Motivation and Feedback - Authors, Choose Best Answers

[Kitt]

22 minutes ago, Brayon said:

I typically will write for an audience of one: Me, Myself, and I.

Psssst. That's an audience of three 😀

[Luca E]

1 hour ago, Brayon said:

I typically will write for an audience of one: Me, Myself, and I

That's three  

I was going to ask you what a asshat was, but looked it up instead: 

noun

VULGAR SLANG•NORTH AMERICAN

1. a stupid or contemptible person.

Edited July 17, 2022 by Luca E

[ReaderPaul]

Is there a similar blog asking readers what attracts them to start or try a particular story?  I seem to remember seeing one some time ago, but do not remember what it was called.  If there is not, or if the other one is old, the following questions should be included, and possibly others.  

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]
Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

And of course, comments.

[Luca E]

On 12/18/2022 at 9:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?

Yes, title plays a part in story choice, as does a cover, and most importantly the synopsis (the latter often gets ignored and I reckon authors lose readers because it's added as an afterthought: without too much thought!).

No particular author makes me read their latest book, but someone I have read will make me look at the synopsis and maybe read it.

Ditto next question, no, I wouldn't make time for any particular author simply because of their name.

Amount of reading time has an influence. I don't usually read more than one book at a time and I'm not going to pick up a story or series that's been running years and stretches to the size of War and Peace!

Mood, I guess it influences reading, but a good story creates a nice mood.

Stop reading factors: nothing happens in the first chapter, it's so poorly written and the poor writting is not compensated by the story, it has too much detail which is irrelevant (he got up, got dressed, went into the kitchen sat down and said... instead of: over breakfast he voiced the fear that was still troubling his thoughts).

Response from authors to comments and or messages definitely encourages reading. If you get even a little insight into the story, the author and the creative process, it adds a lot.

[CassieQ]

On 12/18/2022 at 3:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]
Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

Okay, I'll take a stab at this.  

Title:  To a degree yes.  If it's an interesting title, I will at least check out the synopsis as well and decide from there.  If a title sounds boring or generic, I'll pass.  

Authors:  Not specifically.  It's the story rather than the author that attracts me.  However, when I submit to an anthology, I will usually read some of the other entries, to see how other authors handled a theme or idea

Reading time:  This highly influential and one of the main reasons I don't read here as much as I would like.  

Mood:  Not really

Factors:  Time is the main one.  I have ADHD so keeping focused and interested in a story is a major hurdle, but that's on me.  If a story is littered with typos, I won't read and if the subject matter contains a lot of violence/abuse then I won't read it either.  I understand that makes me sound like a huge hypocrite, but reading and writing hits differently.  

Response:  Yes.  Like I said, I have ADHD so my focus switches easily but if I get a response from an author then that will sometimes remind me of the story and I will return to it.   

[Libby Drew]

On 12/18/2022 at 3:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Is there a similar blog asking readers what attracts them to start or try a particular story?  I seem to remember seeing one some time ago, but do not remember what it was called.  If there is not, or if the other one is old, the following questions should be included, and possibly others.  

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]
Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

And of course, comments.

The title plays no part in what I choose to read. Not that I don't enjoy a clever title. 

If I've read a particular author before and have enjoyed their work, then that becomes the single most important factor in my decision to try a story. 

Absolutely, there are some authors I will make time for if I see they have posted something new or have updated a story.

That said, I have very little time to read for pleasure. But if a story looks interesting and grabs my attention, I will try to make the time to read it... it just may not happen immediately. 

Mood is key. Nuff said. If you're a human who's had a sh****y day, or week, or month, you get that. 

What factors may cause me to stop reading? Many factors. You mentioned several, but I will touch on two here because they feel related: story turns dull and story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all.

I adore serials, but one issue with stories which are written a chapter at a time, then posted, is that they can lose focus or direction. Most successful narratives (not all, don't come for me with pitchforks) follow a pattern, which includes rising action, a climax, denouement and conclusion. It's actually really freaking hard to get right. Writing and posting in pieces - if there isn't a plan - makes it even harder. If I sense a story is going off the rails, I might abandon it. 

Lastly, I don't need the author to respond to me. They've given me everything already: a pleasurable escape. I'd rather they take the time to write more! 

[BigBen]

On 12/18/2022 at 3:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story? 

