Once a month or longer between chapter updates on a story?
Sorry, that's how to lose me as a reader. I read a lot of stories and simply cannot go that long and remember the plotline, the characters, or even that I'm reading the story at all.
The good thing about a memory like mine is that I can go back and reread old favorites a year later and it's like I'm reading them for the first time. ;)
I read a lot of stories and simply cannot go that long and remember the plotline, the characters, or even that I'm reading the story at all.
Little surprise that a number of readers don't bother with serials until they're complete.
Funnily enough, I'm leaning more and more that way, unless it's an author I trust and whose work I enjoy.
It is worth noting that both Dickens and Doyle both had their works published as serials.
It is worth noting that both Dickens and Doyle both had their works published as serials.
Yes, but those were weekly or even daily published in newspapers and/or magazines.
Yes, but those were weekly or even daily published in newspapers and/or magazines.
And they were paid for their work - they were professionals.
AJ
And they were paid for their work - they were professionals.
Aha, the magic word, money, even more important to ensure a constant flow of work ;)
Aha, the magic word, money, even more important to ensure a constant flow of work ;)
And food on the table.
Luckily in those days they didn't have to shell out on a computer etc ;)
AJ
It is worth noting that both Dickens and Doyle both had their works published as serials.
So something that happened a hundred years ago is this standard today? Guess I better chop some wood for the freeze that's coming and make sure the chickens are in the roost and the horses are fine too. :)
And they were paid by the word, no reason to edit their stories to avoid verbosity or eliminate elements that didn't advance the story quickly.
(First attempt at reply disappeared into the ether.)
And they were paid by the word, no reason to edit their stories to avoid verbosity or eliminate elements that didn't advance the story quickly.
I don't know how much it still happens, but there used to be considerable penis-waving regarding the amounts per word that authors were being paid.
AJ
