You know, taking a look at the Fic Stats thread really is a humbling experience. Seeing those numbers racked up by fantastic authors is both motivating and dispiriting. Seeing my own numbers makes me ask two questions: what are they doing right, and what am I doing wrong.

Thankfully, DLP has been kind enough to point out the latter category (particularly with Potter Law and a few helpful criticisms), and I'd like to think that my writing has improved.

That being said, when I look back on my first fic 'Dealer Agent' (link here if you wish to review or flame), I feel strongly conflicted and rather embarrassed. Everything taken into consideration, I know now that it's one of my worst fics, and that it was a serious mistake to base 'The Broken River' on it, especially considering I ruined a premise that had a lot of potential.

So even as I'm working on the third chapter of 'Renegade Cause' and the thirteenth chapter of 'Rewriting the Song' (two fics that actually get reviews and that have a degree of potential), I keep looking back at 'Dealer Agent' and grimacing in pain. Andromalius already went into excellent detail on how the OC-centered fic failed in nearly every way, but I still like the premise: how by utilizing addictive magical drugs (I'm probably going to stick with the one originally introduced, but I could also branch out a bit), the Dark Lord could hold another section of society in line. It makes sense, especially if said drugs were used in forced dosages. Hell, it could be an alternative (and just as cruel) version of the Imperius Curse.

So here's my idea: a complete rewrite of 'Dealer Agent'. Main OC is tossed out instantaneously (which changes a lot of the story, I know) and the fic is made Harry-centric. Set it in the DH era (a time period that I really have no qualms rewriting), and run with the initial premise. It would be AU and would likely either utilize dark!Harry or grey!Harry. I'd keep ships to a minimum, but I'd keep the 'action-packed' style that people actually liked.

I'm asking for opinions here: is the fic's premise worth an extensive rewrite and major edit, or should I just take it down and do HUGE revisions on 'The Broken River' (and they would be huge revisions - that fic is over 100,000 words)? Do you think anyone would actually read a rewrite, or would I just be wasting my time?

Thoughts, comments, flames, all are welcome. Hell, actually getting feedback (even if it is negative) would be great.

-angelofdreams13

 

Your link is mangled (looks like it goes to a preview and not the story proper) so I can't say.

Don't compare your ff.net stats to nonjon's. Doing so makes Baby Jesus cry.

If you do opt to rewrite your story, it sounds like your new idea is different enough that you should leave the old one up and do the new. Only after the second is complete should you consider taking the first down.

About whether you should do a rewrite: Don't write it just to salvage an old story. Write it because you are passionate about the idea and you can't not write it. If you think the concept is stimulating enough to drive you to do it, then by all means, go for it. If not, then you're better off spending your creative energy on a new project altogether.

I know this is vague. I've not read your other piece, so I can't give you anything more concrete. Good luck.

 

Link's fixed here. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

 

So you want your fic to conform to a particular audiences expectations? I can see the desire in that but, and there is always the but, it is not something that should be encouraged.

So that's why you want to rewrite. Now about the should, Perspicacity says it as it as: unless it is a damn good idea, don't bother. Find another firefly.