Thinkity Think Think

[cathschaffstump]

I'll be discussing this with more of my writing peeps who are familiar with Substance, but at this point, I find myself wondering which is the better strategy:

1. Should I stop the first book after Esme's Trial and wrap up, making it a shorter book (around 67.5K, the old YA length?) I would need to focus much more on Esme and build the Rowther experience to the tune of about 20K, in addition to keeping the spotlight on Errol and Stephan.

2. Should I try to carry on through after Errol's Trial and go with a long book? Right now, that would take me 80K without a good wrapup, so I could balloon up to 100K. I'm not sure, if that's the case, how I will wrap up the book.

I'll be doing a very technical edit this weekend (remind me to curse the replace mechanism on Word!), so I'll have time to solicit ideas and let this munge around in my mind. Earnestly, the first option will probably take more effort than the second. I wonder if the depth in the first option would make the book a better experience. My readers seem to think the story is strong, but I feel I'm not going deep on option two because I have so much material already. I wonder if I just answered my own questions.

Those of you familiar with the story, both readers and writers, I welcome your advice and opinions. I would certainly still write the rest of the story, it's that the book series would become six books at least with the first option.

Thinkity think think think!

Catherine

Comments

[hermia7.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I think the first option would, despite any efforts to focus more on Errol, make it seem like Esme was going to be the lead character? I could be wrong, though.

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

Well, yes. That's very true. I would prefer to have Errol and Stephan be the main characters, as it is their story. This is the sticking point.

Catherine

[hermia7.livejournal.com]

Go with your gut and with the longer version. Susanna Clarke debuted with an 800 page fantasy book, so can you! (What is the word count to page count ratio in hardcover, typically?)

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

Well, okay, I could focus on getting through to the end of Errol's trial and some aftermath, and then go back and deepen as needed. That's a strong option 3.

Catherine

[acusa-dora.livejournal.com]

Well, I think it ought to go through Erro's trial. I don't think it matters that it's long. I'd like to see what you have so far.

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

People are telling me to go with my instincts on this, so I will.

I'd be happy to send you what I have so far.

[acusa-dora.livejournal.com]

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