Writing novel-length fanfic

[emmagrant01]

Edit: New community! novel_fanfic

There've been several conversations lately about the way the H/D sub-fandom has changed in recent years. One thing I heard mentioned a few times was that there aren't many epic fics being written any more. A few people even suggested this was a sign of the decline of the fandom, that the change in canon or in the size or average age of writers in the fandom was to blame.

As a writer of novel-length fic in two fandoms, I'm not sure I agree. Recent conversations have led me to believe that part of the problem is that the culture of LJ is neither conducive to nor supportive of the writing of novel-length fic, in any fandom. The temptation to abandon your 60,000-word novel and start posting frequent short fics is great, considering that it gets the writer just as much feedback as that novel she quietly slaved over for six months. And it gets her recced a lot, by the people who do the reccing.

Now, I don't want to give the impression that writing novels is "better" or "more worthy" than writing other kinds of fanfic -- not at all. I simply think it's more difficult to do in an LJ-based fandom. LJ seems geared toward instant gratification, and the writers who post lots of short fic are rewarded more for doing so. Many novel-writers just don't get the same sort of attention, which is unfortunate, IMHO. (Of course, someone else recently noted that you never see shorter fics on people's "Top Ten Fics of All Time" lists, either.)

I have some questions, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?
3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?
4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

1. written for and planning to finish original novels.
i don't think i ever wanted to write novel-lenght fanfic.
3. i think i agree.
4. i thought this about your fic(s) as well: if i like an author also in novel lenght, i then would be interested in original fiction.

[ashkitty.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes. I'm not really sure why. It's harder than writing little fics, or (what I'm best at) arcs of related shorter fics. But some stories just take longer to tell.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you planning to post it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

Yes, and it's even H/D. ;) But I've been at it for a horrendously long time and only got 4 chapters so far, because it takes a long time to write things sometimes. But it's up at FictionAlley and my website, and I post it as it goes along.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fic?

I think you're probably right. It's a lot of work to get out a chapter of a WIP that will get a little bit of attention, when jotting down something halfarsed but smutty will get a lot more response. Though it's back to the 'why do you write' thing...if it's all about the feedback, there's basically no payoff to writing a novel. But again, some stories need to be told that way.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

Well, HP is the first fandom I've been in where it's "acceptable" for more than a year to go by between chapters. I mean, I'm guilty of this myself, but part of that's because I don't worry about it that much. When I was writing my novel length GW fic, I would put out a chapter a week, because there were people waiting for it and I wanted to give it to them.

So I think some of it is the readers, because we're all too lazy to give feedback a lot of the time (I'm guilty of that too), but some of it is that if months go by between chapters, the readers have forgotten what the story was, and they're less likely to make a point to read it.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

The "why do you write" issue is a strange one, isn't it? I honestly think that any writer who says she's just writing for herself is either lying or delusional. If we didn't want other people to read what we write, we wouldn't post it all over the internet, and we wouldn't squee with delight over every piece of feedback! Of course we care what other people think. The problem, IMO, is when one starts to write only for the feedback. Lately, I've had to work hard to keep my perspective on why I'm here and why I devote so much of my free time to this hobby of mine! ;-)

And yes, it is interesting how many unfinished WIPs there are in this fandom -- and how many of those unfinished stories are still on people's "Top Ten" lists!

[kinetikatrue]

1. I am attempting to do so. I haven't before.
2. Yes, as above. Something inbetween. Am considering doing it as NaNoWriMo, so there may be a very, very rough draft going up WIP-style and then a properly polished vrsion all-at-once.
3. I think there's something to that. I know I've certainly felt the draw of writing lots of little things quickly - which is not to say that I actually manage to write lots of little things quickly, but the draw is certainly there.
4. Will get back to you on that one.

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

so there may be a very, very rough draft going up WIP-style and then a properly polished vrsion all-at-once.

*grins* This has its advantages and disadvantages, I can tell you. I've learned the hard way that people aren't so interested in re-reading your polished and rewritten fic once the final version is posted! ;-)

Will get back to you on that one.

Please do. I'm seriously interested in finding a way to support this type of fiction.

