Now that my recent serial has concluded, I will give an overview of the writing process and the reception it received. Some people might like to read about that, especially if they are thinking of posting a daily fiction serial.
As anyone who has read it knows, that serial was about the ‘cult of celebrity’, and the lengths some people will go to in the quest for fame and fortune. This was on my mind for some time, after tiring of seeing people become famous after appearances on ‘reality’ television, game shows, or because of something awful that happened in their past.
Following my usual process, I wrote the final episode in draft first. With that ending more or less cast in stone, I had to then work back to episode one so that readers would discover how we had arrived where we did in Part 26.
At first, this serial was very popular. Views for episode one were in excess of 150, and only dropped down to 120 after episode six. Given that the main character was completely (and deliberately) unsympathetic, I had expected some drop-off of readers following the serial. From parts seven until the end, there were daily views of 110-112, with no futher drop off. Given those figures, an average of 125 views for each episode is about right. So for 26 parts, total views came to 3,250.
(More will come in later, from weekly bloggers and binge-readers.)
Engagement in the comments was very good, with many readers completely invested in the story. Shares on Twitter were steady too.
It was an enjoyable story to write, as it was about something that I am very interested in, and set in the area where I live now. Later this week, I will compile all the episodes into one complete story, for those who prefer to read it as a novella, or may have missed some parts.
I would like to thank everyone who read it, especially those that left comments, and shared on social media.
The new serial will start later this week.
It took me a few episodes before I caught on that you were skewering those who are famous for being famous(an idiotic trend here too.) I loved the whole thing and was sorry to see it end.
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Thanks very much, Elizabeth. Even as I was writing this, yet more dumb people were becoming famous on a daily basis for doing nothing.
Best wishes, Pete.
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We share the same views on the age of celebrities! I remember in the eighties wondering why we expected “stars” to be such experts on all sorts of things. Oh! Gabby was an awful person. I did enjoy the series, though. Best always! Michele
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I am so glad you enjoyed it, Michele.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thanks for also sharing an overview, Pete! A very great story i enjoyed so much. Have a nice day! xx Michael
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Thanks, Michael. Much appreciated.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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I don’t think I’ve missed an episode from your last two series. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, so I may be absent from the next one.
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No problem, Pete. I always appreciate it when you take time to follow a serial.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Congratulations, Pete on another one completed. You have a loyal following.
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Thanks very much, dear Cindy.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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You are most welcome. Warmest regards, Theo
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Thanks, Theo.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Great story, glad to see that people responded!
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Thanks, John. It had good engagement in the comments, and that’s the most pleasing thing for me.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I enjoyed the story too. I’ve found in the past that readers do dislike unsympathetic characters. I always give my characters some redeeming features now.
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Yes, I was told early on that there has to be some sympathy, even for a villain.
As you know, I ignored that advice! 🙂
(Along with show/tell, I ignored that too.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am totally hooked on your serials Pete. There are always surprises!
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Glad to hear that, Carolyn. Some are more surprising than others of course. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I enjoyed the story and looking forward to your next one.
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Thank you, Molly. The next one starts later this week.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I enjoyed this story and looked forward to each episode, but I got a little confused at the beginning as we jumped from character to character’s POV. But once i cottoned on, it made more sense. Well done.
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That was why I added their names at the top of each epsiode, Lucinda. I was hoping to avoid that confusion.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It was a good series and certainly showed the despicable side of people. Well done!!
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Thanks Darlene. So many people have despicable sides, but fortunately most people are inherently good.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Some people will go to extremes to attain celebrity status. For example, they may write about a deposed Pope or a lovable Shar Pei.
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Yes, clutching at straws, in the hope of fame. How dare they! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you for this overview of a very entertaining serial. I’m looking forward to the next one!
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Many thanks, Liz.
The next serial will be starting later this week.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You’re welcome–and I’m glad to hear it!
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Great serial
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Thanks very much, Beth.
The new serial will start later this week.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I did enjoy the story, Pete, and totally got the point of it. In general, I prefer not to comment on individual episodes, but wait until the story has concluded. Cheers, Jon.
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No problem with that, Jon. Glad to hear you liked it.
Best wishes, Pete.
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