Agreed. When I finish editing, and I'm content, I have a hard time not taking everything to heart and changing it all. It would be boring if everyone liked the same stuff and had the same opinion. I love fans but I value haters almost just as much, no matter how heart-breaking it is to see that I didn't meet their standards.

Rowan. After I wrote his death scene, I was really disappointed and sad throughout the day. And later on in the story, I really wanted to bring him back; I missed writing about him.

Villains, on the other hand, are a bit different. I usually give them a chance to live, but that's about it. I have a different kind of connection with them.

The strongest connection I've had with characters were the ones from SOG. I created their lives, their world! It was hard to write an ending, and I felt like I was almost abandoning them. Which is exactly why the ending was happy--I'd like to leave them there on that peaceful, lighthearted note.

*pauses interview* Ooops! I already posted my response to the character thing... XD

And we can't let that stop us, right? I'm all about learning new things, obtaining knowledge in order to improve my work. That's one of the benefits of having readers--they're not just adoring fans. They're an audience, and your personal editors. We really appreciate their comments and opinions, good and bad.

Some more than others. [Laughs] But I know what you mean. Readers are a huge inspiration for me once I get started, but there's also a lot of pressure because they have this idea in mind of what they think should happen. And we don't want that. It's our book.

It's always a good sign when the readers are making predictions; it lets you know that your story is compelling and thought provoking. Which brings us back to how much we value our readers' opinions; I feel like writing the story is a way to thank them, to show our appreciation.

Except for when they have the entire thing planned out and when you write it your way, they get upset because maybe that's not what they wanted to happen. Predicting is one thing, because you know theyre getting into it, but writing the next book in their heads? That doesn't make me want to write anymore, personally. But maybe that's just me.

I don't think I've had any readers write the next book in their heads. Not that I've ever gotten around to writing a sequel. I've actually had people advise me to not write a sequel. [laughs] But I guess I see what you mean. That could get kinda annoying, as you have this whole idea planned out in your mind but the readers want something else. So what do you do? Do you stick with your plan, or change it to meet their expectations? If it were me, I'd go with my instincts. Chances are, that's your best shot. The readers will understand. They'll probably end up liking it more than their own idea. And besides; you're the author.

I have had some of my readers do just that. My earliest followers--the small group of friends I had at my old school--seemed to have one outcome they expected and wanted. When it didn't turn out that way, a few of them seemed almost offended. I was glad that they were really getting into the story...but I didn't change the event they didn't anticipate. Yes, it can be a good thing to tailor the events to your readers' liking...but you are the author. :) What makes your story yours is how you want it to go.

Even with this in mind...I couldn't help but wonder if I should write beyond that one ending event. If they didn't like the ending...would they even care to read the rest?

It's a tricky subject, I know. But I really do agree with AV. Go with your gut. If you feel you should go on and leave it how you wrote it, then that is what you should do.

On Series
 

Sorry, Allie, I know you don't have a series but you'll still be a great part of this discussion. Alright, now what made you make a series or not make a series?