not quite choose-your-own-adventure, but....

[lagilman]

[Poll #1651241]


poll is for polling purposes only. decision of the readers is not binding upon the author. void where restricted by law or good taste. no purchase required but greatly appreciated.

Comments

[shadowcat]

I love the disclaimer. :D

[lagilman]

well, seeing as I expect to have the outline done before enough people vote to get a decent sampling... (besides, disclaimers are like frosting on a cupcake - not the entire reason for doing it, but close)

[nick-kaufmann.livejournal.com]

Closeted = more opportunities for narrative tension and suspense!

[lagilman]

nah - showing the monster coming is far more scary than having it jump out of nowhere at the very end....

[rosefox]

By "the monster" you mean the society that's forcing them to stay closeted, right?

(Guess who I tend to identify with in this sort of story.)

[lagilman]

Depends on the book you're writing. Sometimes, Other IS the monster. Sometimes it isn't. The question can be 3/4 of the story.

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

I'm with Nick on this one.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

What does the story want?

[lagilman]

that, I'm discovering as I write the outline. It could have gone either way...

[chickwriter.livejournal.com]

IMHO, go with your gut. :)

[lagilman]

the thing is, my gut could go either way. It would change some elements of the story, but not the major ones. So -- since I hear so much "why did s/he write it THAT way?" from readers, I'd give people a chance to speak their mind beforehand.

I'm halfway through the proposal and I'm pretty sure where it's going, but the votes are interesting to watch.

[desperance.livejournal.com]

Your gut is probably long enough to go both ways, if it just uncoils.

[lagilman]

As always, I knew I could count on you....

[chickwriter.livejournal.com]

AHAHA!! Awesome.

[kriz1818.livejournal.com]

Apparently your friends are unwilling to take responsibility for your decisions! 8-D

FWIW, I'm not sure I've ever seen a "supernatural-outed" urban fantasy world done convincingly (at least to me). Have you?

[lagilman]

I suppose it depends on your definition of 'outed.' A lot of people know? The entire world knows? They're not hiding but aren't polite conversation? There are a number of series where the supernatural is an established factor, but not talked about...

[brownkitty.livejournal.com]

Out of curiosity, does "midway through" apply to how far in the story it comes out of the closet, or how far out of the closet it is?

[lagilman]

Yes.

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

More of a "dont ask dont spell" ..

or, everyone knew the neighbors were shifters, but as long as they didnt poop on the lawn or the pets were missing, it was a polite relationship.

[lagilman]

or, conversely, everyone knew but was too afraid to say anything (ex: vampires next door, but if you don't say anything/show you know, you're not fair game...?)

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

I would go with the award winning garlic plants myself.

[mysocalledhell.livejournal.com]

I picked mid way through, but really, option four is a much better one. causes less "reader" whining later.

[lagilman]

Perhaps ironically, I was inspired to do the poll -because- of reader whining...