[serenitas.livejournal.com]

I do write novel length fanfic, and one I am working on right now is 13 chapters and rising. I post it as I finish each chapter, so it is a WIP.

Your claim of LJ I find is valid. It irritates me to know I can't post a complete chapter on here, but have to break it up into several entries to make it all fit. However, for all the instant gratification that others get with feedback, I do not get much at all.

I would be happy to be in a comm with other H/D novel length fic writers, however would LJ have the room to host such fics in entries, or would we all have to shorten our entries depending on the chapter length?

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

I haven't got any specific sort of comm in mind, but I was thinking of a sort of support group for people who are writing fanfic novels. Sometimes you need to bounce plot ideas off of people, or vent your frustration, or be reminded that it's all worth it. It sounds like you might be thinking about a sort of beta-circle, which could also be good. IME, that oftem works better in mailing list format. I've been a member of a couple of beta circles myself, and they were fantastic for me as a writer.

[kat99999.livejournal.com]

1. Indeed I do! I find that with novel-length fanfiction, I can say more. I mean, obviously I can literally say more, but I find it sometimes easier to express myself if I have a long time with which to do it. A short oneshot fic is something I generally write if I get very suddenly inspired, but I find it a lot more fun to write WIPs- possibly due to the fact that I always get very attached to my characters. I find it easier to write if I know a character for a longer duration of time, and that makes WIPs the easier choice for me.

2. I believe I might be ;) ;) ;) Q&T could never wait to be released all at once, because my writing is so - there is really no pattern to when inspiration strikes for me. I tend to write each chapter in one go, not stopping from start to finish, and only when I get the Idea or Urge to do so. So if I decided to just wait and post the whole thing, you might be waiting forever. *giggle* Plus, feedback is nice. It's nice to know if you're going in the right direction or if readers are getting the correct impressions. Of course, with Q&T it seems like a lot of them aren't ;) But never mind :D

3. I think that in LJ, specifically in the HP fandom, there only seems to be room for a select few WIPs. I mean, when you have the Draco Trilogy, Underwater Light, Love Under Will and perhaps a couple more here and there, nobody seems to feel teh need to commit to other new WIPs, particularly with all the decent one shots around that don't take any commitment. I'm not sure how it works that certain WIPs become popular, but it seems to be quite a select few?

4. I think it's just a case of keeping your eyes open. I tend to be reluctant to read more than a couple WIPs because I get confused and whatnot- but then I hardly read any fic anymore because a lot of seems repetitive to me. Plus, I don't like other peoples characters bleeding into my own writing, which I worry could happen if I expose myself to too much other fic. I just think people need to watch out for new WIPs and not dismiss them right away just by the title or the description or the fact that it's an unknown author - in fact, particularly the last one. That's quite dangerous territory, because when you just read fic by familiar writers, it can stop you being able to appreciate other new awesome work.

Anddd.. breathe. :D

[amberdiceless.livejournal.com]

[Here via QQ]

I'm not sure how it works that certain WIPs become popular, but it seems to be quite a select few?

I haven't actually done any research to back this up, so I could be dead wrong. But I wonder if perhaps, since LJ is (as has been noted) not very conducive to novel-length stuff, those long WIP's that do become well-known here could be because the authors maintain their own web sites rather than trying to post their work on LJ itself? I know that's what copperbadge (http://www.livejournal.com/users/copperbadge) does with his long WIP's...

[coconutswirl.livejournal.com]

I'm not a writer, I'm a consumer. Hope that still qualifies me to answer your questions?

What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

One thing I've noticed is that chapters are posted in near-beta-like condition. Readers get to follow the conception of a novel rather than read a finished productoin.

Pros:
- Experienced writers can gauge how the story works
- You get feedback from a varied bunch of readers, each with his/her own strengths
- Interaction with readers may strengthen the story in unexpected ways.
- For readers such as myself, it provide a fascinating glimpse into how creative minds work and how the *texture* of a fic is woven together.

