I have completed posting Epigraphy, and I am happy to say that it's now the most popular of my stories, by download counts. Thank you!
I wanted to acknowledge the folks who helped make the story better -- BachGen and Gray Sapien edited the story, and Proxy Account helped me with some of the science. A number of others reported errors, suggested improvements, or helped proofread portions of the story. Thank you very much. The remaining errors are my fault -- I am still getting a few reports that I need to address.
The reaction seems to be vigorous, but mixed. Some people liked it, and have been very kind with their words. I am flattered!
A few people suggested (politely) that they didn't care for the story. Others felt that the ending was too abrupt and spoiled the story.
A somewhat larger contingent said that while they liked the story, the ending came too soon, and could I write a sequel about the interesting characters and the universe? I must say the latter response is really flattering. I am glad people want to see more of my universe, but I must admit that I am still trying to figure out a good plot for a sequel. Those who read or watch a lot of sequels know that a story of *getting* something is quite different than *keeping* it; whether the something is a girl (or two), money, prestige, or ancient secrets.
Still, your ideas for a sequel are very welcome, whether through email or my forum, at groups.google.com/group/zaliterrs-stories.
Finally, some of you sent me interesting ideas or questions, but left your email blank or possibly corrupt (causing my response to bounce). If you don't receive a response from me in a couple of days, please try emailing me again, or post it on the forum. Assuming you want a response, of course.
Dear readers, I am up to chapter 11 of Epigraphy, and have enjoyed your feedback very much: accolades, suggestions and error reports.
One particular email was particularly flattering, comparing me to David Weber and speculating about future directions, but alas I could not respond due to the sender's email address bouncing. Therefore, I wanted to post my answer here.
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Thanks for the ideas! They are all intriguing, and mostly logical extrapolations. You may see some of them in the rest of the story.
But I also want to manage expectations. While I think the premise in Epigraphy is very interesting (that's why I wrote it!), I chose to write a relatively short novel, which leaves many possibilities open. It has a satisfying conclusion, or so I hope, but very far from being a Honorverse-type epic series.
Of course, Weber's initial novels were fairly short as well, so I don't rule out a series; but if so, it will be far in the future.
Thank you very much for the feedback. I am very happy that I've written something that inspires such speculation.
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And thanks all for your feedback, anonymous or otherwise.
Readers have asked how often I will continue posting chapters for Epigraphy, or even expressed anxiety on whether I would continue it at all.
Since some of these questions are anonymous, I will answer here: the story is complete. I am doing one last review and posting new chapters every two days, until the end.
I've gotten some excellent feedback on the first few chapters of Epigraphy that are posted. Thank you all!
Some of the excellent feedback has been anonymous. Since I can't thank you individually, I will do this here. But if you want an answer to some of your questions, you may consider re-sending with your address, or perhaps posting your thoughts on my forum.
The forum idea may also work for a couple of folks whose addresses bounced for some reason.
Today, I've started posting a new story: Epigraphy. In some ways, it's a complement to Akkadian Statuette; it's science fiction instead of fantasy.
The protagonist is no longer a teenager; he's in his twenties. On the other hand, he still has much to learn.
Hope you enjoy it. Feedback is gratefully accepted, both through the links here as well as in my forum, groups.google.com/group/zaliterrs-stories.