(no subject)

[janus_74]

I have this idea for a "real" fic, but I have a question first.  It would be a romance ('cause what's the point otherwise),  and I was wondering if it's acceptable to hide the characters past from the reader?

I want the reader to know they've been involved and broken up, but I don't want to tell them why until later on in the story.  Just let certain information out slowly.

Is that fair?

Comments

[boniblithe.livejournal.com]

It is fair, and if you make it suspenseful enough, it can keep the reader hanging around to find out why.

[janus-74.livejournal.com]

Always a tricky part :)

[spikespeigel.livejournal.com]

Fair enough if you don't drag it out. The most recent example I can think of is this.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/spikespeigel/88063.html

The story's told, but the driving point isn't revealed until the very end. Remember, this is just an example.

[janus-74.livejournal.com]

That was a cool fic. I understand about the not dragging it out part. I think I've read one or two where I'm left scratching my head.

[spikespeigel.livejournal.com]

Hey, I had a question about that publication thread you posted a few days ago. Exactly what kind of fic do they accept? Because I have other stuff on my hard drive that I've never posted simply because it wasn't fanfic and think it would be kinda cool if something non-scientific of mine got published.

[janus-74.livejournal.com]

Go for it! Most of the ones that I get through that community specificmarkets is for Sci Fi, Fantasy and Horror. But there's a ton of markets out there that accept all sorts of things.

[drphungus.livejournal.com]

I want the reader to know they've been involved and broken up, but I don't want to tell them why until later on in the story. Just let certain information out slowly.

Is that fair?

More than fair! While some stories may put all the info out on the table right away, that sometimes takes away from the story because there's no mystery, no surprise left for the reader.

So are you thinking of doing an original short piece or a longer project?

[janus-74.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking longer project, if I can come up with some sort of plot. Besides boy meets girl, etc.

[asleeper.livejournal.com]

As long as it doesn't come out as teasing, then a lot of the time, that's more satisfying. I'm reading a fic right now where the author has stated that she intends to never reveal why they broke up. She just gives bits and pieces here and there and is letting the reader form their own conclusions. I'm loving that.

Plus, you're Tania. You can do whatever you damn well please!

[janus-74.livejournal.com]

Well, when you put it that way :)

It shouldn't be teasing, I hope. Now let's see if I ever write it.