Cons:
- Public demand might alter your novel-length fic significantly (ships, themes, focus)
- Insecurities might be exposed and exploited by comments
- The format might force the writer to adopt a particular structure so that each chapter ends on a cliffhanger; more straight-forward structure; each posted segment has to make sense as a whole?
- Difficult to change aspects of the novel and rewrite parts (goes for any published WIP)

My main concerns about novel-length fic and LJ are actually that writers are forced to adopt a particular narrative structure *and* that comments can be too influential. A certain popular WIP being posted on LJ has fallen prey to the latter, unfortunately.

[laeb.livejournal.com]

A certain popular WIP being posted on LJ has fallen prey to the latter, unfortunately.

sorry to intrude, I have no clue which one you are refering to but funnily enough the only HP slash wip on lj that I could ever think of is the shoebox prject thingy. Even if I don't ship Remus/Sirius and have never read it, it's the only one I could ever name and associate with lj. [/rant]

[blinded-dream.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
-I've attempted and I've got a couple great plots. I'm going to write one for NaNoWriMo

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?
-I'm not going to post it until I finish it, that way, in case I decide I hate it, I won't have to worry about breaking the news to any readers I might have.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?
-*cough* Could you like, dumben that down a bit, please? _{What does conducive mean?} *is 13*

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?
-That'd be fun. I'd join. :D

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

*is amazed that you're 13 and reading her LJ*

Well, "not conducive to the production of novel-length fic" basically just means that it's not really a supportive environment for writing long stories, for the reasons I mentioned. It's harder to write novel-length fic in an LJ-based fandom than it is to write short fic. Does that make sense?

[qurinas.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
I tend to write novella length fics. 10 chapters or so. I really enjoy the ability to tell an entire story from many angles. Also, character development is very fun for me to explore as an author.

If I write shorter than that, I write 10-15 pages in word. (Until recently, as we have discussed).

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?
Yes. Absolutely not. I never post WIPs. I hate the rpessure of getting the next chapter up for people who want it. I also want to have everything edited and polished before I put it out for general consumption.

Though, sometimes I'll hit specific people up for insight into the whole fic or just parts of it.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?
I would tend to agree. Since the same "blah" number of people leave feedback, the same person isn't going to review your fic 10 times. Know what I mean?

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I have no clue. Sorry. :)

[142978.livejournal.com]

1. I used to write a lot of novel-length fic. I mean, a lot. I blame the segue between Backstreet Boys fic (ha, I know, no laughing) and HP - BsB fic was always novel-length.

And so I spent a great deal of time plotting expansive HP novels for about the first year and a half I was in the fandom, because it was what I was used to. And then I discovered contrelamontre, which pretty much squashed any desire I had to actually sit down and plan novels. It's so much easier to crank out two pages that has just as much meaning as the 80-page epic, and I think I like writing vignettes and things much more.

2. I have leftover WIPS. Several. And maybe one will ever be finished - but probably not for a long, long time if it ever is.

3. It's believable. Especially with comms like contrelamontre and the drabble comms, where time and length limitations are purposely placed on the fic. At the same time, though, I think that the epics have their place. I'm just as likely to sit down and bookmark the novels, and to like them more in general - there's usually a feeling of being better connected with the characters, and I like knowing that there's another chapter waiting for me.

And sometimes my attention span is just so spastic that I can't focus for more than 1,000 words at a time. Typically the chapters of a novel-length fic are longer than any number of short stories I could read.

(Of course, someone else recently noted that you never see shorter fics on people's "Top Ten Fics of All Time" lists, either.)

...I can totally relate to that. If I made a list of my favorite fics ever, it would be things like iveblossom's Origins and Al's Snitch!. Possibly because I read so many short stories that they tend to blur unless they're really spectacular, or I've bookmarked an archive or personal website and visit it often.

4. I would love to see a comm for novel-length fiction, although I can assure you that I wouldn't be posting in it. Or possibly an archive somewhere of just novel-length stuff. (Does such a thing exist?)

Anyway. Done now. :)

[142978.livejournal.com]

Err....ivyblossom. Of course.