On many sites, the title is all there is to go by, so a synopsis is to be treasured, when there is one.  If I liked one story by an author, you can bet I'll be checking out other stories by that author.  But I also have to be in the mood for a story; sometimes I'll find a story interesting that I had previously rejected, or sometimes I'll put a story down because I've lost the mood (usually I'll come back to it later).

As for stopping reading, too great a number of grammatical and spelling errors is really hard to overlook.  I also can't cope with shifts in who the narrator is, or narration that shifts between first and third person.  They're just too jarring for me.

I also tend to lose interest when the flashback starts within the first few paragraphs, or when there's a flashback within a flashback.  On the other hand, I don't mind skipping over detailed sex scenes, if the rest of the story is interesting.

As for content, I have highly specific tastes and have no interest in certain topics (no werewolves or vampires, for example, and certainly no alpha/omega or soulmate stories).  I also don't deal well with grim material, unless the writing is really gripping or the overall tenor of the story is affirming enough to pull me through.  Though I'm not usually wild about mysteries, Westerns, or horror stories, the right one has been known to pull me in from time to time.

Edited January 8, 2023 by BigBen

[lawfulneutralmage]

On 12/18/2022 at 9:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Is there a similar blog asking readers what attracts them to start or try a particular story?  I seem to remember seeing one some time ago, but do not remember what it was called.  If there is not, or if the other one is old, the following questions should be included, and possibly others.  

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]
Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

And of course, comments.

This was a very insightful topic to read. It has made me do two things:

1. join the site as premium member 

2. start writing reviews

Generally, though, the reasons for not having written any reviews previously are these:

1. I mostly consume the site on a mobile device and I really do not like typing on a phone.

2. I am not a person of literature, so putting into words why I liked something can be rather challenging.

 

Starting with some general feedback from above:

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?

Not sure, I would say no, because it is too short.

Does a particular author attract you to a story?

Yes and no. I am looking for story types that interest me. If I find a story very good, I might remember the nick. If I find a story very good and the nick seems familiar I double check. Then I will remember. However, I will not start reading poetry because of the author. [Apology to everybody writing poetry, I just never got the hang of it.]

Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?

Nope. When I cannot commit to read 35 chapters, I will sigh and move on. Sometimes I can commit to that, sometimes I cannot.

Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?

Yes, definitely. However, that does not mean that I have a preference for either epics or one pagers. I have time for both.

How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?

A lot.

What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?

Bad spelling/grammar, really unbelievable plots (what that exactly means depends on the genre), once, it got really boring. So far, afaik, I left three stories for those three points

Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

No, I either like a story or not. It either draws me, or it does not. Of course, it is as good to receive feedback as it is for the author

 

Thank you, everybody!

 

 

[Myr]

1 hour ago, lawfulneutralmage said:

1. join the site as premium member 

Thanks!

1 hour ago, lawfulneutralmage said:

so putting into words why I liked something can be rather challenging.

The "Recommend" button on the Table of Contents pagewas put in to allow readers to provide meaningful feedback to the author and other readers without having to write a review.  It's quite easy and has quite a few reasons you might like a story to choose from (And you can choose as many as you like)

 

[ReaderPaul]

What @lawfulneutralmage said about joining the site as a Premium subscriber is well put.  When I joined as a Site Supporter, I had not realized how much time I would be saving, especially when reading on my phone, from not having to click through ads. 

2 hours ago, Myr said:

 

The "Recommend" button on the Table of Contents pagewas put in to allow readers to provide meaningful feedback to the author and other readers without having to write a review.  It's quite easy and has quite a few reasons you might like a story to choose from (And you can choose as many as you like)

As @Myr said, the "Recommend" button is a great way for feedback without writing a review.  It is easy to use, as well.

Edited April 10, 2023 by ReaderPaul

[LJCC]

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?

Yes. A book titled as "Expialidociousness" that is too strange, and then you read the synopsis that it's about a boring ass teacher in the middle of nowhere... my balls will get neutered from reading it. Compared to a story titled "My Boring Sunday," and then you read the summary that it's about a romantic weekend gone wrong with CIA world spies, North Korea, baby labradors, Eiffel Towers, and renegade gun-wielding nuns involved, and you think it's going to be fun read then yes, the title plays a huge role. 

The tile is the first hook you have with your readers. More often than not, writers will think of it as an afterthought. 

Does a particular author attract you to a story?

Not really. 

Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?

Yes. There are some who are very good storytellers.

Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?

