I have had one or two readers who went from sending these really amazing, complimentary reviews every time I updated to sending really critical, almost scolding feedback, to not sending feedback at all, all because they didn't like the direction the story was taking. It was like they almost took it personally that they didn't like what was happening in the story. It was hard for me not to take it personally that they didn't like it and couldn't let it go, but eh, it's all good now. It just makes me appreciate the readers that do like my stuff more.
Yea I SOOO hear you there Julie. I think that's what really hurt me the most. UMS didn't end in the happily ever after, carefully wrapped up, fairytale ending sort of way and I think some readers really felt very strongly about that. I know that as soon as readers saw the direction it was heading it they jumped ship and in a way I know how they feel after like 50 chapters the story not ending w/ them being together it prolly seemed pointless, but in order for the sequel to work out that's the way it HAD to end. It's sad though that many of them aren't around FOR the sequel.
I'm glad to see though that I'm not he only one who feels like they've lost readers. I've done a lot of thinking and I am going to continue writing, but I'm not going to stress myself out with it like I was doing. I was trying so hard to write what I think people like that I wasn't feeling comfortable with what I was writing. I was trying to imitate other authors who I respect and unfortunately their style just doesn't work for me. I LOVE writing about emotional pain and angst and some people find that depressing, but I find it fascinating. I mean like ALTOS is all about an affair so instead of focusing soley on the physical side of an affair I'm WAAAYYY more intrigued by the mental/ emotional side that oftentimes gets overlooked. So yea... Basically I kind of forgot for a moment that first and foremost I need to write for myself and in a way that I am comfortable with and not force anything.
I also had to remind myself that unlike other authors I'm A LOT busier and I just physically can't update every day or even every week. Updates are going to have to be sporadic for me especially because I'm in for a VERY busy spring. I'm starting my first Practicum class for my Masters which means I have to meet with a student for an hour every week, plus regular classes, plus my job at Macy's, plus subbing and *crosses fingers* there's a 4th and 5th grade special ed teacher going out on maternity leave in a few weeks at one of the schools who might keep me in mind for the position, so if I get that it's going to be even harder for me to write. So yea... I definitely have a lot on my plate right now!
Thanks though everyone for your kind words. I heart you guys!