[laeb.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

No I don't. Never tried, or never had the right kind of bunny for that, should I specify. My bunnies tend to be short. However I have a WIP on the way and have no clue how long it's going to be by the end.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

I would post it as a WIP, I think, but not before at least a large part of the synopsis, plot, etc., has been figured out by me and has been at leats partially written. Just to make sure I have enough to tempt people to read it.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

Hmm. As I stalk around more than just LJ (one of my favourite place is FictionAlley.org and it's the kingdom of HP WIPs) but I think lj ain't the best plave for someone to post a wip or a complete novel-lenght story. Fuck me why, I have no clue, but I think I prefer to read those from archives (Ink-stained Fingers, Fiction Alley, Skyehawke) or the authors' personnal websites. Easier to keep track of the chapters, you don't have to bump your nose on friends-locked entries or to go through long memories to figure out where the chapters are, etc. Or simply call me lazy.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I am merely curious to figure out what you mean by 'supporting' the writers of this kind of fics; I ain't sure I get what you mean. Something like schnoogle.org?

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

My ideas about what such a support community are evolving as I'm responding to comments! :-P I said this (http://www.livejournal.com/users/emmagrant01/86748.html?thread=1576668#t1576668) to somone above, for example.

What sort of support does Schnoogle offer writers? All of my stuff is NC-17, so I've never posted anything there. (In fact, I submitted to FA the only non-adult HP fic I've written about 6 weeks ago, and never heard a word...)

[apostropher.livejournal.com]

1. No, but I don't write any fics at all.
2. Nope
3. I agree, actually. I've throught this for a while.
4. A comm would be a good idea. I wouldn't write, but I'd gladly read and support.

[vichan.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
*grin* You should know. :)
For some reason, I never even considered writing a novel-length until I entered the HP fandom. I get too many ideas entering in my head at once, and they all relate to the same story.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?
I'm currently posting it as a WIP, because the feedback I get in between chapters helps me make future chapters better.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?
Maybe it's my crazy imagination, but it seems like LJ is full of super-busy people. I notice that I don't seem to get as much feedback for Doppel-turd as I have for other stories, which weren't part of the HP fandom. Reading (and writing!) a novel-length takes time, and I often have to make sure that I have a few days off or a couple hours of down-time to trench through a novel-length fic. (Like I haven't had time to go and read your rewrite of LMH, yet... it's on my list of stuff to read.)
The shorter the story, the more people are going to read it.

That's probably just me, though.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?
I would DEFINITELY be interested in a novel-length comm - it would help me keep track of fics I've been following, and help me track down new ones. ^_^

[emmagrant01.livejournal.com]

Shorter fics do tend to get a lot more of a response in the short run, don't they? But I'm not sure how well they fare in the long run.

Cool -- do you have any thoughts about what you'd like to see in such a comm? I put some of my ideas into words here (http://www.livejournal.com/users/emmagrant01/86748.html?thread=1576668#t1576668).

[killer-the-cat.livejournal.com]

I think the biggest problem is that some writers who do write novel length fanfics get discouraged by lack of reader response and also the attention span of most readers. Some readers will back a novel length until the end where alot of readers give up on trying to stay on top of all the chapters being put out. Personally I absolutely love novel lengths-I wish there were more (ecspecially if they are all like I left my heart *winks* ). I think readers also need to remember that to keep getting the fics they want, then they have to review to encourage the author. So many of else will read a fic, finish it and say "that was a damn good fic" and not review. And why not? It's not like it takes that long. Sorry I am rambling. *L* Here are my answers:

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not? I have one WIP that will be novel length if I ever finish it. But mostly I write one shots and series fics
2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between? Yes I am currently working on a novel length as a WIP
3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic? I agree. People are more likely in LJ land to read one shots or short fics than to take their time to read novel lengths. It's really quite unfortunate.
4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines? I think a comm is a great idea. Maybe for authors who have completed novel lengths. There is nothing worse than coming across a great novel length that you love, spending all the time reading it, just to find out that the author had abandoned the fic halfway through and 30,000 words later.

