Writing stuff again

[shapinglight]

Okay, I have thought of something else to do with writing. This has arisen yet again because of posting stuff on Ao3.

Speaking of which, I started the revision of Brief Encounter. So far, it's more tidying than anything, and really, I suspect that's all it'll be in the end. I'm not going to re-write anything major.

That's not the case, though, for one of my favourites of my own stories, Heroes in Hell. I like this story a lot, but I've had it in the back of my mind that there's a particular conversation in the middle of it that's rather problematic, and could be very triggery and upsetting for some people. I would undoubtedly write it differently were I writing it now.

On the other hand, re-writing it to make it more acceptable probably will be a major job. I don't know what to do. It's one of my best stories (apart from this bit), and now I feel I shouldn't stick it up on Ao3 at all. :(

Opinions?

I haven't had any luck writing anything new today, btw. I managed one scene of my Spike/Giles WIP yesterday. If I manage to finish that this year I'll be ecstatic, because currently it seems like a huge undertaking.

ETA: I think I'm going to have to ask some kind person to actually read the story, see if they can spot what I'm talking about and tell me what they think.

Comments

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

I can't remember the story well enough to comment on whether Buffy sounds OOC at any point, but I can reread it if you'd like? However, while I wouldn't necessarily change for something that might be triggery (warnings should be sufficient), I think if you don't care for her characterization in that scene, you're within your rights as an author to change it. Whether it's because you've changed your view of Buffy over time, or just weren't thinking when you wrote it of things you now find important, it's your story and you should present her the way you'd like her to be seen by new readers. My two cents worth...

[shapinglight]

This is true. Unfortunately, the changes I'd need to make might be more than cosmetic. I'll have to think about it very seriously.

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

I remember quite liking the story, and nothing is poking me about Buffy's characterization, but it has been quite a while. I know she had to struggle with Spike to get him to leave with her, but don't remember what all she said or did to change his mind.