The Readers

[Empathy]

As an author the most important matter is of course the story it's self. And you can argue how important different factors are to the writing process as a whole. When if comes to the readers; whether you're the type who doesn't care much for the influence of comments, reviews and other forms of feedback or you live for it. The stories are meant to be read and the readers are there.

 

 

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

 

 

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

[DarkShadow]

As an author the most important matter is of course the story it's self. And you can argue how important different factors are to the writing process as a whole. When if comes to the readers; whether you're the type who doesn't care much for the influence of comments, reviews and other forms of feedback or you live for it. The stories are meant to be read and the readers are there.

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

 

For me, the reader's comments and opinions mean a LOT. I don't let them shape the story, but I do pay close attention to what they pose as problem areas or questions that they may have. At first, my readers complained about short chapters. I've gotten over that, and just write it however it fits best for me. Currently, that's a standard ten pages. I don't know why it works out that way for me, but a chapter always seems to end at close to ten pages.

 

I worked it out finally and found that most of the books I read were about 20 to 30 pages per chapter. A typed page would equal about 2 pages of a paperback. So... if I have a 15 chapter story, that would equal to about a 300 page book. That seems pretty reasonable to me, so I let the wants for longer chapters roll off my back. I didn't when I first began and the writing suffered for it. I tried to merge too much information into a chapter without a breaking point. I found myself reading back through the chapter and needing a break seeming to find none in sight. It made reading the chapter grueling. I started to watch how late it was and choosing whether or not I had another 30 minutes to read the next chapter. I don't like that and so... I'm content with where I am on that now.

 

I've gotten some very in depth input reviews and offers of information from some of the readers at nifty and of course here. For instance, I had many readers asking questions about specific 'details' about one character or another. It led me to realize that I wasn't rounding them out well enough. There were too many questions from too many people, wanting to know the character 'better'. So with each chapter according to the latest feed back, I make a point to work harder on that specific detail. Then I usually review back through the story. If it doesn't pain me to read it, I send it off to my editor. My editor then slaps me around a bit and I revise the story and then, with a fresh mind, decide whether or not I'm going to add additional content. By this point, my mind is fresh, and usually... there's at least one thing I realize is missing from a particular chapter.

 

(another for instance)

I wrote the entire chapter 6 of The druid, and only just before I was getting ready to send it off to my editor, I realized I had completely forgotten to include the dog!!!! Now, normally, this might not have been such a big deal, but in previous chapters I made a distinct effort to explain the significance of this dog to the main character. So.... heh a few last minute plugged in sentences. My editor will give me back the autopsy I called the next chapter, and then I'll add more content and hopefully have something that won't embarrass me to post lol

 

So, to me, feedback is absolutely crucial. I cannot learn without it no matter how badly it might sting when it arrives. I need it, or I will never improve. 9 times out of 10... the criticism is completely valid and even though it might bruise my ego, I suck it up, learn from the truth of their words, and fix it. It isn't easy for me... my writing is my baby lol I spend at least 8 to 10 hours a day writing or reading. (yes... lol I have no life... I'm okay with that right now It's why you'll see my posts to damn near any thread. I know I HAVE to have feedback to become better, and I don't want anyone to feel they've not gotten at least something from what they've written.

 

I'm only on this site and nifty. (which is about to change) Midnight's Rainbow is only going to be here. That will be either my curse or thanks to the board for beings such a great place. 'The Druid' I think I'm going to start spreading around. I like the story and it seems to not send the reader into a coma. Earth Reborn (my first travesty of print) got more attention than it should have probably because it started on Nifty, and got points for its 'stroke' factor. Either way, the two or three hundred emails really stoked me to keep writing. Thus, "Midnight's Rainbow" and "The Druid' were born.

 

I've probably only got about 30 or so religious readers. Every few chapters I'll send out a warning if the feedback doesn't start flowing, I'm not going to post it anymore. Usually the next day 30 or 40 emails. It's a sick fetish I know, but I need to know people are reading and WANT more. I need to know where to improve so I can suck in even more readers. I want to be as good a writer as I can possibly be! I want this one thing I think I can almost do to sparkle damnit! lol

 

So... now that you've seen a bit into that sick and twisted psychie of mine... That is how I feel about the paramount importance of feedback and increased reader base.

[Graeme]

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

Honestly, not a lot. It is a nice-to-have for me. I'm writing for stories to be read, but I'm not concerned if I don't have a large reader-base.

