Unfinished branches, intentional or otherwise.

Discussion in 'Authors' Hangout' started by Testytesterton, Nov 19, 2020.

  1. Testytesterton

    Testytesterton Really Experienced

    I am a pretty prolific poster, and I have shared the reader's frustration with an exciting question that remains unanswered or a branch that abruptly ends.

    At first I tried to finish every branch I started and I mostly achieved that with my first series. As I went on, I found that I would ask less questions so I wouldn't feel as bad about unexplored branches, but I still ended up with unfinished or abrupt endings, or worse, writing chapters I wasn't interested in and that readers never seemed to like anyway.

    My new strategy is just writing what I want to write and dropping what I don't even if it means some branches are left unfinished. I'll even give options I have no plans to add just in case someone else wants to add to it. Do you think this is a fair system? Or should I just make it clear when I only have one path intended?
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2020
    NaughtyOppa likes this.
  2. Zeebop

    Zeebop CHYOA Guru

    I think it's the rare story which ends, much less has every branch end. I like the idea of writing a "complete" story, but that doesn't mean every branch is going to go the distance, especially not within a reasonable timeframe. Lois Lane's Night Out has 207 endings (i.e. full 20-chapter paths - epilogues don't count!) and that still leaves hundreds of paths that haven't gone the full 20 chapters. At this rate, it might never be finished, but I'm gonna try anyway.
     
  3. chris_brown

    chris_brown Really Experienced

    I wish someone would continue some of the chapter branches to one of my favourite stories lol
     
  4. daciasdesire

    daciasdesire Really Experienced

    Nothing's stopping you...
     
    Kineticat likes this.
  5. chris_brown

    chris_brown Really Experienced

    except for a lack of writing talent lol,im more of an idea person than a writer per se
     
    daciasdesire likes this.
  6. daedaddy

    daedaddy Guest

    talent and skill are very different, even without talent you can develop skill mister chris brown.
    you being an idea person can only further your creative mind, I wish i had more ideas honestly.