Would you try episodic fiction if it had a clear end point?

[ZodWallop]

The other day in the self promotions section an author mentioned a book that sounded promising to me. The problem was that it was "Episode 4 in the such-and-such-cycle." When I asked, the author did confirm that he had a definite end point for the book (6 would be the last).

I know a lot of people here avoid 'installment fiction' and I do myself. I'd prefer to just have the whole book published at once. But that's neither here nor there.

My question is, if the book otherwise sounded interesting, would you be more willing to try one of these books if there was a clearly announced end point? Say, "Episode 4 (of 6) in the such-and-such-cycle"?

[AnemicOak]

I'd try something if all of the "episodes" were done and published.

[Cinisajoy]

Amazon tried that a few years ago. I tried one book but it drove me nuts having to wait for the next section. Note: this was a one price for the entire book, not pay by the piece.

Note: this is just my personal opinion, but I think most episode writers are just out for the money. Some "series" writers are the same way. They just call their chunks two different things.

Note: I didn't say all because a few writers do know how to do episodes and they usually put it all together when finished for those that want the entire thing.

[HarryT]

It's really no different to unfinished series, is it? I'm deliberately holding off reading Martin's "Game of Thrones" series until it's finished, because there's nothing worse than series that end unfinished and leave you not knowing the outcome.

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It's really no different to unfinished series, is it? I'm deliberately holding off reading Martin's "Game of Thrones" series until it's finished, because there's nothing worse than series that end unfinished and leave you not knowing the outcome.

I think that depends on the series.
Janet Evanovich can be read individually.
Game of Thrones can't.

I think some of that comes down to genre. And yes, Martin needs to quit talking about superheroes and get back to writing. (He was on Superheroes Decoded on the History Channel the other night.)

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

I think that depends on the series.
Janet Evanovich can be read individually.
Game of Thrones can't.

Yes, I was referring specifically to the type of series that's one story split across several books.

[ZodWallop]

Note: this is just my personal opinion, but I think most episode writers are just out for the money. Some "series" writers are the same way. They just call their chunks two different things.

I agree with you, especially on series. I really don't like series. Tell a story. End it. Move on.

I love Stephen King but have only read some of The Dark Tower. (Though I don't think King writes The Dark Tower for the money. At this point, I don't think he could stop writing.)

Note: I didn't say all because a few writers do know how to do episodes and they usually put it all together when finished for those that want the entire thing.

Yeah, the one that prompted this thread already has an omnibus of the first three books and said he'd publish an omnibus of the last three when he's done.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

...And yes, Martin needs to quit talking about superheroes and get back to writing. (He was on Superheroes Decoded on the History Channel the other night.)

There's a fun conversation between Stephen King and George R.R. Martin on YouTube. At one point, George asks King how he does it. I get the feeling A Song of Ice and Fire is moving so slowly because Martin is his own worst critic.

[arjaybe]

I'd wait until it's finished. If the first omnibus could be read as a complete story, then I might go for that.

[ZodWallop]

Duplicate post.

[latepaul]

I read quite a few open-ended episodic fiction pieces - they're called comic books. I do try to save them up so that I get a complete 'arc' if that's possible.

I also read the first Game of Thrones book and decided not to continue until the series was complete. At least it was that and the fact that these were big dense books and I had other things to read in the meantime. But I think you can read the first standalone, I did. There will obviously be loose ends but it's still engrossing and enjoyable.

[DiapDealer]

The frequency of the installments would determine my involvement more than the planned number of installments. It they're published regularly (and relatively frequently), and I'm enjoying them, I'll keep reading them as they're published. If publication dates start getting missed (or pushed back), then I'll wait until they're all published to start back up. Or I'll abandon it altogether if I stop enjoying them. Same as with any series.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

The frequency of the installments would determine my involvement more than the planned number of installments. It they're published regularly (and relatively frequently), and I'm enjoying them, I'll keep reading them as they're published. If publication dates start getting missed (or pushed back), then I'll wait until they're all published to start back up. Or I'll abandon it altogether if I stop enjoying them. Same as with any series.

See, with me I want there to be some sort of conclusion rather than a writer just stringing the story along as long as he can make a buck.

That's probably why even when it comes to comics, I prefer miniseries and creator-owned series where there's a definite end point in mind.

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

There's a fun conversation between Stephen King and George R.R. Martin on YouTube. At one point, George asks King how he does it. I get the feeling A Song of Ice and Fire is moving so slowly because Martin is his own worst critic.

For those interested, that part of the conversation starts around the 50 minute mark.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

My question is, if the book otherwise sounded interesting, would you be more willing to try one of these books if there was a clearly announced end point? Say, "Episode 4 (of 6) in the such-and-such-cycle"?

Yes under the circumstances you mention. This takes me back to the days when I read quite a few science fiction novels serialized in Astounding/Analog and it's competition.