A quandry for many writers comes to the forefront for one of the earliest members of AuthorsDen.com. What do you do when your concept fiction goes bust?

First, let me introduce you to my history of works. I have been in publication since April 2001. My novel, "Shut Up" by James M. Marry, has been selling in limited numbers. By all means, I would say that Shut Up meets my criteria to be called "concept fiction" since it is a hybrid of Science Fiction with Contemporary Thriller. The novel even has a time jump that requires the reader to switch between today and the year 2248 with locale changes of Earth to a space station orbiting Saturn. This quantum feat even requires two entirely uniform main characters- a male bar owner in Florida, and a female historian temporarily placed in the secure holds of the station.

Recently, I havbe been accosted by several readers regarding the sexual content of Shut Up. When I first wrote the novel, I described the necessary passages in very mild, even tame, language. I was motivated by my female test readers who stated very clearly that their feelings for the main characters required that I recommit my talents towards writing more prolific sex into my novel.

At first, I was alarmed at this and very challenged by the requests. I did a great deal of reading to comply and then set about the task. My Christian developement supported this schism in my talents on a strong impediment level. But I achieved the goal in good taste... I felt.

I would add that many of my readers have enjoyed the story and never complained once about the sexual passages. But the few complaints I received have concerned me at the very least. Though I must add that this is only one facet of my considering a change of my identity.

Another consideration is the structure of the story. I have written the next novel in the series. I haven't placed the book in many hands, but I do hear some familiar rumblings. Many initial readers of the Shut Up novel said to me- "Why didn't you stick to ONE story?"

Now I will say that the two story line theme has not been unintelligible for readers. I do think that some could lose interest in the story when the changes begin though. And both stories are certainly strong enough on their own to stand scrutiny. So I have repeatedly considered taking my bar owner story and writing one massive novel from the two concept fiction configurations that I currently have in hand.

In hand with that precept comes the weasel of publishers thinking regarding this possibity. I originally published my book with a true firm. Then the company sold out to a company that became Print On Demand. Instant disappearing act regarding the promotions end of things, but thte book sold a scad of copies, so I did get the public response I needed. The quandry in this measure comes from my newest cognitive proposal- "What if I change the story I wrote in to part of the story I wrote?"

Well kids, if you do that, you might want to make some things change before you take it to a publisher. Character names come to mind, as do specific locations. I use a niteclub name of Club A Go Go. Gone. And change your title too. So what about the author?

You might want to shoot that dog too. Because it isn't worth the trouble of having a publisher black balling your name- even if it is a POD publisher.

So if Shut Up will transfigure itself, I think it will be rewritten- again five or ten times- by a fictionally named author other than James M. Marry. I might even make the dude a little les sexual. Ya think?