The torment that is the WiP - Discuss

[moonlite_tryst]

That's discuss people, not flame!

As an author who has been a bugger for starting to post chaptered fics and not finishing them this may seem a strange post, but here goes.

Whilst spring cleaning my LJ, I clicked on a link for one of the greatest H/D WiPs ever written IMO. Although labelled as catagorically not abandoned, it has not been updated for almost three and a half years *cries* and who knows if it ever will because the author is now writing in another fandom *cries some more*, which leads me to wonder:

If a WiP has been abandoned for a period of time, e.g. over 2 years or more, and the author was close to the end, should said author post a synopsis regarding how things were going to end for the reader's benefit?

Does an author have any obligation to readers who have followed/are following a WiP, or does the label WiP translate into read at your peril?

Thinky thoughts authors, readers?

Comments

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

Ohhh, that's a really tricky thing, I guess.

I can only speak from my own experience as one who did abandon her stories for a very long time (more than three, closer to four years, I think.) I guess no one thought I would ever get back to my writing, and myself I was very unsure about it as well. But, in the end, here I am :-) Still having some writer's crises now and then, but chugging on...

If I had posted a synopsis of how the story was going to end back then... I would have sort of spoiled myself now that I am working on it again. However if they are completely sure they won't get back to it, maybe suggesting it could be a good idea? It might be rather unusual that people start to work on unfinished stuff that old again?

I think that in the end, yes, sad and frustrating as it is, reading a WIP is probably a 'read at your peril'-thing :-( It's difficult to see how there could be a practical solution to that problem, besides hoping :-)

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

It is a tricky thing isn't it.

(more than three, closer to four years, I think.)

Really? Does that include The Red Braid?

I have a fic that I started in 2005(WTF!!) and then tried to start again a couple of years ago before I lost my H/D mojo. I only posted a couple of chapters, so it's not one that qualifies for lots of fans wanting more, but I understand the conflict over posting the synopsis of a fic you're not sure you're done with.

reading a WIP is probably a 'read at your peril'-thing

I steer clear of many these days. It takes a lot to draw me in again, like with The Red Braid, which I am enjoying immensely.

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

Yeah, all these questions about writer/reader interaction are. Tricky, but interesting :-)

Really? Does that include The Red Braid?

Yes. I first started to write and post that story in... 2002, I tink, it's that old!

Yes, if one is unsure about what one wants with a story, it could be tricky posting a synopsis. But as I read more from your replies up here, I have to say that writer seemed to have a really bad attitude about things. Writers aren't obligated to go on, but we can always try to be nice to readers if they ask us nicely what's going on.

Yes, I do understand that many readers are wary of WIPs, I would never blame them for that. Aw, thanks! And even though I'm a bit slow on updates sometimes, and barred some accident, or my PC blowing up or something *knock on wood* I have no intentions of abandoning this story. I owe it to myself, if nothing else, to show that I can finish it :-)

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

I have to say that writer seemed to have a really bad attitude about things

My post wasn't specifically about one WiP, it just reminded my of something I'd wondered about for a long time, although it is the one that saddens me the most because it's such a stellar piece of writing.

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

Ohh, okay. I misunderstood that a bit, I think.

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

No problem. I often misunderstand things. :)

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

Me too... all the time :-)

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

I first started to write and post that story in... 2002, I tink, it's that old!

0.0

Wow! That's older than mine. :)

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

I had to check for sure, and according to when the first document was created, I actually started it in Septemper 2003 it seems (misremembered by one year). But yeah, still a very old story :-) So, I guess you can say that I'm slow... but stubborn, when it comes to finishing stories :-D

Maybe you'll start yours up again, too, some time?

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

I was talking about it to mr lusi a couple of months ago and realised that could finish the fic of in the Hp fandom, but take away the magical aspects and it would also work in RL. So yes, i want to start again once I'm not doing 18 hour days with school.

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

18 hour days!!??? That's crazy! I remember reading you were very busy and stressed out. No wonder with such days:-( I really hope you'll have some calmer times soon!

Yeah, writing takes a lot of time and concentration. I do hope you'll find the time and peace, it's a good feeling to start up again.

[moonlite-tryst.livejournal.com]

being at the top of the pay scale, but not a deputy head, is not all it's cracked up to be that's for sure. Some of the time is taken up trying to fit in exercising plus household jobs. :((

[fran-fic.livejournal.com]

It does seem hard enough, that's for sure :-(