Source: AnimeGalleries.net
I have a clear vision of what I want to do and what I mean to do with my stories. My idea is different from almost anything I’ve seen or read– at least book-wise. I think the only thing that comes close are the various anime and manga stories called A.D. Police which is connected to Bubblegum Crisis. Even that’s not exactly what I’m doing here, but it’s pretty close.
This is why I chose to self-publish– because the idea behind this “series” of stories crossing-over, yet standing on their own, is sort of a strange one. There are a lot of complex character relationships and these relationships spread out into other stories. There are events which are out of order. Some events you may learn the outcome of before you read about the actual event. My hope is that I can make an engaging story that stands on its own and hints at more in other stories.
It’s a crazy idea, and I need my beta readers and my poor unpaid editor to tell me what they honestly think. But what happens when the suggestions received make me question my vision? How do I deal with the edits and suggestions without becoming a prima donna? (“You just don’t understand my vision!”)
1. Respect the opinion. If someone is nice enough to share their thoughts, I listen. I’m terrified to hear it, but another view is always helpful.
2. These are just suggestions. The final decision is always mine, and I own that decision. If the experiment goes down in flames, then I’ll stand off to the side with a shrug of my shoulders and be thankful it wasn’t the house. (If it wasn’t the house, that is. Oh crap, it was the house?)
3. I’m not perfect. This is something I’ve come to accept in recent years. In school, I’ll admit I was used to being one of the best, but the bar was set pretty low. All you had to do was show up, be the weird quiet girl, and everyone pretty much assumed you were smart. But now I’m having to actually work, and it’s really difficult. Plus, I’m lazy.
I feel like I should add a final thought here. Something wise and insightful about how you have to trust yourself and your vision and also trust the people whose opinions you’re asking for. Also, if you do set the house on fire, own it.
theblogofmatthew
I think this is great advice. When I read the first few paragraphs of your page I was like, Oh my God this is exactly me. It sounds like you are further along in the process than I am so, I think I gain more from your advice than you may from mine. I really appreciate the idea of standing next to the ashes of your mess and owning it. If no one else loves it and its only you, at least those are your ashes and you didn’t give up your vision and then have to stand next to a fire you didn’t even set.
N.M. Martinez
Hi, Matthew! Thanks for the comment. I’m glad someone else understands. It’s sort of scary to have such a strong vision because I want to do it justice, but at the same time I know that it won’t exactly be something everyone is going to like or understand.
Also, your blog looks interesting! You’re a film student? I’ve added your blog to my reader. 🙂
Ashlee Scheuerman
You’re not alone in having strange ideas, or setting things on fire. Wait, that sounds bad. 😉
If you need any reassurances about crazy cross-story projects working, look no further than Dragonlance. They have the same thing, where outcomes are written before the events, and characters pop in and out, and the whole universe is in a state of constant, complicated, maddening flux.
And let’s not forget the massive crossovers that comic book giants have been doing forever. If I could do anything nearly so amazing, I think I would be fulfilled as a writer. XD
My novella series (TDM) is in the same universe as one of my novels, and at least two or three others could easily fit in there somewhere, too. At least one idea of an everlasting character has come to mind, and he might show up in more than a few eras. I hope to have such a solid world built, that I can throw characters at it and see what happens throughout the rest of my career. This also involves really odd multimedia cross-concepts, too: music, illustrations and videos (all of which the husband and I are adept at). It’s complicated. If I can’t find a publisher to consider these ideas with me, I’ll probably end up self-publishing just so I can achieve my vision as well. Does that make us a little crazy and headstrong? You better believe it. Here’s a box of matches, sister. Let’s burn this. 😀
~Ashlee
http://ashleesch.com
http://theDragonsHoard.bigcartel.com
N.M. Martinez
Aha! Yes, Dragonlance sounds pretty close to what I’m attempting. I do think I was mostly inspired by comic book cross-overs though, considering my reading history. But in those cases, the stories never stand alone, you absolutely MUST read the books in an order. I guess if anything, it’s closer to when a character makes a guest appearance in another book, and usually there’d be a note at the bottom of the panel that some referenced incident occurred in some issue over here. Huh would it be weird to start adding footnotes to my books? XD (I’m so kidding!)
I love hearing about all your ideas for multi-media cross-overs. I think that’s something people do enjoy and want more of. I’ve seen that happen more often, and every time it’s different based on the story and the creators.
*has the matches at the ready*
Michelle Davidson Argyle
Good point about owning it! So true. Confidence is everything in this biz. Also, I think my Bonded collection is crossover, but standalone kind of thing. I never thought anybody would want them, which is why I self-published Cinders and planned on self-publishing the other two. But then my publisher was really interested and that surprised me. I think your decision to self-publish yours is brilliant. In a way, I’ll admit I get a little sad that I won’t be self-publishing mine (still very happy with how it’s turned out, though.) It’s complicated, I guess.
N.M. Martinez
“Confidence is everything in this biz.” Sooo true! Confidence is everything in anything you do. It’s too easy to be lead astray even by well meaning people.
I’m glad I’m not totally alone in the crossover, but stand alone thing. I know Laura’s going to be doing something similar. I’m just the one trying to use it as my main selling point, lol.
It is complicated when it comes to making the decision on how to publish. It’s never the same decision for every person. All that matters is that you’re happy. That’s the most important thing. (Though, I have to admit sometimes I still question my decision to self-publish at all. Like what am I doing? haha)
Amy Rose Davis
Oh my gosh, YES! So much YES! And I laughed about setting the house on fire. That’s sort of what happened with Bloodbonded. My betas said, “Hon, you SET THE FREAKING HOUSE ON FIRE.” So now, I’m rebuilding, and it’s hard work!
And also, I totally relate to being the “weird quiet girl” who gets good grades. But now, out here–oh man! It’s SCARY! And it’s hard to be the best when there’s so much awesome, you know? Not that you have to be “the best,” but when you’re used to it, it sorta hurts to NOT be the best.
Great post!
N.M. Martinez
Thank goodness for the beta readers, right? They are sooo much more valuable than just having one editor.
It is scary because there is so much out there that’s simply awesome. No, we don’t have to be the best, but it does sort of hurt. That’s part of why I’m halfway thinking it’s not a bad thing to be a little bit of a hermit.
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