To Revise or Not to Revise

[Ryano Ra]

o.o;; Yeah...it is happening AGAIN. >>;;

Well lately, I've been delaying the next installment of my chaptered story, Rhapsody, because I've been suddenly dawned that it is moving into a direction that it might not should. Coming from an entire trilogy itself, I desperately feel the need to change it, or in other words, shape up the earlier chapters, adding new elements and whatnot. Now, it has been a pleasure writing Rhapsody, but the name suddenly strikes me as odd as well (I was thinking the new name could be Rise of the Sins or Dawn of the Sins, for I suddenly realized what my real approach was) and since I have plenty of time on my hands, the revision wouldn't take but up to five or six weeks at the latest (most likely around four or even three; I work fast with editing and revising old chapters), but there's one main problem.

I do not want to disappoint all of my fans and hard work with what I've put into it, but the thought that I am not actually satisfied with what I've written down is something that really bothers me. In the past, I've never COMPLETED a single chaptered fanfiction, and I've made so many attempts to. I KNOW that I'll finish Rhapsody, but I seriously think that it needs to be shaped up (I wrote the chapters nearly five-six months ago before releasing it, and my writing has changed since then in my eyes), and it'll make a big return; what are your suggestions and/or opinions as to what I should do?

I'm so torn. ;_;

 

[katiekitten]

I would revise, Syra. If you really feel that you could shape up the earlier chapters, you should. It won't dissapoint me, you'll sort out the prologue at long last. XD Just kidding. Just go for it.

 

[Mimori Kiryu]

I agreed with KK. I know that you've put a lot of work into the story, but if you feel like it needs a change, you should change it. Us, as your readers, should embrace this change and see it as you becoming a better author right before our eyes. ^^

 

[Ryano Ra]

Thanks for the support, you two.

Well, I was thinking that I could continue to update Rhapsody while I work on the revision and so, when the revision is complete, I can quickly close Rhapsody and jump right into the new and improved one. That way, it could be convenient for both the readers and myself (I, the author); what do you think about that idea? Does that sound like a cheap method or something that could actually work?

 

[Kiyohime]

Don't worry, Syra, I've never finished a chaptered fanficiton in my life too. XP I would say to continue updating Rhapsody with what chapters you have left, so we can see what happens from then, THEN have it closed when it's time to put up the revised version. But don't forget that you also have Evolution in the works so we won't be floundering without anything of yours to read. ^^

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! *smashes cake into your face*

 

[Ryano Ra]

Don't worry, Syra, I've never finished a chaptered fanficiton in my life too. XP I would say to continue updating Rhapsody with what chapters you have left, so we can see what happens from then, THEN have it closed when it's time to put up the revised version. But don't forget that you also have Evolution in the works so we won't be floundering without anything of yours to read. ^^

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! *smashes cake into your face*

Thank you very much, Scrap, for the happy birthday AND advice! *licks cake from his face* XDD I'm a lion -- we have long tongues and sharp teeth. Rawr! *spins around happily* Whee. 8D

That is a very good suggestion indeed; I wrote up to the thirty-third chapter, so I still have a nice batch of chapters worth releasing. The more later chapters do not need to be shaped up as much as the earlier ones, but the events that I desperately needed to happen should have came quite earlier in the fanfiction. And, there's also a slight twist I wanted to add to Zale, Rose, and that adorable Skitty (I plan to make her travel with Zale as well), but now that I'm planning what'll happen in the revision, I'll continue updating Rhapsody until I'm ready to release Rise of the Sins. ^^

 

[Flaming Lip]

I may seem really evil for this, but I think its a good idea to revise... I will finally be able to keep track of it when it debuts! XD

If you really feel there are glaring problems, revise. If you think its something that you can cover with a chapter, by all means, keep going.

Edit: SYRA! HAPP3H BIRTHDAY MEH MAIN MAN! I GOT YOU A REAL LIVE DRAGON FOR CHRISTMAS! IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHY HE SNORTS OUT PEICES OF PAPER, THATS FROM THE ERAGON AND ELDEST BOOKS YOU HAVE TO FEED HIM! ENJOY =3!

And, here is some flan.

 

[Bay]

I say, go for the revision if you like, but probably not until after you finish up Rhapsody. That way, the readers can compare the two different versions of the story. (Even though the changes will be mostly on the first part).

I am thinking of revising "Heart of the Sea" after I get to finish up the original. I too think the first parts of my story could use a little bit of a fix up. Mabye the revise edition won't be coming until I finish "Pure Distance", or better, while I am doing "Pure Distance." We'll see.

Sorry for going off topic a bit. Anyways, sometimes revisions is good and sometimes it is not. Since you are for sure wanting a revise edition, then I think you will not have too much trouble for it.

Oh yeah- Happy Birthday to you Seprent Syra! (Gives you an ice cream cake and a Flygon plushie).

;134;~Good night, and good luck~

 

[Saffire Persian]

Well, I'd say do what you want to do. Just keep in mind revisions like this one usually take a long time to do, and miiight just increase procrastination. o.o Sometimes you get so sidetracked with redoing the story, you completely lose the story itself. Of course, I'm not saying this is only the cas e- I've just seen in happen with authors I greatly admire. They go to revising it, and never update the story again. ---> not a good thing. XD

Anyways, do what you feel is right. Oh - and happy birthday!

 

[Praxiteles]

Well, it's going to smart. Bad. But I say do it. If you feel the fic isn't going the way you like, the best thing is to change it, no matter how much it sucks. Besides, you said that you were going to finish Rhapsody, what's the matter if it just takes a few months more? I've got my vacations coming up, so it's not so much of a pain to get over with the day, and all my real-life traits are reversed here, so I'm ready to wait for a new and improved Rhapsody. Still, put your desires at top. Otherwise, the old version'll be closed, and the new one'll be even worse, and you'll be stuck. It comes down to what you want.

Oh, yeah - I wished you outside the Café, but I'll just do it again...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SERPENT SYRA!

Morfos Potesta...
Pyroken Serafoculus

 

[Sike Saner]

Being an extension of your own energy and effort as it is, I think that you do recognize, in a deep way, what is best for your story. Your instinct regarding the story is likely trying to tell you something. Hence, it is most likely best to pay heed to your intution where this is concerned, and go ahead and revise.


And in other news: I SUCK. Why? Because I forgot your birthday - how in the world could I brain out like that? ^^;;; Well, anyway, here is a belated birthday cake for you. :3 *offers a cake with a image in frosting of me being chewed up by a dragon and bearing the words "Shame on me - and Happy Birthday to you!"*

 

[Ryano Ra]

Thanks, you all, for the wonderful advice and the belated birthdays! *snatches cake and others and devours everything* o.o;;

Like Scrap had suggested, while I will continue to update Rhapsody, I shall be working on the revision, and hopefully, I can get done with it and have it ready to be released; the later chapters are what is bothering me, because I haven't written the rest of the story (due to me wondering about a revision), but it'll be convenient to me so if I do get stuck with the revision, I'll still have Rhapsody to lean on until the procrastination wears off (though, now and days, I rarely experience that, and if I do, it only lasts up to three days).