 

A lot depends on why you write. For me, writing is a hobby that I do because I enjoy it. I need to have some readers, but I don't need a huge number for me to be happy. Writing is also a release, in that I can safely explore being gay -- something I don't have the option of doing in real-life (and that's a personal choice as a married gay man and father of two boys).

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

A little, but I would never make a change based on what readers say. What happens is that a reader comments on something, and that may start ideas rolling in my mind that could end up in the story. It is because I want them in the story, not because a reader wants to see them. All the reader is doing is starting the process.

 

Is this the sort of thing you were looking for?

 

Graeme

[Empathy]

Is this the sort of thing you were looking for?

 

 

Exactly. I've already got a solid base point for my own opinions I'm just creating conversation and discussion topics. As a writer and a reader I enjoy topics like this one.

 

And I agree with you, the feedback and comments are nice and encouraging but don't direct my story in any way.

[Jack Scribe]

For me, writing is a hobby that I do because I enjoy it. I need to have some readers, but I don't need a huge number for me to be happy. Writing is also a release, in that I can safely explore being gay.

 

I just noticed that the others on this tread are referred to as "cool members." Cooooooool.

 

"Feedback is important for me cuz I want to know someone is reading my stuff and enjoying it," Jack said to himself as he sat back in front of the screen with a glass of wine in one hand. 'Man, this chardonnay isn't too bad for only two bucks a bottle,' he thought while he scrolled through a thread. 'What else can I share with Empathy?'

 

He decided to go back to his Forum and check out the action. 'Not much...but the few comments I have received are from a group who appear intelligent and thoughtful.' Jack had decided several months ago that his stories appealed to those who related to a more adult view of life.

 

He smiled when he came across a posting concerning writing a new volume of Splash. 'I really liked those guys,' Jack remembered. 'They became one of the family. Perhaps I can bring them back with a new twist to the story. Maybe focusing on their adopted sons?'

 

Just having a little fun. I really share Graeme's ideas. It's really a hobby and I'm thankful for the small group of readers the stories attract. In that I write several chapters ahead, most comments are appreciated but don't affect the story. Feedback does help me to decide on future projects, however.

 

Jack

[DarkShadow]

I just noticed that the others on this tread are referred to as "cool members." Cooooooool.

 

"Feedback is important for me cuz I want to know someone is reading my stuff and enjoying it," Jack said to himself as he sat back in front of the screen with a glass of wine in one hand. 'Man, this chardonnay isn't too bad for only two bucks a bottle,' he thought while he scrolled through a thread. 'What else can I share with Empathy?'

 

$2 a bottle... LOL You crack me up Jack!

 

He decided to go back to his Forum and check out the action. 'Not much...but the few comments I have received are from a group who appear intelligent and thoughtful.' Jack had decided several months ago that his stories appealed to those who related to a more adult view of life.

 

He smiled when he came across a posting concerning writing a new volume of Splash. 'I really liked those guys,' Jack remembered. 'They became one of the family. Perhaps I can bring them back with a new twist to the story. Maybe focusing on their adopted sons?'

 

Just having a little fun. I really share Graeme's ideas. It's really a hobby and I'm thankful for the small group of readers the stories attract. In that I write several chapters ahead, most comments are appreciated but don't affect the story. Feedback does help me to decide on future projects, however.

 

Jack

 

I wonder if this is the difference between a seasoned writer and one so very new like myself. Much like in 'Falls Creek Lessons' I think sometimes it is forgotten what it is to be 'new' at a thing. All the little nuances forgotten because it has become so familiar over the passage of time.

 

I don't bend to every whim of my readers or editors, but I do take their words very seriously.

 

I fear that my writing has long since passed 'hobby' for me and become more 'obsession'. I do love it though! The idea of having several chapters laying there unviewed is a complete paradox in my mind! lol I don't know how you all can stand it. I suspect that is something that time gives a more seasoned and experienced writer. I look forward to when that times rolls around!

[Dio]

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

 

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

 

I write so that others may read. We may delude ourselves into thinking that not having anyone read our stories would be just as well, but in our hearts we all yearn for someone to acknowledge our ideas and our effort.

 

Er...on the second part I used to (when I first started psoting) take ideas and suggestions people had to heart and give them a serious thinking over...but I realized I was just deluding myself. There comes a point where too many people start wanting something and I just ended up saying 'to hell with you all, I'll write it my way'.