[scribbling-elf.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes, I do. Why? That's simply how my ideas come to me. I like the time that the writer can take to develop the characters, to allow them to grow and change and reaction to a variety of circumstances.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

Yes, I'm currently working on a novel-length fic that includes Snape/Hermione and Remus/Hermione. I have many more ideas for novel-length works, using a variety of pairings. I'm posting as a WIP because I love to get feedback on each chapter as I write.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

I agree. One-shots (esp. PWPs) get the most reviews, recs, and attention--something that can be a frustration to the writer of novels.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I don't have any great idea...a community could be good. I would be interested in in any "revitalization" of novel-length pieces that goes on at LJ. :)

[dorrie6.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Generally, I don't. The first HP fic I ever wrote was a long one-shot... maybe a novella or novelette or some such thing. And I think I could do it then, because nobody knew me at all, and I didn't feel any pressure to produce. Which probably some will say is silly, but I do feel pressure. And I think that is the main reason I don't write it as a rule. I'm not a multi-tasker. I write one thing at a time. And I'm afraid if I was always aiming for something long, people would forget about me. I'd fall completely away from fandom. I wouldn't have anything to offer, because I can't read when I'm writing. One thing at a time, remember? So I wouldn't have recs or anything else. I like being part of the community, and I don't want to lose that. Also, I admit that I like the finality of short fics. Write, post, done. And it's a different kind of writing, which maybe I enjoy more as well. I like working a complex idea into something small. I don't know.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

All that said, I am actually working on a novel-length fic as we speak. I've been posting it as a WIP (only two chapters so far) and I wish I wasn't. But it's too late to back out of that part now. It's slow going, though, because I've been writing short things also, and as I said, I don't multi-task well.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

I'm not sure. I know that I really enjoy them as a reader, and I follow them passionately. Though I will often lose track, and probably that happens to a lot of people, especially if the chapters are posted with very long breaks between. I must say, though, that most of the WIPs I've followed have got a lot of comments with each chapter posted, and the novel-length fics are rec'd and treasured for much longer than short fics. They have a longer life-span. So I'm not sure I agree entirely.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I'd happily participate in a comm for WIPs or novel-length fics.

[wikdsushi.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Ohhh, Hell, yes. Four completed in the HP fandom, and one incomplete in Discworld. I also write original novels. The novel format allows me to flesh out a world or an idea, and gives me enough room to express the full comings-and-goings of daily life without the same constraints as a short. Sometimes, a short story is more powerful, but it's the difference between an iceberg and a glacier. The iceberg can tear you apart, but seeing the whole of the glacier is unparalleled.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

Currently, I'm working on an original novel, second of a projected and planned trilogy. My fan novels, however, were always, always posted in whole or in chapters after completion. I don't do WIPs because there's too much risk of distraction or lack of completion (in case of illness, lack of time, etc.), and I like to go back and change some details as I work. (I tend to write on the fly. Most of the story development comes out in the writing.)

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

I disagree. Novelists write novels, no matter what the environment. The sheer number of fics, from drabbles up, posted to LJ is staggering, and novels really have to be linked rather than posted, so it seems as though there are fewer long works than there are. It just happens to be easier to write a drabble or a short than a novella or a novel, so that's what the vast majority of people write.

There has been a slump in the number of long works produced in my part of fandom (Snape, especially Snape/Harry), but I think this is due more to RL constraints and a general using up of ideas than to LJ. Snarry is pretty much tapped out. Everything's being rehashed at this point, and there just aren't that many original ideas left. Most of the long-work writers I know haven't had much time to write lately. Telanu is in grad school; Cybele has RL issues; Sushi is a lazy-assed slacker writing original stuff and in school. A lot of the rest of us have moved into other fandoms or just don't have time. That's not the LJ environment; that's good, old-fashioned entropy.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I don't know if I'd have much time for a community, but I'd be willing to give advice where possible, and I'd at least lurk. :) Other than that... I dunno, a site dedicated to linking or archiving works of 50,000 words or more? If it archived them, I'd say link to but don't house shorter works related to the novels. The Big List O' Long Fics might not be a bad idea in general. It'd be a useful source for everyone who pipes up with, "I want something long to read! I'm sick of shorts!"

