I just finished writing the sequel to Chronicles of an Academic Predator, which is titled 1968 because it's, big surprise, set in 1968. In my yahoo group I've gotten some interesting feedback, some of it bordering on petulant, because I killed off one of the primary characters. I've attached the postings from two of them below. I guess when I started writing I hoped I'd simply get rave reviews, which would be a great ego stroke, and then I could go on with my life feeling just that much cooler. Then I reasoned that just happy good feedback wouldn't really make me a better writer. It isn't that simple because I didn't factor in the emotional aspects. Part of me is thrilled and flattered that people got wrapped up enough in the characters I created to actually give a shit. The other part feels sort of emotionally blackmailed, like it's my fault that I've regurgitated bad memories or relationships that have gone bad in the past. In any event, my sterling editor, Sharon, who doubles as a true friend, bailed me out with a simple yet thorough response that was way better than anything I could have done. An interesting experience, not what I expected, better in some ways, not better in others.

Critique 1:

None of the critics here are being antagonistic or hostile to Mark

(from what i can read). What we are saying are feedbacks. We're only

pointing out that it is Jeff who elevates the story. The touch of

humanity that makes the story appealing is evident through Jeff. And

writing him off like that isn't exactly a good move. It makes us feel

that there is no purpose or meaning in reading the story. There is no

resolution when you get rid of an endearing and important character

while s/he is in the background. And no amount of exposition about

that character after their removal will be adequate enough to make

the story as much as a satisfyiing read as before. This is one of the

main reasons why authors lose readers... poor plotting for such a

character. It isn't really a good idea to not give him/her a proper

exit...

In my opinion, a better and more relevant sequel to CAP could have

been told using Jeff's pov. Maybe even following the same events as

68, except Jerff doesn't die. It would deal with his downward spiral,

breakup with JP, surviving and recovering from his od, overcoming his

addiction, and finding new value, meaning, joys, and satisfaction in

life.

I really hope Mark will write an alternate sequel... hehe. From CAP,

you can tell he has the potential to become a great author. And he's

already a great writer.

Critique 2:

I agree completely to what XXXX said above. He stated it in a

much more elegant, tactful, and diplomatic manner than I could ever

hope to express.

I asked myself today, why do I even care about some random fictional

character? Why are these feelings of disgust and sadness so strong?

After reading 1968 I went to sleep and had bad dreams, waking up in a

foul mood. I felt hollow. Then I realized, Jeff reminded me very much

of my first ex-boyfriend; they shared all the good qualities but none

of the bad. Due to my inexperience he slipped through my fingers, but

to imagine him dying like Jeff horrified me. The storyline had

definitely hit a nerve.

I have lost a few friendships who have succumbed to crystal meth or

other drug addictions. They are still alive, and even though we are

no longer friends, I remember their good qualities. Some have just

disappeared.... I have also lost my only brother in a senseless

accident, so I know what it feels like when a loved one dies. Maybe

that's why I could not comprehend the denouement and JP&Co's

reactions.

And last but not least, Sharon's insights:

One of the beauties of well written fiction is its ability to draw the reader in and allow us, as the reader, to connect with the characters. Mark has done an excellent job of creating his characters, as evidenced by the current discussion. And for what it's worth...it is Mark's story to tell anyway he wants.

Everyone `reads' a story differently. For me, first and foremost, both CAP and 1968 are JP's story. I've been happy getting to know him and the various people who revolve in and out of his life. While I liked Jeff's character, I've never seen him as the `hero' of the story. His ability to overcome his family history, at least for a short time, was based on his connection with JP. It appears that JP always considered Jeff to be his rock of stability, but in actuality, JP was the stable one. While finding out about Jeff's drug problems in the opening of 1968 was a bit shocking, it wasn't all that surprising given the turbulent times and the pervasive drug culture. I think Mark left enough clues in developing Jeff's character throughout CAP to support this turn of events. Jeff really wasn't a happy camper. In fact, he thrived on drama, usually creating that drama himself. I think Mark has referred to it as a rollercoaster ride. JP didn't abandon Jeff