Forum: Author Hangout

This has come up several times in the forum threads, and been heavily discussed. It comes down to authors and replying to emails is sort of like that song - some authors do and some authors don't.

Despite the other opinions, Ernest's is the most spot on. I have a hard time imagining any amount of email from a story being so overwhelming that I couldn't personally respond to each, especially for most of us, it's our only real payment—responses from our readers—something traditionally published authors almost never receive.

I not only respond to each email, but I tend to go on at length—so much so that many start out by saying "You don't need to respond … but I just wanted to say …"

However, many authors simply want to be left alone, while others only want to respond to the 'right kinds' of responses.

Essentially, over time you slowly learn how each author responds to feedback. Those that are eager for it, feel free to offer any suggestions, critiques of praise you want. For those slower to respond, or who say 'That's the story and that's it', you generally don't offer suggestions, whereas for those who don't respond at all, you simply don't waste your time with.

It would be nice if there was some SOL table where you could determine whether authors desire feedback or what kinds, but it's really hit or miss.

As for Switch's "I can't remember the details of my stories", I frequently have to refer to my story timelines, specifically to remember what happens in each specific chapter. After 16 published stories, it sometimes gets confusing remember who said what in which chapter. 'D

As for Switch's "I can't remember the details of my stories", I frequently have to refer to my story timelines, specifically to remember what happens in each specific chapter.

I wasn't talking about chapters, but stories (mostly short stories). Hell, I wrote my first one 17 years ago. I never had a good memory, but as I age...

I kind of understand the not wanting to follow the direction that a reader suggests that's for sure.

I fit into the camp where my entire story is fully written and thoroughly edited before I ever start posting, so I'm not able to change the plot on the fly (it would require my rewriting sections and then having them reedited, etc.). However, I'm normally happy to answer questions and consider alternatives or improvements to the story. Often, some suggestions become major story elements in a new story/sequel. However, if a reader suggests something which won't fit the plot, then I'll kindly tell him that it run counter to the current plot line.

Generally, when someone suggests something, I'll tell them whether I incorporate it, how I did, or if not, why I was unable to. But I tend to be the exception to the rule. Often, 'suggestions' consist of "why not have X sleep with A, B and C". That's fine for a stroke story, but is more difficult to manage in a plot-driven story.

I reply to many, but not all, emails. I get a few per chapter that say 'Great job! Keep it up! I sometimes do a quick 'thanks'.

I get about 20 of these per chapter for every story I'm involved with in any way. When posting a new story I wait until about a week after the last chapter is up, and then go through and reply to them all. Where I have multiple emails from the same person I reply to the last one and thank them for all of their emails. When I did that with one story of over 40 chapters I had close to a thousand emails to reply to, but after the first 30 or so replies I'd been able to clear out over 800 emails because they were of that nature. I've found that process to be very good at reducing the time replying to emails. Also, a cut and paste response for the simple "thanks for the story" emails helps cut down on the time. But some have more detailed questions i respond to, may even answer before the deadline, and some report typos, which I'll deal with as soon as I see them, but may not reply to until the deadlines.

In addition to the huge checks

How do you get your bank to accept the deposit of the three foot by one foot high cardboard checks for fifty cents? My bank won't accept them.

How do you get your bank to accept the deposit of the three foot by one foot high cardboard checks for fifty cents? My bank won't accept them.

Phone app. Just snap a picture of it, electronic deposit.

I think the only one that I honestly don't enjoy responding to is when someone wants to tell me what I need to do in the story next, where it should go. Generally I have a good idea of where I want the story to and I find those ones awkward.

I've a simply answer for them - Sorry, the story is finished and all loaded into the Wizard, just taking it's time to appear.

When you complete the story before posting it makes that sort of issue void.

Several people have e-mailed me to ask whether I mind them writing their own version of one of my stories. Since I'm not (yet!) trying to sell them for money I find it rather flattering and my response is always to give permission provided they let me read their version when it's finished.

AJ