Oh yes. 1 million, half a million, 250k, 100k, and 50k stories; I mostly will read stories around 70k-150k depending on the genre. But a single story worth over 150k... I'm sorry, that requires to be broken down into another story. 

How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?

I'm old, so I mostly read stories relating to my age around mid-20s (that's stretching it though unless the plot doesn't pertain to the character's age but the narration) to early 30s or 40s. I've grown past stories about kids in High School. Although, a really really well-written story centred around teenagers will capture my attention. Puppy love and other heartaches for the youngins are not my thing.

Although a 16-year-old teen who discovers his puppy love for his teacher and gets teleported into the future to become a 30-year-old who is mentored by his now 38-year-old colleague (former teacher) that focuses on mature themes and lessons about growing up, adulting, and sacrifice, would be an interesting read. Oh wait, that's from the movie 13-going-30.

Can someone write this up, please?

What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]

The first read in the first chapter I'd know what kind of writer the author is. Most of the time, it's the flow of words, the phrasing, the style of narration, the voice used, or the lack of it makes me stop reading it.

If it's a 1st person PoV, the voice of the narrator dictates the feel of the story. If it's a story about a young adult with the writing style of a 50-year-old, I get turned off right away. You'll get a sense of it unless the writing style gets explained.

For example, "I've been living for 100 years. I'm a vampire bech."

Or, 

"Time travelling is so hard. Being alive for a millennium while looking like an Instagram star who's 5'10 with perfect, hair, teeth, and 12 sets of abs is hard. Hate me, non-time travelling commoners. Wait, I sound like I'm 12."

Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

It helps a lot. But I mostly skip the comments section unless I have a question. For example, why was Adam enrolled in 12th grade when in Chapter 8, it was mentioned that he was in 10th grade? Did he skip classes or is this something about to be addressed in the coming chapters? Or was this a plot error made by the author?

Questions like that need answers that's why I go to the comment section. 

 

[Mrsgnomie]

On 12/18/2022 at 12:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

 

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?

No, but it doesn’t hurt.

Does a particular author attract you to a story?

Absolutely. I can be a picky reader and if an author, whose writing style has proven over and over to keep me hooked, I will read their story regardless of genre.

Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?

see above

Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?

Meh.

How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?

A lot. More so it affects how critical I am in the beginning and if I will continue, or if it will be a DNF for me. 

What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?

I can handle some bad grammar if the story is good and if it’s a newer author (been there, done that). A story that over explains everything is a huge turn off for me. Using 100 words when 20 will do.

Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

Yes. Although it’s no necessary, I do think engagement holds a lot of value. 

Edited May 17, 2023 by Mrsgnomie

[John Henry]

On 12/18/2022 at 12:21 PM, ReaderPaul said:

Is there a similar blog asking readers what attracts them to start or try a particular story?  I seem to remember seeing one some time ago, but do not remember what it was called.  If there is not, or if the other one is old, the following questions should be included, and possibly others.  

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?
Does a particular author attract you to a story?
Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?
Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?
How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?
What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]
Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

And of course, comments.

Does the title play a part in choosing a story?

Sometimes.  A catchy or intriguing title helps.  I'm turned off by degrading titles, puns and something that a second grader may have come up with.  Titles are difficult for me to come up with, so I usually don't settle on one till after the first chapter or two are written.  I can understand the difficulty in coming up with titles, but they should still be taken into serious consideration.

Does a particular author attract you to a story?

Yes if I'm already familiar with their work.  I'm willing to read everything by a particular author, so long as I find their works engaging.  I like Stephen King, but I don't like all of his books.  I like the Harry Potter series, but don't like Rowling as a person.  For me, it is about the story itself.  Jeff Burton is a good example on here about consistency with storytelling.  I will read whatever he puts out, because he hasn't shown to release anything I don't like.

Do you have some authors for which you will MAKE time to read their story?

Yes.  Jeff Burton, as mentioned before, is one of them.  Voice is incredibly important when writing, and I like his style and voice.

Does the amount of reading time available influence whether or not you start or continue a story?

No.  If I like a story, I will make the time, even if it means not sleeping until I'm finished.  Once I'm hooked, I won't stop unless I absolutely have to.

How much does your mood influence whether or not you start a new story?

My mood definitely impacts my ability to focus.  Depression hits me hard and zaps my motivation to do anything.  However, I will make note of stories I want to read once my depression has subsided.