 

On another note, and I don't want to ruffle any feathers here... but I personally get upset when authors start writing a story and posting it online, then stop and demand people send them feedback before any other chapters get posted. I believe it is not only selfish, but petty and egotistical.

 

If a piece of writing is interesting enough, people will naturally feel inclined to let you know. Demanding that they send you feedback might already be a strong indication that readers haven't been enamoured with your work in the first place. This is just a comment I have in general after seeing many mediocre stories on fictionpress and AFF stop because of lack of reviews and the indignant outrage on the part of the author who can't seem to wrap his head around the fact that he is not the next J.R.R Tolkien, or John Grisham. Holding your work hostage is a great way to piss off previously loyal fans.

 

 

lub

db

[Empathy]

$2 a bottle... LOL You crack me up Jack!

I wonder if this is the difference between a seasoned writer and one so very new like myself. Much like in 'Falls Creek Lessons' I think sometimes it is forgotten what it is to be 'new' at a thing. All the little nuances forgotten because it has become so familiar over the passage of time.

 

I don't bend to every whim of my readers or editors, but I do take their words very seriously.

 

I fear that my writing has long since passed 'hobby' for me and become more 'obsession'. I do love it though! The idea of having several chapters laying there unviewed is a complete paradox in my mind! lol I don't know how you all can stand it. I suspect that is something that time gives a more seasoned and experienced writer. I look forward to when that times rolls around!

 

 

 

Even though like you I can't stand to finish a chapter and then hold on to if I don't have to. There are several benefits to doing so. At this point one of the things that I need to improve upon greatly is the regularity of my updates. I'm so busy in my day to day life that my updates are often separated by several weeks. I think regular updates is something that plays a bigger part on how into a story the reader gets.

[DarkShadow]

On another note, and I don't want to ruffle any feathers here... but I personally get upset when authors start writing a story and posting it online, then stop and demand people send them feedback before any other chapters get posted. I believe it is not only selfish, but petty and egotistical.

 

 

No ruffling felt Though I have to wonder. Why is it petty or egotistical for us after taking the time from our day to labor over our writing and stick it out there like a post-it wondering if it's being read. Many readers simply don't post feedback. I guess I don't see much difference than someone going out to eat and leaving a tip for the waiter or waitress for doing a nice job.

 

You acknowledge their time and effort and leave them a little something. If you dont', I know in the past when I have waited tables, if you came back in, you didn't get as good a service from me. Why.. because obviously you didn't appreciate it, so why would I put forth that extra effort?

 

I don't think it's out of bounds to expect a 30 second reply for hours of our work. I don't think it's too much to ask that we hold our words hostage for the ransom of some semblence of acknowledgement.

 

We can all sit here and say we write only for us. If that were truly the case, then the words would stay on our computers and never be seen. That.. obviously... is not the case.

 

If I didn't want someone to see what I created, I don't think I would post it. That would be like painting a portrait and then burning it. Why bother? I write for me as much as the reader. I like the outworldly contact and growth that I can gain from criticism.

[C James]

I write so that others may read. We may delude ourselves into thinking that not having anyone read our stories would be just as well, but in our hearts we all yearn for someone to acknowledge our ideas and our effort.

 

Er...on the second part I used to (when I first started psoting) take ideas and suggestions people had to heart and give them a serious thinking over...but I realized I was just deluding myself. There comes a point where too many people start wanting something and I just ended up saying 'to hell with you all, I'll write it my way'.

 

I think that there are different circumstances that apply for more experienced writers (like you) or for newbies (like me). For myself, I am still learning the basics and relish every bit of criticism I receive. I don't take all of it, but I value it all, and those who have given it have my undying gratitude.

 

Even though like you I can't stand to finish a chapter and then hold on to if I don't have to. There are several benefits to doing so. At this point one of the things that I need to improve upon greatly is the regularity of my updates. I'm so busy in my day to day life that my updates are often separated by several weeks. I think regular updates is something that plays a bigger part on how into a story the reader gets.

 

I totally agree! I think this is even more true the less "established" you are. For my current story (For the Love), I built up a buffer of finished chapters before beginning posting so that I could be sure to maintain a weekly posting rate. Well, that was one reason. The other is that I was chicken and seeking excuses to delay going on line!