*deposits two cents*

[lady-suzuran.livejournal.com]

*tosses in a tuppence*

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes, 1 of them finished. I find that the bunnies that catch me are ALL of the novel length variety. I get attacked by a huge plot idea, which needs time to develop. Short bunnies and short fics are an exception, not a rule.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

Yup. I've always done the WIP way, even though I'm beginning to reconsider that. I find myself revising the old bits, which can drive me bonkers and doesn't make me want to post new chapters. I'd love to post it all in one chunk, but I don't know if I'd keep quality the same. Does that make any sense whatsoever? Probably not.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

I agree with that. I shouldn't talk, seeing as how I've never posted a fic on LJ, but just character restrictions on posts alone are a huge drawback. Breaking up a chapter into 2 or 3 parts is a bit of a chore, IMO. Short fics are more popular because 1)quick output quick response 2)no character limits (usually) and um... there's a 3rd one in there somewhere.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I'm not sure what we could do. Moral support? Maybe. Tips? Probably. I'll definitely think on that.

*scurries away*

[eliminate.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not? I have, but never posted it to Livejournal. I am not confident enough.
2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between? I am not, but am thinking about it. I'd probably post it as a WIP, or else it would never get finished.
3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic? Partly true, depending on who it is. If you get some BNF writing a novel-length, I'd be damned is someone didn't support it.
4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines? There already is a comm for this stuff. I don't know it's name, try doing a interest search--I know there is a comm for this.

All in all, I just can't be bothered. And I figure, if I am going to write a novel-length, it might as well be Original.

[helens78]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
I've both written and cowritten novel-length fanfic (all in the RPS Chiaroscuro universe). I've only written one on my own, though I have bunnies for a few others and am working on a couple more (one in Highlander, one origfic).

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

The two I'm working on at the moment are going to be completed offline and posted when they're done. And if I do something for NaNoWriMo again this year (which is how I finished Sincerity, my solofic novel), I'll do it the same way I did it last time: posted it to a filtered group of people who could look it over as I wrote it and then posted a chapter a day when it was done.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

From my experience, the LJ culture has been very supportive of novel-length fanfic, provided two things are true: 1.) You can post regularly and frequently, and 2.) You post completed, coherent chapters. All three times I've done something like this (Cruelty, Captivation, Sincerity) and LMH seemed to fit that pattern.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

Oh, I think that'd be fantastic. I don't consider myself an epic-length writer, but I think a comm would be great.

However, big however, I personally would prefer to make sure that people only join and are permitted to post when they have their entire novel-length work done and ready to go -- whether that's a chapter a day, a chapter a week, whatever, so long as they do not leave the audience hanging. One thing LJ falls prey to is the WIP syndrome: you get so excited about having an idea that you start posting before it's done to see how it goes over. If it goes over badly, you might end up stopping before you get anywhere. And if you get stuck completely, your audience is disappointed and may feel burned when it comes to reading your stuff in the future.

[twigged.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes. Like Kat said above, I'm just more comfortable working with a longer format.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

Yes, and I'm WiP'ing it. This one's taken me a lot longer between updates than the other long fics I've written, just due to real life stuff, and that makes me wish I'd held it back. OTOH, I don't think I'd feel as much a part of the fandom if I hadn't posted it as a WiP. Possibly with my next big fic I'll show more restraint. ;)

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

I agree with what you said, and will add that I think the glut of personal and community fic challenges adds to the problem. They sound like fun, or they're being run by a friend, etc., and even for people who prefer to work on long fic (and I agree that such people will *always* work on long fic), the challenges become the priority.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

Less challenges? Hahaha, I don't think that's going to happen. I just think everyone who prefers reading long fic ought to be sure they're sending love feedback to the people who produce it.

[alchemia.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes. Usually thats just the way the story works out for me. I tend to get absorbed in the story and the plot grows and then its suddenly this huge story idea. Occassionally I have short story ideas, but I'm just more prone I think to writing epics.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

I post as a WIP to my website, http://www.intertexius.com

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

Probably true for most people. I tend to becoem Obsessive about finishing projects, so I have my own motiviation to finish, rather than needing the feedback, but I think a lot of people do need the feedback and they get more, quicker with the shorter stories. I suppose posting as a WIP is a work around for that, but unless its pre-plotted out (which can take a bit of work in itself before posting chapters begins), it can get rambling and wander around and loose its focus.


4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

Not sure, sorry.

