I’ve been neglectful in my ROW postings lately. I’ve been very busy at work getting ready for new software, which I know is going to be a nightmare. There’s been SO much data entry for things that couldn’t be imported from our old system. Hours and days of mind-numbing data entry.
Anyway, quick update. I typed “The End” on a novella written under my other pen name. Now comes the editing.
I’ve had a story for an anthology finished for a long time under that same pen name. Due to beta readers vehemently disagreeing with each other on major points in that story, I’ve let it percolate for awhile, hoping I can see it with new eyes. The first beta reader really tore it apart, which has never happened to me before. But then three other beta readers completely disagreed with the first one’s assessment. Then two of THOSE three beta readers disagreed on another point. Three beta readers loved my hero, one hated him. One beta reader had a problem with rich/poor class differences in the story, none of the others did. I’m at the point right now that I think I’m going to chuck most of what any of them said and do it my way. Not really. I always consider the advice of beta readers. I just won’t know until I look at it again, which I’m going to have to do soon because the deadline is coming up. I think this is the last anthology I’m going to do. It’s too much stress.
I’ve started writing more on the Soul of a Vampire sequel since I finished my other WIP.
And I have so many books to line edit for clients right now! This is a good thing.
Okay. Done now.
lauralynnelliott.com 
It’s always a wise idea let it set, especially when you have criticisms of various sorts. It will come together, it usually does. 🙂
Here’s to a great rest of the week! 🙂
Thanks, Cindy! I’ve been writing and publishing for several years, so I know it will work out. It always does. 🙂
Editing for others, excuse me, I forget, but I miss your words. Keep on doing what works for you, but I want to read your works of wonder. Congrats in getting into some kind of routine, keep it going!
Thanks, Chris. I’m glad I’ve been seeing you around again. I hope you are doing better. You’re still in my prayers each day. 🙂
Yay for finishing the WiP. Sorry you have such conflicting feedback on the other one. And yay for being able to write more on the sequel. And having clients lined up
I was glad to type The End. Mysteries are hard to write for me, although I love them.
I’ve never had that much conflicting feedback on anything I’ve written. I used an extra beta reader I’ve never used before, so that’s part of it.
Congrats on finishing your novella!
It is really hard when beta readers disagree so strongly. I got similar feedback on a novella I wrote. Two readers loved the title; one hated it. Two readers loved the spells/incantations; one didn’t. One thing they all agreed on was that they really loved a particular secondary character, so at least there was that. I entered it in a contest and will see what kind of feedback I get from that, even though it will only be on the first 25 pages. Sometimes just getting more input and seeing what others have to say can help. Good luck sorting it all out!
It can drive you crazy, can’t it? That just shows why the same book can get both 5 star and 1 star reviews. Everyone is different. At the end of the day, we have to go with our gut feelings and make our own decisions.
When it comes to feedback from beta readers and editors, go with your gut instinct.
That’s how I’m leaning, Emma. Otherwise, I’ll drive myself crazy.
Ick. That makes things a lot harder to edit when you have so many conflicting points of view. It’s even worse when the opinions are over major issues instead of the way a sentence is worded. I don’t envy the work you have to do on it. I do think letting it sit for a while was a good move. That way you can come back to it with less “noise” going through your mind.
I’m thrilled you finished another story! I hope it does as well (or even better) than the first!
You know how it is when betas disagree. LOL
I’m so glad I’m done with it. There’s a couple of places where I think I need to add a little more information and flesh it out a bit, but at least it’s done.
Did you get my email?
Yes, I did get it, but I didn’t read it yet. I left the house for a couple of days to give my septic tank a break, and I didn’t bother with emails while gone.