[For Authors: Need Help and Opinion] Continue the Story?

I think there are a few of us on here that have story ideas, write a bunch of chapters, get busy or lose inspiration, then have a hard time picking up where we left off after some time...

It's so sad to see stories go unfinished when it began so well... It's also sad to disappoint subscribers by simply posting "Sorry, I can't go on anymore." But we all have reasons why we sometimes stop, or why we can't go on with it anymore. Sometimes, it's just a reaaaaaalllyyyyyyy long writer's block, or a major life change, or simply a change of heart. But what if we came up with a system of "saving each other's stories"?

I don't know if this is already being done here since I pretty much only read SuJu stories, but what I'm suggesting applies to all other fandom stories as well.

I've done this before, a long time ago, with a bunch of fans. We started a story, then the "writing team" will take turns, according to their availability and inspiration-level to continue it. The title of our post before (because it was in a forum) was "Continue The Story"

There will be the main author, of course, who comes up with the story and starts it, goes on as much as he/she can. Then if she can't anymore, someone else can jump in, with the author's permission, to continue it. For one chapter, or for two, whatever they agree on. If the main author gets inspiration back, then he/she can continue after. If not, then it's up to them how to settle it.

I know, the writing style differences poses as a problem... but maybe the main author can do edits or something (whatever they agree on).

Or two or more authors can actually start a story together, come up with the story idea together, with the intent of really making it a Continue the Story type, and maybe transform it into a Choose Your Own Adventure type if they come up with two good ideas for a single chapter. 

I've actually decided to put up one or two of my stories up for continuation from willing authors. Right now I'm just trying to gauge if people would be willing to do this or if I'm just wasting my time... 

Of course, authors should know the original tone of the story and take care to follow it as much as they can and all that consistency thing... Backstories and future plans should be shared between the co-authors as well... It's just a matter of communicating well with each other...

I know that our stories are our babies and it will feel weird for someone else to take the reigns (I can be possessive lol) but instead of watching it be stagnant and forever unfinished, with the subscribers waiting... 

I think this could work.

What do you think?

Will wait for your input below, and if you have other friends who can give their 2cents about this, please share it with them. Thanks!!! :D

Comments

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rollingriceball #1
This would be totally awesome. It would also be fun for both authors I think. :P And from my experience writing a Choose Your Adventure fic, it's soooooo difficult that sometimes I think to myself "what the heck did i get myself into" especially when the story splits coz of the decisions the reader has to make. Plus the fact that I'm gonna be making more than three eligible bachelors to choose from in the story so I'll have to stitch all that up too. o_O I'd like to work with you, if you'd like. :D
FantaFun
#2
Hi,
That's definitely an interesting idea.
Writers block's are frustrating to say the least.
And it might work to twist a story around in a new direction with a new pair of eyes.
Perhaps starting with suggesting story ideas and small inspirational bits to kickstart it again?
And if that works, in case of time shortage, agreeing to write together?
I think it would be an interesting project to see. :)