***If you haven’t finished reading the latest serial yet, then don’t read this post***
Now that my recent serial ‘Home About Six’ has concluded, I am writing an overview of the process, as I usually do.
I decided that this serial would be approached in a different way to the others.
I would intentionally make it a little ‘silly’, in the hope that I would have fun writing it, and readers would enjoy the change of mood. It seems to have worked, as it is the most-read serial so far, with an average of more than 150 views for each episode, and more comments than previous stories, adding up to 3,750 views in total. Many thanks to everyone who stuck with it, and left great comments.
Thanks also to David Miller for his relentless efforts at punning every episode.
For those of you who like to read the complete story in one sitting, it will be published over the weekend.
Another idea I had was to make fellow bloggers and followers the ‘Stars’ of the story. I used real names in some cases, and partial names in others. This proved to be very popular, and nobody complained, or asked to be removed from the text. I would like to thank all of those who allowed me to use their names.
Anita is Anita Dawes.
Jane is Jaye Marie. They are both British writers and bloggers, who share a website.
Mike is Michael, a German Blogger.
Mick Steeden is a British blogger and writer.
Jude (Judith) Harley is a British blogger and photographer.
Sue Judd is also a blogger and photographer.
Claudia Hyslop used the surname of Fraggle, a British blogger and photographer.
Shaily Agrawal is an Indian blogger. She hasn’t read this story yet!
Richa Soni is also Indian, a blogger based in New Delhi.
Ian Hope is a British blogger. I don’t think he has read this story either
Betsy Pike is Elizabeth Slaughter, an American blogger based in New England.
Pete Springer is a retired American teacher and blogger.
Audrey Driscoll is Canadian, and also writes and has a blog.
David, Mum’s fiance, is David Miller, an American writer, blogger, and punster.
Nick Rossis is a writer and blogger, based in Greece.
And my thanks also to the other ‘characters’ who are all ‘real names’ and writers or bloggers.
Lisa Howeler.
Lorraine Lewis.
Jennie Fitzkee.
Cathy Cade
Don Ostertag.
Joan Hall.
Lucinda Clarke.
Some of you have pointed out the over-use of ‘cliffhangers’at the end of each episode. That was deliberate of course, and was reflecting the filmed serials that I used to watch at the cinema as a child. There was also the constant use of 6 pm (and other uses of the number 6) that appeared throughout. Again deliberate, and supposed to be ‘silly’.
The very last line of episode 25 was the original thought for the whole serial, and was worked back from that point, to achieve a ‘circular’ conclusion. Inspiration for the story came from the original ‘Final Destination’ film, as well as a documentary I watched about a real missing person.
As a lady was being interviewed about her missing (never found) husband, she tearfully said, “He left that morning, and said he would be home about six. I never saw him again”.
I loved the series and want everyone to know that I am now fully recovered from my injuries and no longer require nursing help while Claudia is away.(If you haven’t read the series, ignore this comment.) As for my favorites, I liked the American murder mystery more, probably because I was so taken in by the unreliable narrator.
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Thanks, Elizabeth. Despite this being by far the most popular, I have two other favourite serials which have not had this many views.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Which are your favorites?
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This was my answer below, to Jennie.
I liked this one for its complex structure and circular conclusion.
https://beetleypete.com/2019/02/22/the-old-remington-the-complete-story/
And this one for some personal connections and memories of London.
https://beetleypete.com/2018/10/06/benny-goes-bust-the-whole-story/
๐ ๐
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I loved the typewriter one too. I think that the western was most recently in my thoughts.
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Count me in as one who loves the cliffhanger at the end of an episode. There are never too many. Iโm glad to hear (and not surprised) that it was your most popular serial. Best to you, Pete.
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Thanks, Jennie. I had fun writing it, but much preferred two of my other serials. Still, it was good to ‘write for an audience’. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ah, dare I ask which two were your favorites?
