Story questions...

[Draconiator]

I'm posting this here because lots of people post their stories here, and I could get some advice.  Mods, if this belongs somewhere else you may move it.

 

Anyway...I know where things are going in my story, but right now I'm stuck between two chapters to forward the story.  Without spoiling anywthing, I could either:

 

A. - Characters go to where the story began to look for clues.

B. - Go to space again to find out what the antagonist is up to.

I could do both, but to further the story I have in my head, only one will do.  Granted, this comes on the heels of another "Ground" chapter, and if I go the ground route again, Jebediah gets to fly a  1,000m/s plane...and we have some character development.  "POWERRRRR, ULTIMATE POWERRRRRRRRRR!!!"...lol, that alone is making it tough to decide.  What do you guys think I should do?

[KSK]

Difficult to say without having read the story so far but is there any way you can mix-and-match those options a bit?

Chapter X:   First half describes characters looking for clues, segues into a second half written from Jeb's point-of-view.

Chapter X+1:  Clue-finding mission finishes. Armed with new knowledge, a team heads back to space to find out what the antagonist is doing.

Something like that?

 

[Just Jim]

There is a thread for writers to ask about writing, so don't be surprised if this gets moved there.

As for what I would do, I'm going to be aggravating and say weave both together, even though it's more work.  I really like doing this in my story if and when possible.  I find if you have two or three sub-plots going at once, you can bounce back and forth between them from chapter to chapter and really keep the tension going. 

For example, you said you're going somewhere to look for clues... OK, this is as good a place as any to start.  But I might only take it to where you're closing in or something, and find a good place to stop.  Cliffhanger, if possible.

Then do a chapter, or section, whatever... on whoever is going into space... but again, only maybe get them just into orbit, or closing onto the antagonist's position, find a cruel cliffhanger to end it... then back to the first part again.

I understand it's harder to keep track in your head... believe me, I do.  I have notes written all over the place for mine, and I often go back and read something to keep things straight.  But in my opinion, if you want to take the extra step, I think it's worth the effort.

[Draconiator]

Decided to weave them both together over the course of...2 chapters so far.   annnnd Hyperedit couldn't move a set piece for me so I moved it myself, darnit

 

[kiwi1960]

Stories are not real life... so given your two examples... the looking for clues one would be boring...

The space option COULD have its own drama just getting into space...

But the best advice anyone can give you would be to say "what would I do..."...and go from there..... better yet, if you are asleep and dreaming... what would you do... that way, you can either allow the sci-fi to flow... or the comedy to flow, or both.... the absurd has its only value...

 

Edited March 28, 2016 by kiwi1960

[Just Jim]

8 hours ago, kiwi1960 said:

Stories are not real life... so given your two examples... the looking for clues one would be boring...

In this case I would focus maybe on where the clue hunting is taking place.  If it's an open field... yeah, boring.  But maybe sneaking into someone's office undetected, or exploring a spooky forest at night?  Now it get's interesting....

8 hours ago, kiwi1960 said:

But the best advice anyone can give you would be to say "what would I do..."...and go from there..... better yet, if you are asleep and dreaming... what would you do... that way, you can either allow the sci-fi to flow... or the comedy to flow, or both.... the absurd has its only value...

Wow... this is so true!!!  I can't begin to list how many ideas I've had when I was half dozing and letting my brain relax.  Another way I've found is if I'm out back working in my garden and just sort of daydreaming.  All sorts of odd stuff pops into my head, and every now and then my muse sneaks in a great idea.

[kiwi1960]

6 hours ago, Just Jim said:

In this case I would focus maybe on where the clue hunting is taking place.  If it's an open field... yeah, boring.  But maybe sneaking into someone's office undetected, or exploring a spooky forest at night?  Now it get's interesting....

Wow... this is so true!!!  I can't begin to list how many ideas I've had when I was half dozing and letting my brain relax.  Another way I've found is if I'm out back working in my garden and just sort of daydreaming.  All sorts of odd stuff pops into my head, and every now and then my muse sneaks in a great idea.

Exactly why I suggested it. I have had many good ideas for books and stories while asleep or day dreaming, but while I have had magazine articles published, I have still to write my first book.