What factors cause you to stop or suspend reading of a story?  [Possibilities include -- Lose interest; story turns dull; situations in a story you don't want to read about; story changes direction so much it no longer seems like the same story at all; too many grammar errors/spelling errors/weird word choices; health issues keep you from continuing; sudden lack of time due to IRL (In Real Life) situations; etc.]

Horrifically bad grammar (i.e. no punctuation, run-on sentences, no paragraph breaks, etc.), weak narrative voice (i.e. always in passive voice, fluctuates between tenses, doesn't further the story, etc.), bad dialogue (i.e. doesn't suit the character's age, no contractions, misuse of slang or the lack their of, intentional and uncharacteristic censorship, choppy speech, etc.), uninteresting characters (i.e. no depth or motivation, doesn't serve the plot but isn't just a side character, etc.), and just poorly written prose.

Does response from authors to comments after chapters encourage you to keep reading?

Yes for the most part.  I never expect a response, but when I do, it can be encouraging, so long as the conversation doesn't become critical or hostile.  I also only comment or contact an author if I find the writing to be exceptional.

[CasualWanderer82]

It was a most enlightening experience going through all these messages. It is interesting to realize how many authors go through the same mental stages when writing a story, publishing it, and dealing with feedback (or sometimes lack of it). If I could put my two cents about it, it would be something along the lines of: of course, feedback matters! Stories are meaningless if there's no one to read them. HOWEVER... 😉 They've rarely if ever, forced me to detour from the story I wanted to tell. But, I do feel honored and humbled by readers who decide to take 5 minutes of their time to write something. It makes the time I spent writing the piece that much more meaningful. And I always reply.

Regarding the "emojis review" as I lovingly call it? I don't mind them. They're an excellent way of giving the author a pat on the back and a "job well done" without sacrificing too much of their time.

Happy readings! 📚 

[Mancunian]

It's been an interesting experience reading this article from the start and getting to this point in the conversation. The comments are as varied as they are interesting, and for those who think there opinion is not valid or something that shouldn't be said I'll say this, all comments are valid and valuable, without them nothing will change or improve. As a result here's my tuppence worth.

I don't think many readers realise how important their comments are and the effect they can have on an author. I've seen some chapter comments that appear to be an attempt to rip into an author because of factual and story errors, writing style and poor comprehension of the english language. These comments have no value and can have a negative effect on an authors motivation and attempts to write a story. In my opinion, and that is all it is, this type of comment should not be left and if they are they should be removed. But don't confuse these comments them with comments that are constructive criticism, they can be useful and helpful. Comments that are intended as constructive criticism are usually written well and give helpful advice that can be welcomed by an author, but maybe a personal message would be a better option causing less embarrassment and/or ill feeling. I've had some good constructive advice from some readers and welcome it.

If an author is posting a story as they write, comments can affect the way a story is written or even affect the storyline itself, sometimes this can be good but not always so an author should consider their story and what they want before allowing the comments to affect their story. One story that I posted as it was written received a comment asking about the relationship between two characters. After considering the comment I added a chapter in the form of a flashback giving background to that relationship and I'm happy to say that it was received well, maybe it was because I acknowledged the comment and gave credit to that reader for inspiring the extra chapter. It could easily have gone the other way but luckily for me it didn't. Readers comments can sometimes inspire further stories, that is not to say they should but it can and does happen. Maybe we as authors should acknowledge the readers who inspire such ideas.

I've read stories where the author has made the effort to acknowledge and respond to readers who leave comments, this is something I try to do, and it appears, in most cases, to inspire readers to comment more. I know that I am more likely to comment on stories where the author responds to comments. I've also read stories where comments have been left by readers and the author hasn't acknowledged or responded to the comments, admittedly those stories are few and far between, and have noticed thgat the comments and reactions dry up and stop coming. If we as authors want readers to comment we should acknowledge and resond to the comments left, if we don't we will not receive comments and will be cutting off a route to some of our inspiration and motivation.

In conclusion I'll offer the following advice to authors. When you receive a comment from a reader acknowledge it and respond, even if it is just a simple thank you for your comment. If a reader leaves a comment that inspires you or gives you an idea for another story, acknowledge it and thank the reader, give them credit for the inspiration or idea, it will make them feel valued as a reader. Hopefully, your acknowlegements and responses will generate more comments which will boost your motivation.

Sorry for the long winded comment, hopefully, it will be of value to us all.

