The Word Cloud

All,

We would like to ask you for your opinion. We have not posted any more than up to Chapter 8 so far as we would like to address something specific in the writing before proceeding with further posted chapters.

The two protagonists are about to begin exchanging online messages from opposite sides of the planet. Currently we have written these exchanges as short emails between the two. Which of the following do you think would be the most interesting and readable structure:

1. Word-for-word email exchanges showing the intricate detail of how the two become romantically attracted.

2. Shorter descriptive summary of the exchanges with more focus on the emotional reaction each has to what the other writes.

3. The Word Cloud originally had an instant chat facility, a little like MSN Messenger, which lends itself more to snappier one or two line exchanges. These exchanges could be written in the style of face-to-face dialogue, allowing for more show than tell.

Of course, a mix of these three will most likely be used, but which of the three techniques would be most appealing to you, i.e. which would be the predominant style you would most prefer as a reader?

You don't have to have read the work to leave your preference, and you can either make a reasoned comment here, or just vote 1,2 or 3.

Thank you,
Aiyla & Steve.

Hi steve, I tried writing a book once as a series of e-mail exchanges, and found it quite hard. I would personally go for the 3rd option, for the reasons you give, although see no reason why you don't mix up the techniques for variety, and different focus. Good luck with it. The reason my own was so tricky was that I ended up with a number of different viewpoints, which lacked depth. With only 2 viewpoints, it should hopefully work better for you. Good Luck, anyway.

That's great advice, Em. Thanks for the quick response.

Hey, as a reader i wouldn't be too keen on reading word for word emails, especially not for a romance story. I like the idea of No. 2. Giving the reader snippets of the conversations between the two protagonists and seeing how they each react. Especially as emails and text messages can be taken so differently to how they are meant, depending on how well you know a person. Maybe you could use all 3 options, starting out with instant messaging, moving to a bit more info through emails and then finally revealing the full content of the emails as their relationship progresses.

Cheers for your thoughts, Penny.

When are we going to see more?

'Ello Em,

We'll add more when we've worked hard enough on the story and revised it enough to feel we can post something up that is of a higher quality than what we've posted so far.

Steve.