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I liked this one for its complex structure and circular conclusion.
https://beetleypete.com/2019/02/22/the-old-remington-the-complete-story/
And this one for some personal connections and memories of London.
https://beetleypete.com/2018/10/06/benny-goes-bust-the-whole-story/
๐ ๐
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I enjoyed both of them, too. Thanks for letting me know your faves.
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We have never been characters in a story before, Pete, let alone leading characters! We thoroughly enjoyed reading about ourselves, and the story was brilliant too!
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I might include more real names in future stories. Get in many that I missed out here. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you for immortalising us, Pete. We are honoured…
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You are so kind and supportive to my blog, it was a complete pleasure. And well-deserved. ๐
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I didnโt think there was an overuse of cliffhangers. I thought that was the point of serials. I post a novel in progress so itโs not really set up as a serial and therefore it doesnโt have cliffhangers every week but itโs a different way of sharing. Anyhow – nice job on it. I enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Lisa. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and didn’t mind me using you as a reporter in the story. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, I loved the serial cliffhangers, and thought your idea of using the names, in part or in whole, of your blog followers was a brilliant idea. And by the way, Mum and I are doing just fine!
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Thanks, David.
Sorry the readers missed out on reading about your wedding. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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Love the post-story insight Pete!
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I like to do these after every serial, John. People used to ask me about inspiration, research, and how long it took to write, etc. This not only explains most things, but I also get to thank everyone.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I tend to overthink things, but there have been times when I’ve avoided using a name because I didn’t want a real person in my life to be somehow offended by some of the character’s shortcomings. Your story proves that feeling wrong; I was delighted to be a character. I laughed a few times, realizing my character’s life sounded much more interesting than mine.
I also look forward to reading David’s puns each day, and I love it when you purposely set him up.
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Thanks, Pete. The history between me and David is a good one, though we have never met. I do enjoy ‘baiting’ those surefire puns, and he always exceeds my expectations.
Glad you enjoyed your ‘bit part’. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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It was great to be on the edge every day, it sparked the imagination, more of the same please ๐
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Glad you enjoyed it, Eduardo. ๐
(I didn’t mention you in this as I think everyone knew ‘Winkowski’ was you!)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Happy to be Claudia and I love the cliff hangers and the herrings, red and otherwise! ๐๐
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Happy to hear that, FR. Thanks for all the comments too. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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I noticed Don Ostertag. What a great name–I’m glad you used him and that you follow his blog. He’s one of my favorites.
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Yes, Don has a great name, and a nice blog too.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I am glad both of you like my blog. It is a pleasure to be recognized by writers like you two.
for those of you who aren’t familiar with Cindy’s writings I strongly recommend her blog and her two excellent novels, both of which can be found on Amazon. And I look forward to seeing Pete’s serials bunched together in a book.
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XXOO. Your review on Amazon is the best way to help me. I was very flattered to read yours, Don.
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I am halfway through Cindy’s latest book. It’s great so far!
(And I am sure the second half will be too)
Thanks, Don. I appreciate you sticking with my serials.
Best wishes, Pete. ๐
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I loved the cliffhangers Pete. This should be a series on Netflix!๐
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If anyone from Netflix is reading this, I’m willing to sell the story for a ‘reasonable fee’. ๐
Thanks, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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๐
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An extra element of interest was recognizing fellow bloggers among the cast. Good fun, Pete.
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Thanks, Audrey. I am glad that everyone enjoyed the featured names. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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I really enjoyed this ine Pete. I didnโt find the cliffhangers a problem. I loved them. As you know, you have inspired me to write my own series using Fandangos Daily Word Challenge. It is such fun to do and I now hope to write more such stories. So you have. Done something really wonderful in inspiring another writer to try something new. Your own writing is amazing and I will alwats read you. Thankyou Pete.
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Thanks for your kind words, Lorraine. I am enjoying your serial too. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well, you certainly cooked up something different this time, Pete!
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It felt very different writing this one. Less ‘intense’. ๐
Best wishes, Pete.
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OK!
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