Edited June 15, 2024 by Mancunian

[LJCC]

On 6/8/2024 at 10:33 PM, Mancunian said:

If an author is posing a story as they write comments can affect they way a story is written or even affect the storyline itself, sometimes this can be good but always so an author should consider their story and what they want before allowing the comments to affect their story.

This is exactly why I try as much as possible to post finished stories.

The readers should not have any say in where the story is going. If they did, then they should be the ones writing it, not the author.

Even as an author myself, I don't have that much control over how my characters live inside my head. IF they did this or did that, they are beings with character and quality who has control over their fate, as dictated by my subconsciousness. The moment you are forcing your characters to act a certain way against what your subconsciousness has built them to be, they become caricature versions of YOU, the author.

For example, if you plan on killing a character and that character ends up fighting for their right to live and wins, yet you still kill them for plot reasons...you need a new hobby.

Same with opinions that affect your own story. If one is serious about writing, NOTHING should sway you to think otherwise in how you write it.

[Mikiesboy]

3 minutes ago, LJCC said:

The readers should not have any say in where the story is going. If they did, then they should be the ones writing it, not the author.

I cannot agree more.

[Krista]

On 6/15/2024 at 7:22 PM, Mikiesboy said:

I cannot agree more.

Seconded. 

Nothing derails a story quicker than allowing yourself to be swayed by comments. It isn't a habit one should allow themselves to fall into. It is a trap... it can seem easy to appease the comment section. The moment you cross that line, you have to stay on the path of doing so. It may seem small at first, harmless even. Then you realize that half the story you've written is no longer half the story you've wanted to write. You can't go back, not with posted work... there's no UNO Reverse card that will get you out of it. What typically happens is the story becomes a pile of DNFs that clutter up your documents as you struggle to get your character and story back on track. It becomes an overall DNF, or if completed, it becomes a work that you're not proud of in the end.

Not saying that people shouldn't comment their desires for the characters, it is actually very fun reads for me as a writer. I 'want' to know where you see the characters, how you see them, your complaints when one of them does something idiotic. I like reading where you think the story is going. I like to see that I can still surprise people with my little straight forward general romances. So I do encourage that, but I don't write the next part with that in mind, unless I was already going there.

That is why it is important to know where you are going with the story somewhat. You can allow your characters to lead the story. A lot of people write like that, but you still need 'something' that drives the character towards something.

Right now I am struggling with a story, because I don't know how I want it to end. I don't know what characters I want to be important, or if I have a justification for them to be important or not. How much depth I actually want the story to have, etc. I need to work on sorting some of that out or I'll never be able to continue, that is where comment sections can be very dangerous. Someone may post what feels like an answer to all your problems, especially if it is a popular approach they've come up with. 

 

[wildone]

Well, since you haven’t posted said story, I guess that makes me the root of all evil in this world  

 

Spoiler

No, I’m not say comments are bad 😛 

 

[ReaderPaul]

@Krista, I agree that the writer must control the story.  But perhaps the comments might end up suggesting another possible story.  Twice in emails to authors I have asked about possibilities, and the authors were inspired to write a story because of my comments.  One was a traditionally published author, and the other an online author (not one on GA, though).  But in both cases, the author controlled the story.  That is the way it should be, unless you are writing a traditionally published story for which a contract has been signed, which specifies that certain things must be in the story.

Another thing.  If we like an online story, we should encourage the author to keep writing.

[drown]

A writer must control the story. Period.

But it’s so hard at times. For many reasons…

Reader comments influence me, greatly. They are my motivation to write, but other times they can kill my motivation to write completely. I don’t let them derail what I’m ultimately about to tell however, my outline—rough as it may be—is fixed.

From the early chapters in my first story ever to see the light of day, I have had people be upset at me for stringing them along, creating more questions than answers. This was the hardest. I had to curb my desire to please them and derail my story, as it would’ve killed the whole concept. The only ones who derailed me so far are my characters themselves. They live rent-free in my head, and there’s a certain character I never thought would amount to much, yet he ultimately became my favorite. Reader sentiment seemed to agree with me, so I was happy about that.

It boils down to motivation for me, and reader engagement gives me that. I adore those that can write a story in solitude. Maybe I will get there some day with my next story, simply as an experiment to remove the distraction and to see what works better for me.

[Kitt]

While I think sites like ours are fantastic, it does have some drawbacks. The readers sense of entitlement in where their favorite characters go is one of them. We are all guilty of this to some degree, but most of us know to sit back and let a story unfold unhindered.

