Fic Talk > General Discussion
The NeverEnding Story
RokofAges75:
I'm not scared off by long stories; I've read some long ones that held my interest through every chapter, and I've also written some long ones. I think it depends on the story, though. Why is the story so long? Is it because there really is just a lot of story to tell, or because of too much fluff/filler in the middle, or because the author didn't want to let go and took it past its natural ending point?
As a writer, I think the thing to ask yourself with every scene is, "What is the point of this?" Every scene should move the story forward in some way, whether it's developing the plot or developing the characters. If you can't justify why the scene is truly important, take it out or don't write it.
My stories tend to run long. I never start a story without an ending in mind, and I just write as long as it takes to get to that ending. I think my problem with my super long ones is not so much pointless filler as much as just too many subplots, too many ideas in the same story. I tend to think of BIG ideas, and I need to learn how to simplify so the stories don't take so long to tell.
Carter-Orange:
I don't mind reading a long story as long as it's something enjoyable and it keeps me wanting to read more (for example Julie's Broken series), but I also admit that when I see a story with 100+ chapters I'm a bit put off because I know it'll take ages to read. I suppose it depends on the author.
Mariah:
Its not really that scary to read something long as long as the story seems to be moving nicely. I'm all about subject. I love it when there's a lot drama in something to keep me reading. I'm a sucker for soap opera stories. Anything with romantic twists I'll read. I don't think there is such a thing as "never ending." Unless there's like 7+ stories with more than 60+ chapters in a series.
RokofAges75:
For me, the difference between "long" and "neverending" is the same difference between a series like Harry Potter and a series like Nancy Drew. If I'm into the storyline, I'll read a story for as many chapters/sequels as it takes to get to the conclusion, assuming there actually is an overall story arc that leads to a natural ending. When the plot starts going episodic, where each chapter or story in the series is just the characters having another adventure or involved in some fluff scene that has nothing to do with any sort of "big picture," I lose interest. I'm the same way with TV shows; I prefer shows where one episode leads into the next, and you can't miss an episode without getting lost because there is an overall plot to follow, compared to shows that you can watch just once in awhile and never feel like you're missing out on much.
Rose:
--- Quote from: RokofAges75 on February 18, 2011, 11:33:40 PM ---For me, the difference between "long" and "neverending" is the same difference between a series like Harry Potter and a series like Nancy Drew. If I'm into the storyline, I'll read a story for as many chapters/sequels as it takes to get to the conclusion, assuming there actually is an overall story arc that leads to a natural ending. When the plot starts going episodic, where each chapter or story in the series is just the characters having another adventure or involved in some fluff scene that has nothing to do with any sort of "big picture," I lose interest. I'm the same way with TV shows; I prefer shows where one episode leads into the next, and you can't miss an episode without getting lost because there is an overall plot to follow, compared to shows that you can watch just once in awhile and never feel like you're missing out on much.
--- End quote ---
This sums it up.
There's so many stories I've run into, where too many subplots get thrown in and that kills any natural ending it may have had. It usually makes it clear that the author has letting go issues. I mean as a writer you need to have a purpose for everything in the story. I know for me, even the chapters I call "fluff" there's a purpose. Whether it's character relationship development, or furthering of the plot in a minor way that builds up to a more major event. I feel in a story everything needs a purpose.
If you have a chapter with no purpose, I feel you've gotten to the point where the ending needs to come.
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