closer to home, or just create a new world, but. Well. Someday. Meanwhile, lots of admiration for you with that. SIXTEEN? Go you.

[unfeathered]

16, and not a one finished (as in first draft) since 1998. And that one took about six years. *g*

Anyway, have to go get ready for work now. See you later!

[ladyamarra.livejournal.com]

Hello,

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You will be invited as a member to the community within the next few days,
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[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

You are very brave! Thoughout school I did a lot of creative writing, but once out in the real world I completely gave it up until I was introduced to fanfic. Congrats for staying with it, and for having goals!

And I agree with your second part- limited cast is MUCH easier!

[unfeathered]

Ooops, got a bit behind on my replies, what with work/rehearsal/editing/work...

I don't actually think of it as being brave. Maybe because it's something I've always done.

And I don't think I get to be called brave until I actually send the damn thing off to a publisher. I've almost done it so many times, but I keep finding more and more things to change.

And God knows how much I'll want to change now!

[mad-jaks.livejournal.com]

Slash stuff – tends to be a pair of guys getting it on. Again, limited cast

It's that very limited cast bit that gets me... mwhahaha

[unfeathered]

LOL :-)

Nice icon, btw!

[mad-jaks.livejournal.com]

hehe thanks