First Draft Analysis and Other Unpleasant Things.

About a week ago, I finished the rough draft of Tales of Mundus: The Gingerbread Incident. I then realized why it had been such a bear to write. It's the wrong story.

Short stories are very demanding in how you use the reader's attention. You're on a tight format. A big sprawling neighbor picnic is good for exploring the world, but not for building a connection with the main characters. It's definitely the wrong story.

There also the matter of trying to write slice-of-life comedy. The Gingerbread Incident introduces too many topics at once. As a short story, it's a rushed read. There's a difference between rushed narration and quick paced humor.

Basically, it's the wrong plot to be a 'pilot' episode.

Another point against this draft, it that is won't hook an agent. The conflict and plot are solid, but don't stand out.

While I'm not sure if I want to go the traditional publishing route, attracting an agent is a benchmark to me. Getting an agent means there's at least a niche market out there. That means multiple readers who would enjoy the series. (It also means I become a PAID storyteller.)

To add insult to injury, the characters are needling me. They want to show off.

“I'm a dragon,” Celebramar points out, “People see that word and expect a thrilling story. If you don't follow through, they'll flame you.”
“You also didn't establish us as complex characters,” Leon pipes up, “You kind of just attached the camera over my shoulder and filmed the picnic... not that it wasn't interesting. But... you can do better.”

-_-; (My inner world is a very busy place.)

Mental health aside, I've come to an unpleasant conclusion. I need to put this draft into the maturing bin, hunt down my good pen, and start anew.