Future Shock

[faustfatale]

A reader just asked me if I would update the technology in my first novel CONTROL FREAK if I were to release it as an eBook. I’ve given this a lot of thought. I thought about it back when the second edition was released in 2002. (Fuck me, was that really almost 10 years ago?) I went around and around with myself about it but ultimately decided not

Comments

[marquisdd]

Yah, don't tweak it. Resist the very real and alluring urge, difficult as that may be. You may feel it's your crooked late-teen mohawk, but it's an important, authentic crooked mohawk. And books (or mohawks?) that lack authenticity kinda suck, don't they.

In other words, don't be a CONTROL FREAK.

(Wokka-wokka-wokka.)

[deborahkla]

As an author myself, I'd say definitely leave it as is--the ebook should represent the printed work exactly, and should only reflect a revised and updated version when the printed version is itself revised and updated. There are plenty of people who don't have access to ebooks who would be cheated if only the ebook represented a reised and updated edition.

But on a more personal note, your early work is indeed like a snapshot of yourself at a certain point in your life, and should be treasured for what it is and what it reflects of you as a person at that time in your life. Besides, over a period of time it's much more interesting to see an author grow.

Keep As Is

[ext_132578]

I hadn't thought of the technology in Control Freak as an artifact. As someone who got his start with 300 baud modems and bulletin boards I did feel a little nostalgic when I read Control Freak. I go along with the other commenters who say don't update.

Leslis Charteris

[harpofhyperion]

FWIW, Leslie Charteris addressed that very question in prefaces that were added when his early Saint novels were re-issued.

He decided not to polish them up for many of the reasons you give.

He also said that for all their lack of polish, his earlier books still communicated a youthful enthusiasm which, as a more experienced, but significantly *older*, writer he could no longer to justice to.

He considered their flaws to be, also, part of their *charm*.

[anonymous]

Just bought Hoodtown for my Kindle and would love to see Control Freak available through Amazon.