Should I expand my Chasing Cindy story?

[shirleyann]

Hello all!

I recently uploaded and got approved the third part to my Chasing Cindy story. The feedback I am getting for the most part is that people have enjoyed the story, but some didn't like the ending. The ending was the way I wanted it to be, but the comments I've been getting have made me second think things. Should I write a part four?

I have other ideas for stories, and I've actually been self publishing and selling my books on amazon for about a year. I understand completely that my writing style isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea. I tend to write my books in the way I personally prefer to read books. I try not to make my stories too complicated because those kinds of books don't usually hold my attention when I'm the one reading them. Nothing puts me to sleep faster than reading a three page description of the room a character is in. But, that's just me.

I know that I can't please all the people all the time. That's par for the course when you're an author. But, at the same time...I admit to not being happy about people saying that they really liked my work, except for the ending.

Thoughts? And please. Be nice.

 

[rjordan]

The ending was the way I wanted it to be, but the comments I've been getting have made me second think things.

Are you writing for yourself or a few vocal anonymous critics with unknown abilities to read analytically? It's a lot easier to just tell the story you want to tell. Some will like it, some won't. Like everything else you do in life.

rj

 

[shirleyann]

That's what I was thinking, more or less. I've received mostly good comments/reviews for each part of the story, and lots of votes. I do want to write for myself, and not let any negative (ish) feedback bother me. But my submissive side gets in the way of that sometimes. You know...the whole need to please mentality. That doesn't always work when it comes to my writing.

I also chose not to delete those comments, because doing so would feel like I was trying to hide what people think from the other members of the site that took the time to read my story. It is what it is. And, at least for the time being, I am very happy taking a break from writing books that I put on Amazon. This site, more often than not, has been good for me.

 

[rjordan]

That's what I was thinking, more or less. I've received mostly good comments/reviews for each part of the story, and lots of votes. I do want to write for myself, and not let any negative (ish) feedback bother me. But my submissive side gets in the way of that sometimes. You know...the whole need to please mentality. That doesn't always work when it comes to my writing.

I also chose not to delete those comments, because doing so would feel like I was trying to hide what people think from the other members of the site that took the time to read my story. It is what it is. And, at least for the time being, I am very happy taking a break from writing books that I put on Amazon. This site, more often than not, has been good for me.

It's smart to consider comments. Use what works for your own storytelling. Ignore the rest. I leave the bad with the good comments. I delete personal attacks, but my stories are fair game for anything anyone cares to say.

rj

 

[shirleyann]

I appreciate your kind guidance. I have been told in other forums here that I need to have thicker skin in regards to dealing with comments. But some people have just been down right rude, and I just don't find that a necessity, even when giving a negative feedback.

 

[sr71plt]

The bottom line is that you have no influence on or control over what someone is going to put in a comment on your story. Lecturing to the board about what they should/shouldn't do is a waste of energy. You do have control over the comment's existence, because the Web site gives you power to erase it. If you choose not to erase it, that's your choice, but that's not going to stop anyone from commenting if he/she wants to. Stewing about it either privately or in posts to the board (which anyone leaving a nasty comment likely will be happy to see, as it shows they had the desired effect on you) is pretty much wheel spinning--and can get irritating, as there's nothing anyone here can do for you--especially if you don't just erase what you find offensive and move on. Overagonizing about your stories and overpublicizing your works to other authors who have their own works here can also get old pretty fast.

 

[acup]

Don't worry about it

unless you want to try an alternate ending scenario.

But i think you'll find that your fan base is just fine. i too leave any genuine negative comments. But ranters or someone looking for a place to vent garbage get deleted.

The one that really made me laugh was a comment posted on the last chapter of a 46 chapter series saying that it has been pure garbage since chapter 2. Must have been pretty good garbage to stick around for 44 chapters of it.

Or you can do what I did and put your own comment in on that. I simply asked if maybe the anonymous commenter, they always are, was maybe a few french fries short of a happy meal.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I aint hunting for stories to look at. Add a link or go away.

Feedback: We live in an age of affirmative action tee ball trophies for all. Everyone gets a plastic trophy, and no one sux tho LIT is mostly a beauty contest for ugly people.

Fifty years ago I went thru military basic training where guys get their asses kicked from the time we walked into the barracks. The drill sergeant was replaced but the dorm guard still got punched for fucking up. And the non violent harassment was worse, in my opinion. My lieutenant, first sergeant, and drill sergeant devoured my ass for a handkerchief facing the wrong direction in my foot locker. Here our candy ass bears cry and scream TROLL is anyone suggests their shit isn't wonderful.