Originally Posted by
catfightlover40
Dear Doc,
I can go with the flow easily because way more often than not I actually see in my mind what's happening in the story, and much like a scientific theory, it too starts with the premise, goes through examination and posits/predicts something new, resulting in a new starting point. That's why I was on board before with JB when he said it's not always a good idea to continue the story of someone else, as it very well may be built on the premise of disregarding where it should go.
Going with the flow of a story, while trying to keep it within the original framework you had in mind?there?s the rub!
Still, it can have its rewards. And I have indeed done this?
I, personally, would not want to continue the story of another author, if for no other reason than stylistic differences. I would also worry that the other writer would see the result and say, ?What the fuck was he thinking when he wrote this??
Yet, if JB brought up King. This should be a no-brainer, but yeah, don't do coke, as he did. To stay with Misery, having a ritual, on the other hand, does help. My own reason for backtracking is simple, the criticism of my own work is very different from what readers may experience. If I can, I stay away from pieces I worked a lot on as I have the nasty habit of wanting to rework it all the time.
There?s always room for improvement, but I recognize the trap of which you speak.
The problem with that is obvious, authors are the literal physicians wanting to heal thyselves, so a second pair of eyes is always better.
My General Practitioner tells me regularly that he?s open to the idea of me consulting a psychiatrist?you know, a second opinion.
I join JB and I will read the story when it comes out, since I have not changed my opinion, I still think that boards like these are the contemporary form of magazines like Punch, where writers submitted adventures by chapters (ah, when you could talk about just one book for 4 years). If Stan Lee could "create" (or steal) Stripperella (depending on who you ask) and still remain a respectable idea man, there's no rule that says stories here should be run-of-the-mill.
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