A work in progress -- to post or not to post?

[spacemutineer]

I am having an internal debate about whether to post the first chapter of the new work in progress I have.

It's what I was working on for National Novel Writing Month, although I changed directions somewhat since then. The first chapter is done (and most of the second chapter as well, along with many disconnected later parts). I love it.

The issue is this -- I don't write linearly. I write in fits and starts and in bits and pieces. Eventually those pieces sort of coalesce and I have a story. This work in progress is the longest thing I've ever written, the longest thing I've ever tried to write. I don't know how long it will take, but knowing me, it's likely to be a long time.

I have one work in progress already out, a promised prompt fill that I am already extremely overdue for. I wouldn't have posted it unfinished if it hadn't been a prompt. Normally, I don't go for posting works in progress. And now I'm considering having two out at the same time.

So, if you've read this ramble this far, drop a comment and tell me what I should do. I'm just not sure. I'm excited about my new story and want to show off my shiny toy, but should I wait until the whole thing comes together first?

Comments

[castiron.livejournal.com]

Does the feedback on the partial work and the knowledge that someone's waiting for you to finish the rest help you actually write more, or does it hinder your process? And do you find that the initial version of your chapter 1 is pretty much the final version of your chapter 1, or is it likely that you'll have to post later and say "so, that version you read? pretend you never saw it"?

I'm also a non-linear writer, unless the piece is *really* short, and even then, I'm probably writing the bits out of order. I've tried to write more linearly, but I've found I need to write the parts I know first, and then I have something to aim for when I'm filling in the gaps between.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

How you describe non-linear writing is exactly how I've experienced it too. NaNo was really helpful in showing me I couldn't just start at the beginning and finish at the end. I have to go wherever my brain wants to take me. Nice to know I'm not the only one.

I'm going to hold off on posting the story. It needs a lot of work. And that worry that once you post something, it's written in stone is a scary notion.

Thanks for the advice -- I needed to hear some feedback. :)

[castiron.livejournal.com]

The people who are able to post long WIPs and actually have it come out a coherent story without revising the earlier parts? They impress the heck out of me. (I'm currently going "oh, crap, I screwed that up" about a chapter that I just sent to a beta, and am having to step back in remind myself "hello, it went to *beta*; that means potential for rewriting still exists.")

You're welcome!

[methylviolet10b]

Well, as anxious as I am to read it, you can probably already guess my advice: wait to post until after it's done. It isn't nearly as instantly gratifying, but it's the best way I know to ensure both the quality you know you demand of yourself, and an enjoyable experience for everyone - you and your readers!

Just my two cents, of course. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be fabulous. :-)

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Well, obviously, not going to post it now. I was leaning against doing it before and that was definitely the right thought. Lots more to do first.

Thank you again for your help, as always.