I have noticed lately so many stories that include in the title: "Part I", "Part 16", "Part 3d".
I would like to know: do readers like continuation stories, or a story that can stand-all (completing the story in one go)?
A friend on here asked me:
why do people read part 1 and don't have the inclination to carry on?
I replied with:
If I have found the first story good, the subsequent ones are usually not the same caliber (especially if I have to wait for the installment).
Therefore, I find I don't read a story that is labelled Part I, as it is pre-meditated that the story is going to go on and on (or any series noted). But that is just me.
I prefer short stories. I don't have time for novels online. There's too much to do online as well as in real life. I would rather read a really good short, than one that drones on and on.
When I have written continuations of stories, I try to make sure they stand up as stories in their own right, so that anyone can access them without having read the prequels. But then, people don't know that until they read it, so they're unlikely to jump into something labelled "Part 4".
In a way, you have to 'commit' to a story series. The first one has to really grip me if I'm going to continue reading. I don't mind if they drag on for a while if the quality of the writing is good and it remains captivating, like the Porn Star Dad saga, now nearing 20 installments and still a damn good read. Sometimes, it gives me something to look forward to. One of my favourite writers, SensualDesires83, often posts stories in multiple parts and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter.
At times, I do just fancy a quick, one-off story. It comes down to what you're in the mood for.
