Why I haven't made an update to Reprogramming · 3:54pm Jun 24th, 2015
Despite expectations, Reprogramming is actually one of my more popular fics, despite its youth and brevity. It started as a 'what if' scenario and expanded from there. But I don't think you want to hear about the writing process, only what I've done.
I've written 20k words.
'Wow' you must think, 'then why hasn't this dumb author published it yet?'
Reason: It's not good enough.
I'm not satisfied with the plot, I'm not satisfied with the characterisation, the description/exposition, anything. There are currently three separate versions of chapter 3.
So I'm just letting you all know that it certainly isn't dead (technically none of my fics are), it's just that I don't feel it's good enough, and let's face it, if you're going to write fiction, you might as well put as much effort as you can. So please be patient and thank you for waiting!
As always, my perniciously patient perusers of pony prose, thank you for reading.
Pff, excuses. You still owe me an update for Future Chronicles, too. Laziness, I says. Nothing but laziness.
I don't really care if it takes you the rest of 2015 to get all those words out, the point is that if you're so caring for your story, then whatever you do release is going to be great. And because of that I can wait. And I will wait.
Looser.
Oh this is one of those stories that updates in bursts. Alright, I can wait...
Take your time, what matters is getting the story the way you want it, not the speed at which you do it.
Not Good Enough = I Need PreReaders
Plot can be salvaged, characterization can be rationalized...
Having someone who is not you go over your work, correct small mistakes, provide topical discussion... That is the greatest source of encouragement, of inspiration!
A good pre reader, a good editor, can pull you out of the depressive time loops of eternally rewriting your first draft, disciplining your story back onto the plot, helping you declare "it is good enough, i am free to move onwards!"
Never stop writing! Even if it feels less than perfect, keep on keeping on, or you will lose momentum!
Alright, quick question.
Did you write 20k words altogether or 20k for each separate version?
that's perfectly understandable. just take your time and when you feel it's ready post it, we can wait for more.
3177750 Yes, master. Would you like the temple built out of pure gold, or should I get it in Space Grey?
3177759 Thanks, I really appreciate it. No pressure, har har.
3177823 D: I have no idea why that would make me loose. I don't have mechanical parts.
3177963 Usually I'm a lot more consistent and I'm not a very quality-driven author. This time, I want to do it right.
3178003 Yes, sometimes I forget that. It's for me and for you.
3178250 Ah but finding a good one? There's a challenge if I ever saw one.
3178410 20k altogether. I'm not that much of a fast writer that I could churn out much more than that! Each version was about ~6-7k words in length.
3178805 I'll definitely do so.
3178824
Borrow one from an author friend!
Reputation is the key to a good prereader; google for those whose bio or blogs state they did prereading, then message the authors of the story they preread for recommendability.
Examples: The story "Bad Mondays" has three different prereaders for some reason, JBL, novoking(?), and some other guy.
Theres plenty of benefit in just asking a known prereader to check out your draft on gdocs. Prereader types never discriminate or hesitate to check out your draft when you ask. Go ask!