I was just wondering. I'm new to this kind of format. Should I write a single straight line narrative then go back and fill in the branches? Or write at least two or three options per split? Which way do you folks find yourselves writing it?
I like give reader two or three option from time to time, but most branches get unite later. I personalyty don't like reading here long, one line chapters, so I tried to write as something what I would like to read.
In my experience if you do too many branches the story can become exponentially more work, so unless you have the time to do so, I recommend against branching too heavily. Linear stories also have their own drawbacks as readers are forced into situations that they may wish to avoid or miss out on opportunities they may be seeking. After some trial and error I think I have found the easiest format is to craft a main branch of the story to push the narrative forwards and then loop a bunch of threads back onto it, occasionally splintering off an ending here and there. This will give the reader choice while also tying up a lot of those loose story threads you can end up creating for yourself. But that's just my opinion. Find whatever get's those creative juices flowing for you and just get writing. I have found with each story I have published my writing and knowledge of the site has improved dramatically.
A story with many branches is not necessarily better or worse than one with less options but much more depth. It doesn't matter as long as you have fun writing and are happy with what you write. And if anyone should be unhappy with it, that person can go fuck him- or herself!
Personally I am not interested in one-branch stories. If I want to read those, I can go anywhere else, because it's just a normal story, in the end. I come here to CHYOA for the branches, the stories that feel, like it says on the cover "to choose your own adventure". That being said, I wholeheartedly agree with the general idea that people should write what they like. There are more than enough stories her for everyone and their personal preferences.
It depends on the type of story. Like 48 hour as a girl works really well for branching because of the way it is setup to make choices. Meanwhile, something like Sexual Privilege is just a series of straight lines from one starting point. I don't think people really care it's a straight line cause they already picked the initial starting choice, fetish and premise and want to follow that and keep to that fetish and premise alone. I think more than anything stories should at least give you an illusion of choice even if the author only intends to do one branch. That way other's or even the author can jump in and branch out at a later time.
I agree that streamlining stories and keeping them somewhat linear is not always a bad thing for the reader. I think if it's a toss up between furthering one branch or starting another, most people will prefer that you lengthen the branches that they are already reading. I know that I get frustrated when I come across a really good story but most of the options only go in a few chapters deep because the author does not devote enough time to fully realizing any one thread.
I personally prefer to write straight line, but then use the format to revisit and explore other paths that come to mind while writing. Yeah, I'm weird, I know. Right now, I'm liking the idea of exploring the various branches "Clue" style, which is a lot of fun, and allows me to gradually reveal all the stuff I vaguely hinted at but most folks missed. I think of it like sketching a picture. I want the basic frame and shape set out first, and then fill in the details, shades, color, etc. It won't necessarily look AMAZING in one little corner but it takes shape over time. But then, I like to mess with expectations, so... YMMV. TLDR: Prefer to write Straight line, but then fill out from there.
I like having lots of branches, because I like options and variety, but it does run the risk of getting out of control (cf. Lois Lane's Night Out, which is at 1,500+ chapters and not finished yet).
I branch a lot at the start; the first chapter might have as many as six options, the next chapters three or four. But after that, I tend to write a linear story to the end. I do include options where it COULD branch off again, but it’s just hard to cover so many possibilities. Sometimes it’s possible to re-merge threads, but that’s hard to do.
I know it’s not how Chyoa should work but I am a linear writer on here. The branches and links give me a headache just thinking about it and the possible outcomes. I applaud those who can have multiple branches and threads all linking together, I just can’t get me head around it. That said there is definitely a market on chyoa for linear stories so I’d say just write what you are comfortable doing or what feels right at the time and adjust as you go along. From 1st story to 2nd or 3rd story is a big learning curve whatever you do. Good luck.
