Mogui,
For the first question, p2p releases, as you say, are already out there. And the author already has the power to 'take control' of electronic publishing, just look at all the micro-publishers out there on the Internet.
As for putting effort into a work of fiction, my philosophy is if you don't want to put maximum effort into the story, then you shouldn't be writing it. Either set it on the back burner until you regain interest or drop it completely - and get to work on another story. Most authors I've talked to say the same thing - if you're not thinking about other stories, collecting character info, putting plot snippets away or even writing a chapter or so, you're not keeping the creativity engine primed for the story you're most involved with.
And whatever you do - DON'T stop writing the story to go back and edit it! That waits until you get the final chapter written. I can say this because this is one of the things I learned while competing in both the 2005 and 2006 NaNoWriMo contests. I failed my 2005 attempt to write 50,000 words in one month because I got caught up with putting a polish on each chapter. I succeeded in 2006 because I refrained from doing the whole 'but is this chapter/paragraph/sentence good enough' syndrome.
Keep on writing.
Derek
Quote:
Originally Posted by mogui
I have been advocating bypassing the publishers. I envision a mechanism that allows readers to publish via p2p, which of course they are free to do now sans DRM. I would like to see the author in control of all these issues.
What is your feeling about putting a lot of effort into a work of fiction? Do you do so with optimism? Does being immersed in the writing process give you pleasure? How would you publish your fiction?
I enjoy the work of Lawrence Block. He has the ability to write a book a month, or more, if he chooses. He is a writing machine! I acknowledge his tenacity, but I can't help thinking that the writing process is a lot easier for some.
I agree that to be a popular author you need to publish frequently to sustain reader loyalty. There are some who take a few years between novels. My habit is to find an author I like and read everything she has written. The others that are still writing, I follow faithfully.
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