[obi-ki.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?
I have written novella and novel length fanfic and will probably continue to do so. Mainly I thinks it's because my ideas tend to develop so many details and twists and turns that they just develop that way. Plus I write what I like to read, and I love to read long, plotted fics.

2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?
I have a couple of long things in the works but I never post anything until it is completed. It takes me a while to write plus I always end up find a better or different way to do something on page 100 that inevitably changes something I wrote on page 20.

3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?
At least in SW fandom, I think that is true. I psoted my last long fic in sections on my LJ a few months ago and got comments from only one person. I think, in general, that people reading from LJ and looking for short stories.

4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?
This is going to be a controvercial viewpoint but I think taking the time to write feedback is the best way to support a writer, on lists, in archives or LJ. It always amazes me when I talk to someone, either in person or in chat, who tells me that they have read all my fanfic but I have never gotten even a **nice story* note from them. If someone's fic gave a person enjoyment, whether its 5 minutes or 2 hours, the best way to convey that would be in an email or LJ comment.

[(Anonymous)]

I don't write stories... well I do they're just not good enough to read. It is hard to have an LJ for a novel length fic (or from what I've seen) because if people come into the story later on they don't want to go all the way back and find the first chapter and so on. I know people that do post chapters from their novel length fictions on their LJ, but they do it on a web site as well. That just seems to help some people.

[sev1970.livejournal.com]

1. Do you write novel-length fanfic? Why or why not?

Yes, I have one completed novel sized fic, When Love Calls (http://www.squibsru.ho8.com/fic/viewstory.php?sid=221) (Snape/Harry) which is over 220,000 words long, and a WIP, Maleficium (http://www.squibsru.ho8.com/fic/viewstory.php?sid=428),also Snape/Harry, which is almost 70,000 words, and is probably half way completed. I have noticed most of your responses have been about Harry/Draco, so not sure if you are looking for only H/D or any pairing. I have written one shots, and I do enjoy them, but for me, it is much easier to express myself in a novel. I think up very complex situations, and it takes many chapters to resolve my plots. And I love reading novels to follow the progression of what is happening, and think that translates to why I love writing them as well. Novels give you the freedom and room to expand your ideas and not leave the readers with the feeling that you have cheated them by not delving far enough into a characters personality.


2. Are you currently working on a novel-length fic? If so, are you posting it as a WIP, or will you wait until it's finished to post it -- or something in between?

I am posting it as a WIP - I have my outline and know exactly how it will end, but I do sometimes insert things which readers suggest, and I love the feedback; it lets me know if I am doing a good job of telling my story. I do write foremost for myself, but as writers, our goal is to pull in the readers and take them to another world for that short length of time. I want to know if I am doing an adequate job of that or not.


3. What do you think about my claim that the culture of LJ is not conducive to the production of novel-length fanfic?

Oh I agree completely. I think it would be somewhat different if one could post a completed chapter in one post on lj, but usually that is not possible and you have to divide them into parts, as well as do all of the formatting. To be honest, I do not have the time to do that so I do not post my fics on LJ at all, only the links, when I update.


4. Do you have any ideas about how we as a community could better support the writers of novel-length fic? For example, is there any interest in a comm along these lines?

I have not looked around too much to see what is on the internet as far as HP novel related websites, but I think if there is not such a thing, there should be. I would be very interested in having a compilation of all of the hp slash novels on one site. I know there are many more than I have read, but if I can use ff.net as an example, I know for a fact that there are not that many Harry/Snape novel sized fics, and they are one of the most popular pairings, slash wise, so I am doubting there is a huge volume of fics out there that would meet the novel standard, but as I said, it would be nice to have them all compiled on one site. If you know of anything like this already in existence, please let me know.

[jedirita.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to point out that there *is* an LJ community dedicated to novel-length HP fics. I think it was created quite recently. Of course I have no idea what it is called, but I figure you are ever-so-much-cleverer than me at finding those kind of things. I'm betting it was mentioned on daily_snitch, but not positive.

Anyway, someone did create such a community lately! (I'll keep looking for it, but don't hold your breath.)

[firebird5.livejournal.com]

It's hp_novellas. And yes, it was created quite recently.