[Graeme]

I fear that my writing has long since passed 'hobby' for me and become more 'obsession'. I do love it though! The idea of having several chapters laying there unviewed is a complete paradox in my mind! lol I don't know how you all can stand it. I suspect that is something that time gives a more seasoned and experienced writer. I look forward to when that times rolls around!

As others have said, the main reason for building up a reserve of chapters is to maintain a realistic posting rate. My first story was posted as each chapter was written and editted, and that worked out at about one a month. I think that was too long, so for my latest I've tried to time it so that a major part of the story could be done on a two-weekly cycle.

 

The other reason for doing it is that a couple of times a later chapter raised some questions with my beta-readers, and the best solution was to alter a preceding chapter. I couldn't do that if those previous chapters were already posted.

 

On another note, and I don't want to ruffle any feathers here... but I personally get upset when authors start writing a story and posting it online, then stop and demand people send them feedback before any other chapters get posted. I believe it is not only selfish, but petty and egotistical.

 

If a piece of writing is interesting enough, people will naturally feel inclined to let you know. Demanding that they send you feedback might already be a strong indication that readers haven't been enamoured with your work in the first place. This is just a comment I have in general after seeing many mediocre stories on fictionpress and AFF stop because of lack of reviews and the indignant outrage on the part of the author who can't seem to wrap his head around the fact that he is not the next J.R.R Tolkien, or John Grisham. Holding your work hostage is a great way to piss off previously loyal fans.

I agree Too many stories not being finished is also the reason some readers don't read a story until it is complete. If the author wants those readers to provide feedback, well, the story isn't being read in the first place.

 

No ruffling felt Though I have to wonder. Why is it petty or egotistical for us after taking the time from our day to labor over our writing and stick it out there like a post-it wondering if it's being read. Many readers simply don't post feedback. I guess I don't see much difference than someone going out to eat and leaving a tip for the waiter or waitress for doing a nice job.

 

You acknowledge their time and effort and leave them a little something. If you dont', I know in the past when I have waited tables, if you came back in, you didn't get as good a service from me. Why.. because obviously you didn't appreciate it, so why would I put forth that extra effort?

 

I don't think it's out of bounds to expect a 30 second reply for hours of our work. I don't think it's too much to ask that we hold our words hostage for the ransom of some semblence of acknowledgement.

You've probably realised by now that I play Devil's Advocate a lot. The reason I gave NO feedback to all the stories I read a few years ago was that I was so deep in the closet I didn't want any link back to me. I was a purely passive user of the internet and I was using a shared computer. I didn't want to take the risk of something getting back to me. Because a good percentage of our readers will be in a similar situation, I accept that there are a significant number that won't email back to the authors.

 

As for the rest, there will also be the ones intimidated by the idea of contacting an author.

 

"What do I say?" he thinks. "I'm sure he doesn't really want to here some dumb 'good story' comment, but that's all I can think to write."

 

We'll only ever get a small percentage of people to respond. That's human nature. It can also be a cultural thing. Australia, for example, doesn't have a tipping culture. We tip to reward good service, but tipping is generally NOT required (minimum wages tend to be higher here), unlike the USA and many other countries. A consequence of that is that there is a natural tendency to only "reward" the exceptional stories, rather than all. I'm not saying that all Australians are like that, but there is a cultural bias that is different to the USA.

 

Just my opinion, of course.

[DarkShadow]

As others have said, the main reason for building up a reserve of chapters is to maintain a realistic posting rate. My first story was posted as each chapter was written and editted, and that worked out at about one a month. I think that was too long, so for my latest I've tried to time it so that a major part of the story could be done on a two-weekly cycle.

 

The other reason for doing it is that a couple of times a later chapter raised some questions with my beta-readers, and the best solution was to alter a preceding chapter. I couldn't do that if those previous chapters were already posted.

I agree Too many stories not being finished is also the reason some readers don't read a story until it is complete. If the author wants those readers to provide feedback, well, the story isn't being read in the first place.

You've probably realised by now that I play Devil's Advocate a lot. The reason I gave NO feedback to all the stories I read a few years ago was that I was so deep in the closet I didn't want any link back to me. I was a purely passive user of the internet and I was using a shared computer. I didn't want to take the risk of something getting back to me. Because a good percentage of our readers will be in a similar situation, I accept that there are a significant number that won't email back to the authors.

 

As for the rest, there will also be the ones intimidated by the idea of contacting an author.

