Thanks for the question. In no way has it been easy. It started out much easier than it has become as of late. Readers choose directions all the time that I don't agree with, but I put them there for that reason. They challenge me. For this reason I have at least two paths (usually more); one which I want to take the story down and the other not so much. Usually the choices I don't want to do result in better writing. Sometimes I miss publishing for a week because it takes so much more to tackle a specific path. I have an overarching plot that I need to stick to, so you can see how it would get difficult.
For example, recently I went through the worst case of writers block with my horror story. I posed two paths, one of them threatened entirely to obliterate the plot I set up, but i only realized it after posting! Guess which choice was picked? I ended up with such a good entry that it shocked me and I kept the plot intact, but it took me a few weeks. Currently I'm struggling again to get a post out this week, haha.
Originally I had three stories going at once, but it proved to be way too much at once, especially with my other newsletter. So I just have the two for now. It has been a lot of fun though and I wouldn't change anything!
Yeah, it sounds like fun! I admire how you're deliberately challenging yourself in this way. It definitely sounds like this is helping you to not only grow as a writer but also as a problem-solver. Subscribed. :)
Oh it definitely is! I can't even put into words how much I have learned from writing like this, and the amazing Substack community. Thank you for the subscribe! Hope you enjoy 😁
Hahahaha. Then it might be too late for me. Although, my wife may beg to differ.
Never too late to let your imagination run wild! Oh yes, My wife likes to remind me all the time as well.
This is amazing. When I grow up, I want to be like you.
Thank you, I really appreciate that! My secret? I never grew up 😁
Love this idea! I just started dabbling in fiction on Substack, so I'm interested in checking out the rest of your work.
Question: What if your audience chooses to steer a story in a direction you might disagree with? Do you find you have a hard time finishing?
Thanks, I'm eager to see what you think!
Thanks for the question. In no way has it been easy. It started out much easier than it has become as of late. Readers choose directions all the time that I don't agree with, but I put them there for that reason. They challenge me. For this reason I have at least two paths (usually more); one which I want to take the story down and the other not so much. Usually the choices I don't want to do result in better writing. Sometimes I miss publishing for a week because it takes so much more to tackle a specific path. I have an overarching plot that I need to stick to, so you can see how it would get difficult.
For example, recently I went through the worst case of writers block with my horror story. I posed two paths, one of them threatened entirely to obliterate the plot I set up, but i only realized it after posting! Guess which choice was picked? I ended up with such a good entry that it shocked me and I kept the plot intact, but it took me a few weeks. Currently I'm struggling again to get a post out this week, haha.
Originally I had three stories going at once, but it proved to be way too much at once, especially with my other newsletter. So I just have the two for now. It has been a lot of fun though and I wouldn't change anything!
Yeah, it sounds like fun! I admire how you're deliberately challenging yourself in this way. It definitely sounds like this is helping you to not only grow as a writer but also as a problem-solver. Subscribed. :)
Oh it definitely is! I can't even put into words how much I have learned from writing like this, and the amazing Substack community. Thank you for the subscribe! Hope you enjoy 😁