Wynnara
Minstrel
First of all, let me just say I'm not trying to insult the integrity of anyone here on this board... I haven't been here very long, but thus far everyone has been very supportive and welcoming... something which I definitely need right now since I'm having trouble finding it in my "real life" circle.
That said, things I've read online and people I've spoken to... there seems to be a split in opinion on how much a person should reveal about something they are working on. While some seem to be of the opinion that getting out there and talking about your material is good PR--in addition to being a good way to stay motivated--I've also had people flat out say that I shouldn't post anything anywhere because it might jeopardize my chances to take a run at the traditional publishing industry. I've also been told I need to guard against the risk of someone wandering off with my ideas.
Now, I should add that I don't actually believe my ideas are particularly unique and, as I've noted elsewhere, I'm probably the least well-read in fantasy literature of anyone here. I don't really know much about runes or druids or spellcasting or anything like that, so the fantasy elements in my novel are really fairly basic in comparison to some of the stories I've seen on this forum alone.
And when I say I want to take a run at traditional publication... it's something that someone in the industry suggested I try and, then if it doesn't work, go back and self-publish if need be.
Anyways, on one hand, I don't want to be unnecessarily paranoid... it's very easy to see the value of having a support group that understands what you're going through and who have similarly oriented brains. On the other hand, you put in all this time and effort... you don't want to do something that is going to jeopardize your chances of success in the long haul.
I know a number of the people here have already self-published, so I'm curious to know if this is something you thought of when you were writing and getting feedback on your work.
That said, things I've read online and people I've spoken to... there seems to be a split in opinion on how much a person should reveal about something they are working on. While some seem to be of the opinion that getting out there and talking about your material is good PR--in addition to being a good way to stay motivated--I've also had people flat out say that I shouldn't post anything anywhere because it might jeopardize my chances to take a run at the traditional publishing industry. I've also been told I need to guard against the risk of someone wandering off with my ideas.
Now, I should add that I don't actually believe my ideas are particularly unique and, as I've noted elsewhere, I'm probably the least well-read in fantasy literature of anyone here. I don't really know much about runes or druids or spellcasting or anything like that, so the fantasy elements in my novel are really fairly basic in comparison to some of the stories I've seen on this forum alone.
And when I say I want to take a run at traditional publication... it's something that someone in the industry suggested I try and, then if it doesn't work, go back and self-publish if need be.
Anyways, on one hand, I don't want to be unnecessarily paranoid... it's very easy to see the value of having a support group that understands what you're going through and who have similarly oriented brains. On the other hand, you put in all this time and effort... you don't want to do something that is going to jeopardize your chances of success in the long haul.
I know a number of the people here have already self-published, so I'm curious to know if this is something you thought of when you were writing and getting feedback on your work.