 

"What do I say?" he thinks. "I'm sure he doesn't really want to here some dumb 'good story' comment, but that's all I can think to write."

 

We'll only ever get a small percentage of people to respond. That's human nature. It can also be a cultural thing. Australia, for example, doesn't have a tipping culture. We tip to reward good service, but tipping is generally NOT required (minimum wages tend to be higher here), unlike the USA and many other countries. A consequence of that is that there is a natural tendency to only "reward" the exceptional stories, rather than all. I'm not saying that all Australians are like that, but there is a cultural bias that is different to the USA.

 

Just my opinion, of course.

 

I suppose my stand is this. We know there are eyes on our work. We know people are reading. I don't think it's out of bounds to say 'hey! Is anyone reading this?' at the bottom of a submitted chapter. This is something we are giving to people at only the price of their time and ours.

 

I don't feel any guilt asking for feedback at the bottom of a posted chapter. Every 4 or 5 chapters I goad them into posting a thirty second reply.(from nifty) I need the critique. I need to know what I can do to become better at what I love doing.

 

I try to make every chapter I write better than the last. I don't consider myself the next Tolkien or Grisham. But... it is something to aspire to. Without feedback, how can we ever become more than we are?

[shadowgod]

Readers? what are those?

 

I dunno on one hand I'd love to have throngs of devoted fans, on the other that is a lot of responsibility to take on. I guess this question all goes back to "why do you write?" the simple answer to that is because I can and if I didn't the voices in my head would drive into a locked padded room somewhere.

 

Do I like sharing my work, yes, It gives me some sense of accomplishment. Thats why I like recieving brief notes letting me know someone is out there reading what I have written.

 

Do I let readers influence my writing, No. Then Ive only ever recieved one email that had a story direction suggestion. The guy wanted nude camping between a father and his son.... and a gay birds and bees talk. :wacko: So yeah... the nude camping bit never happened.... and the talk never happened either.

 

Steve

[Razor]

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

 

 

Okay, I'm going to be truthful with this....

 

I'm an attention whore, there, I said it. When I write, I write to grab people's attention. I want them to look at what I wrote, read it, and go WOW, then write to me and let me know they went WOW. It gives me my thrills, hehe. The reader base I have is very important, because without it I wouldn't be motivated to write more and get better at writing. I would probably still write for fun every now and then, but it wouldn't be anything anyone would go 'ooooo' over. I don't think that makes me any different from most internet authors; we all crave praise, and it makes us work better.

 

Readers have a good bit of influence of my work, I think. If I read an email from someone who wrote me and it gives me and idea, I go with it. So, potentially, readers, have an untold amount of influence on what I write.

 

(Btw, Dio, you're right, when I see something like "Well, since no one emailed me about the last chapter, I'm not going to write anymore until...." I want to beat somebody's ass, can't stand that, I think it's extremely selfish)

[Graeme]

I don't think that makes me any different from most internet authors; we all crave praise, and it makes us work better.

Very true. The only difference is in the degree. I don't need a lot of praise to make me happy while others need more. I don't see a problem with that -- everyone is different.

[Camy]

There will also be the ones intimidated by the idea of contacting an author.

"What do I say?" he thinks. "I'm sure he doesn't really want to here some dumb 'good story' comment, but that's all I can think to write."

Yep, that's was me ... but I'm getting better, honestly...

 

we all crave praise, and it makes us work better.

Word.

[Dusk]

Empathy asked:

 

"How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?"

 

For the first thirty years of my fiction writing, it wasn't important at all. I was developing myself as a writer, and I didn't expect to have any readers till I reached a publishable level.

 

Right around the time that I reached that level, I discovered that it was possible to acquire online readers. Then readers became very important to me because I wanted feedback from them. But I'm the sort of person who would still write, even if I was living on a desert island.

 

Gaining more readers is only important to me because (1) I don't get nearly as much feedback from readers as I'd like, and (2) I plan to sell my writings. I'd honestly get nervous at the idea of being a mega-star novelist with fans flocking to me. I doubt, though, that I need to worry about that.

 

"How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?"

 

It's hard for me to separate this question from "How much influence if any do the writers have on your work?" because many of my readers are writers too, at least on the amateur level. In that respect, a great deal; I learn a lot from reading the works of other writers.

