Serial Reflections: The Job

~ beetleypete

My recent serial has now concluded. Later this week, I will publish the whole thing as one story, as I usually do.

Meanwhile, here are my observations about writing it, and how it was received on my blog.

This serial had a quick take-up, and a steady regular following. It received 110-120 views for each episode, though they were strung out over a week, as is the norm with time differences, and ‘weekend bloggers’. Taking the lowest figure, that resulted in 3740 views for the 34 episodes, with views still coming in as I type. Hopefully, I should see 4,000 views in total by next weekend.

The ending was always there, right from my first notes and drafts, and I am pleased that surprised some readers this time. Comments were above-average, which is always rewarding for me as writer. Despite some swearing, and the story involving gangsters and murder, it proved to be very popular.

I was able to use my experience of living in London for most of my life, alongside a familiarity with real people in my past who were much like some of the characters in the story.

I also worked for the Metropolitan Police for twelve years, and that helped with some investigative and procedural matters.

As usual, I would like to thank everyone who stuck with the serial, left the much-appreciated comments, and shared any parts on social media.

61 thoughts on “Serial Reflections: The Job”

  3. I didn’t realize you worked with the Metropolitan Police. That certainly must have given you some background. It takes a very good writer in order to make people root for the bad guy. Hats off to you, Pete. Job well done!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Jennie. I worked for the police from 2001-2012, after changing from being an EMT. I was a Communications Officer, mainly working in Special Operations with Diplomatic and VIP protection, and firearms units.
      Thank for your kind words.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 2 people

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  4. Have you met any screenwriters who blog? It would be fun to pair up with one and see this story made into a film. Great plot, gripping action and a wide variety of characters would make a fine movie.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I do know a film producer really well. He has done two feature films, but his main job is making advertisements for TV and cinema. I might see him next Sunday, and if I do, I will mention your idea. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. I appreciate that you will put the entire series in one post, Pete! I’m hit and miss reading daily with classes and my kid’s series! What great responses for your writing. You are gifted!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Robbie. This serial followed my ‘working backwards from the end’ formula, where I come up with a final scene in my head, then write the lead-up. That sometimes works well for me.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  8. Pete, as you know, I shared the entire serial…and I am still making my way through it but love it…just watched “The Departed” again while flying back from Greece and love that movie…Ray Winstone would be perfectly cast in the film as your protagonist!

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    1. I actually prefer the original of ‘The Departed’, the Hong Kong film, ‘Infernal Affairs’ (2003). The US version is a remake. I had an actor in mind for Alan, but it wasn’t Winstone. It was this guy, Vincent Regan. He is the same age as Alan in the story.

      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Thanks for sharing that Pete…agree that “Infernal” is superior, and much tighter in its execution, but I do put “Departed” in Scorsese’s crime trilogy, after “Goodfellas” and “Casino!”

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    1. You can imagine a different ending. Gloria and Angie playing ‘big money’ bingo on the Costa Brava. 🙂
      Glad you liked it, FR, and thanks for all your comments.
      Best wishes, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

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  18. Well done, again, Pete, and I confess I didn’t see the end coming. When you worked for the Met, did you encounter an officer by the name of John Sutherland? I’ve just reviewed a book he published this year; an appended version, in fact, to include the ramifications of the pandemic, but overall, the book is his assessment of policing in this country, from the point of view of a recently retired officer of 25 years’ service. If you have chance to read the review, let me know what you think. Cheers, Jon

    Book Review

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  19. I must admit I was intrigued from the start about how you were going to end it, because we have a tradition of not letting the bad guys win.
    I must admit I never saw it coming and I think it was very well done 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  21. And now for a serial in which we learn the fate of the container and the money. What happened in Bilbao? Did a short guy named Baggins, part of a precious-s-s criminal ring, hijack the container by draggin’ it shore while the ship was obscured by smog?

    Liked by 2 people

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