 

Some however feel the comments section is an invitation to steer.

 

Would anyone feel entitled to contact David Eddings, Robert Jordan, or JRR Tolkien to steer where their characters go? Of course not! So readers here should keep their paws off!

 

Okay, the fact a ouija board would be needed to speak with these three is beside the point!

Edited June 18, 2024 by Kitt

[Mancunian]

The only time I've allowed a reader's comment to influence a story was when a reader asked how The Boot got its name. That was when I was writing The Boot Three Years On, I knew in my mind how it came about and decided not to answer the question in the comments. I answered the question in a chapter by one of the characters experiencing a flashback which explained in detail how the name came about. Luckily I managed to pull it off and it did enhance the story for the readers without changing the story that was planned, it was a 'one-off' that I would never consider again as it could so easily have gone the other way and not something I would recommend to anyone.

Comments that inspire a follow-up or other stories are different and should only be considered if a writer feels they can do it justice and has something to add.

[Mikiesboy]

5 hours ago, drown said:

I have had people be upset at me for stringing them along, creating more questions than answers.

I chuckled at this.

I mean, isn't that what stories do? How can you tell a story without basically, stringing them along. Do they want point form notes on a single page? 

I know I don't.  I want to read the story, every single word of it.  I don't judge books by the cover, I judge them by how thick they are!   Same goes for films, don't give me some weedy 1.5 hour movie. Minimum 2 hours or more please.

Write your story!  Whether it is 6 chapters or 66. However, it's dangerous to post unfinished work. That leaves you open to outside influence.  Readers are great but they are not the author.

[kbois]

9 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

I chuckled at this.

I mean, isn't that what stories do? How can you tell a story without basically, stringing them along. Do they want point form notes on a single page? 

I know I don't.  I want to read the story, every single word of it.  I don't judge books by the cover, I judge them by how thick they are!   Same goes for films, don't give me some weedy 1.5 hour movie. Minimum 2 hours or more please.

Write your story!  Whether it is 6 chapters or 66. However, it's dangerous to post unfinished work. That leaves you open to outside influence.  Readers are great but they are not the author.

Stringing readers along is exactly why stories are all about.

I think it's not as noticeable when you're reading an actual hardcopy or paperback book or ebook that's been fully downloaded. Readers have everything right there... they don't have to wait for the next chapter like they do with GA. 

Posting chapters one at a time with a minimum 24 hours mandatory wait time is what helps create a sense of anticipation and suspense. Plus the occasional cliffie helps. It keeps the readers engaged and wanting more.

As far a feedback goes-- if an author wants to increase the amount they get then they need to be proactive and respond to comments. I know most authors do, but there are still plenty who don't or are selective with their responses. I always try to respond to every comment. I occasionally miss one, and once in a while.... who am I kidding.. often I won't respond because... let's face it... some of my readers go off the rails. LOL. But even when I don't respond with a comment, I'll still hit a reaction.

That being said, I do appreciate all comments, good or bad. Constructive criticism is a learning tool. I've had readers call me out in comments and I've had them pm me. I'd rather get a pm for negative feedback, it's easier to respond to, plus it doesn't draw others into the mix, potentially causing an argument. Only once have I sent a pm to a reader calling them out on their behavior. 

I'm like most other authors on this site. I write for the enjoyment of it and because sometimes a story gets stuck in my head and I have to get it out for my own sanity. 

Readers need to be engaged. There's no easy answer or solution to the age-old problem of getting readers to comment or react. As an author I take a page from every sales training course I've been forced to endure... ask for the sale!  We have the ability to place a comment at the end of every chapter... so ask readers for comments, reactions, recommendations and reviews. It does make a difference. 

The bottom line is that both readers and authors have to step up. If you're an author, make sure you have a good editing/beta team. Nothing is more frustrating than a story filled with spelling and grammatical errors. Like @Mrsgnomie, I cringe when I think about my early stories. Yes, they are rife with errors. No.. I won't go back and modify... they are a reminder of how far I've come. Authors have to be willing to engage the readers. 

Readers need to step up and take the two seconds to tap a reaction on a chapter. Even better if they take one minute to comment. If they're really ambitious.. take five minutes and recommend and review a completed story... even if was completed years ago. I love seeing recent reviews for my older stories. 

Phew... I gotta get back to work. Lol