I've had an idea banging around in my head and I thought I would bring it to you, the thoughtful folks at International Discussions, to hear your take on it.
I have an idea for a fantasy adventure. The world, characters, plot, etc. I have it all strewn through various notes, endless beginnings and little else. My idea is this: To put forth the beginning of my story, draw back the curtains of my world and introduce the opening characters, including the protagonist. Then, at the first crisis, I would end the story, offering several options linked to an E-mail account, encouraging the readers to vote for the direction they want to see the story go along. I will still do all the writing, of course, but it would be like a Choose Your Own Adventure story, good for one read-through, which all my readers could share.
Do you think this could work? What challenges should I expect? If it wouldn't work as suggested, what might make it work, if anything?
This reminds me of the share book Role-playing Games that were played in the Member Wars board. I used to like those because the adventure was quick all we did was vote on a choice. I have some questions I could throw up:
1. What is your end purpose?
2. Why vote by Email?
3. Are the options already structured and if they are will you have a story for each or will they have to wait awhile while you write it up?
4. If its just you writing why are ou calling it "Crowdsource"? Looking for some cash from it?
To respond in order,
1) My end purpose is to see how the story will change from what I had envisioned. I know the plot I have in mind, but I'm interested to see what other perspectives may draw. Also, by breaking the story into segments, it may make the entirety of the task seem smaller.
2) E-mail is a neutral medium that keeps a permanent record of the readers' input. It was also the first thought that came to mind before considering other alternatives.
3) I do not already have each segment pre-written. There are large gaps, more of a skeleton really. There will be some time between as I write.
4) I was referring to crowd-input as opposed to crowd-funding. I suppose it may be a poor term, but a better escapes me. I do not seek any extra money other than what the book may bring, if it does at all.
My idea for this was to try to take a novel approach to writing a story, using something of the give-and-take of a good role-playing game. Though the thoughts, plot, characters and world would entirely be mine, I thought it might be interesting to use feedback from the audience to direct the story a bit. As a side benefit, breaking the work up into manageable chunks and adding a spur to produce may help me to finish this project. If I decide against this strategy, I'll just redouble my efforts at directing myself again.