 

If you mean, do they change my storyline, the answer is, Not much. Occasionally, when I'm working on a series, some reader will point out a problem in how a scene is written - say, a character will act in what seems to be an inconsistent manner. And I'll realize, "Whoops, yes, that's a problem," and in a later story I'll add in something to explain, in an after-the-fact manner, why that event occurred. Other than that, though, my Muse tends to go on his lone path, without any need for assistance.

 

As DarkShadow mentions, readers can also be good at pointing out frequent errors. The readers who are the best at this, I grab as beta readers.

 

Concerning requests for feedback: As a reader, I wouldn't have any problems with requests for feedback from a writer. (Though I might or might not give it. I'm incapable of writing a thirty-second e-mail; it would have to be a thirty-minute e-mail, rewritten five times, so I don't send feedback unless I really love a story.) But when an author starts posting blackmail notices - "I won't keep writing unless you give me feedback" - that's the point at which I drop them from my list of authors to read.

 

I think the perspective that assumes the writer deserves feedback is on shaky ground. Shouldn't we be grateful to our readers for taking the time to read our stories amidst their doubtless busy schedules? If an author attaches profuse thank-you notes to his stories to any reader who goes the extra mile to offer feedback - "Thank you thank you thank you for sending me feedback for my last story!" - or even quiet thank-you notes - "Many thanks to those who let me know what they thought of the last story; your comments were a great help to me" - then I'm much more likely to give him feedback than if he says, "It only takes you thirty seconds to write me."

[Bondwriter]

Good question. I've written for a number of years with me as my only reader, and started putting stuff up online only fairly recently. You get quickly addicted to get comments and praise. Yes, I don't have a smaller ego than others! But it starts getting to be a responsibility also. I got an audience I'd never have actually expected to give me feedback: teens who tell you how much your stories mean to them as they get to know they're not freaks. (It also allowed me to realize that teens are not the illiterate twits some people complacently describe too often.)

 

So whereas I'm glad to hear suggestions, it seems important also to stick to what I want to do. Otherwise, it starts being a different job if you're writing just replying to requests. One that should get paid!

 

EDITING: That's actually not 100% true. I did get back to work on unfinished stories because of readers' requests. But it's more like an incentive. And laziness kicks in: most of the set-up is done, you already have most of the plot...

 

Sometimes feedback is weird: I did fetish TG fiction, and I got people telling me all of their lives' hardships and it was a bit scary, since I'm not a therapist and I can't really identify with what they have to tell me, and least of all reply giving any advice. So you stick to basic chit-chat, hoping your fiction itself will have been enough to help.

 

I've also been rather annoyed when I wrote to some authors who were stating feedback was important, and I emailed twenty lines or more reviewing their story (and usually praising it, I usually don't read texts I don't like until the end, so why would I review them?) and not even getting a reply acknowledging my review. I understand an author (especially those who write good stuff, and hence must get lots of feedback) cannot spend his/ ger life chatting with his/ her readers, but not even clicking on Reply and dropping in a "thanks for the nice comments" seems rather rude. Well, it also means I'll save 15 minutes next time they post something...

 

On the other hand, I've been writing on a regular basis for two years with a Brazilian writer, and it's been really great.

 

My two euro cents on the topic.

[FrenchCanadian]

How important is it to you, to gain and develop a reader base?

 

Well I write first because I like doing it. I like creating an alternate world, going to bed at night and having my mind playing scene of what I've already written, and what I'll be writing next. That being said, I'm not doing it for big fame or money, but it is nice to know that people are reading and enjoying what you're writing. I'm invested in the "universe" I create, I have a good general idea of what will happen in my stories next. Having people commenting, talking about my story just gives me a greater interest in writing more.

 

 

How much influence if any do the readers have on your work?

 

Like I said, I have a clear idea of the universe I've created, and I just love to talk about it. Therefore, I love the interaction with readers. On the story I'm writing right now, I already know what will happen and where it's going. The readers wouldn't be able to influence me on the big picture. But, if I see they want to know more about a smaller character (one that I hadn't in mind to develop that much) I would write more about them.

 

sacha a.k.a. frenchcanadian

[S.L. Lewis]

For me, the reader's comments and opinions mean a LOT. I don't let them shape the story, but I do pay close attention to what they pose as problem areas or questions that they may have. At first, my readers complained about short chapters. I've gotten over that, and just write it however it fits best for me. Currently, that's a standard ten pages. I don't know why it works out that way for me, but a chapter always seems to end at close to ten pages.

