Reply To: Stand Alone vs Episodic

[FizzyC]

I understand the feeling Dread— anytime I write something long, specifically if it has multiple haircut sequences or whatnot, I’m always thinking if I should split them up and make them smaller rather than having it all in one go. Similar to you I feel like a lot of my ‘one-shot’ stories that I’ve written and that don’t have any sequel/prequel potential tend to be the ones that fare better than those with parts/have recurring main characters. It’s definitely a personal dilemma at times when writing now: should I write something really long and wait till it’s fully done before I post it? Or should I split them up into chunks of plot that all tie together, and release one at a time? As much as the latter feels more meaningful to me at times, especially with how some of my stories feel better with that ‘breathing room’ between, it doesn’t change the fact that people might be averse to looking at sequels/stories cut up into parts when they’ve no idea about the first story and may not be interested in looking at it. Furthermore, it kind of discourages me from keeping to a few solid original characters to develop, and I end up writing so many new ones just for the sake of a whole different, fresh plot for someone new to pick up and read easily.