 

I have to say, I agree with Shadow here. Reader's comments nad opinions mean a lot to me too for the simple fact that they help boost my nearly non-existant confidence in my writing skills. So does the hit counter, but not as much as getting even a simple "I love it! Continue please!". It makes me feel good and helps me know that yes, there are people who do read and like my stuff and style of writing.

I just hope that one day, I can be as good as most of the writers here.

 

On another note, and I don't want to ruffle any feathers here... but I personally get upset when authors start writing a story and posting it online, then stop and demand people send them feedback before any other chapters get posted. I believe it is not only selfish, but petty and egotistical.

 

I to get a little peeved and have a habit of reading the story if it's good but not reviewing it. It is selfish and ends up ticking people off to the point where you lose readers if anything.

I have started to write at the bottom "Reviews welcomed but not demanded." It pretty much means I'll take what ever reviews the reader is willing to give. It's a nicer way to encourage readers to review your writings.

[Tiff]

Like everyone has said- a reader fan base is pretty crucial to writers, but not mandatory. It does provide some confidence and an ego boost, knowing people out there are appreciating your hard work and efforts. However, readers shouldn't dictate any writing or ideas, although, they can get the creative juices flowing.

 

I also don't believe in demanding feedback, because you're putting pressure on the readers and basically, it means as a writer, you're relying on someone else liking your work in order to continue.

 

Personally, I write as an outlet, to let off some steam on a bad day. When I posted on Nifty, I initially got a lot of responses, but naturally that number dwindled, but I still continued to write, for me and only me. And I made it a goal to finish the series, no matter what, for myself.

 

Although, to the readers out there, it wouldn't hurt to show some appreciation to the author's hard work every now and again. Trying to get updates out while dealing with one's personal life takes a lot of work and time management skills. lol!

 

Tiffani

[Duncan Ryder]

I think it's nice and affirming to have a fan base, but I really want to comment on readers shaping a story.

 

It's funny.

 

Before I started Everybody's Wounded, I would have said readers would have no effect on a story I was writing. But when I took the plunge and started posting this story on Nifty because I really wanted it to have a home, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the response. And my readers shaped the story in an incredibly important way.

 

For those of you who are following it, you know it's a love triangle... well, it was never meant to be. Josh was meant to be a throw away character, a vehicle early on for the narrator to get out some back story. But I got literally hundreds of emails about Josh and, well, I couldn't let him go... and he's become the probably the most complex character in the story...

 

So... I'm thinking that when you post a serial on the web and get such instant feedback, it's a really good opportunity for an author to learn. Our lessons come where they come.

[corvus]

Reviews are God's gift to writers and obviously very important, but I can't say readers shape my stories. I've completed two novel-length pieces and gotten 2000+ reviews out of them on fanfiction.net, but not one review has made me do what I wouldn't otherwise have done. On the other hand, my reviews haven't been the do-this!-do-that! type. They're more of the terse, "luv it keep writing" type. I've always approached writing knowing pretty much where I'm heading, and as much as I want the audience to like and enjoy my stories, I won't to change myself to accommodate them.

 

It's different if a readers provides pointed and insightful constructive criticism. But that's a whole other story, and a far cry from "make X fall in love with Y! please!" -- although, of course, those are amusing.

[rec]

Since I write an entire story before I post it, readers comments on the existing story obviously cannot affect it. But a comment on Jake's Hand led me to reconsider the character of Jake and to write what I called an e-quel, which was the same story from Jake's point of view.

 

The commenter said that he felt that Jake was, as I recall, a somewhat calculating individual. That observation made me look at the character, and I realized something about him that I had not fully recognized when I wrote Jake's Hand. So Jake's Side in part grew out of a reader comment--a comment that I truly appreciate.

[Libby Drew]

Reviews are God's gift to writers and obviously very important, but I can't say readers shape my stories. I've completed two novel-length pieces and gotten 2000+ reviews out of them on fanfiction.net...

 

Feedback for fandom works, in my experience, is always more plentiful than it is for original fic. That's always mystified me a bit, but there's no denying it's a fact. I don't think it can be attributed completely to the cohesiveness of those communities, and the demograhpic is wide and varied, so that's not the answer either. *shrug*

 

When it comes to feedback, the most important thing to me isn't necessarily the amount, but more that I've touched someone -- made them think and feel. Those kind of comments keep me going. Those are my rewards. If I miss the mark with one story, I try to do better on the next.