Thoughts on Sorrow’s Dawn

Sorrow’s Dawn, Episode VI is free today, July 4.

Back when I first wrote Echo’s Voice, several readers wanted to know when I was going to write a sequel. As I’ve mentioned before, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write a sequel or prequel. The Kindle format allowed me to do both.

With this plan, 6 episodes, I think I restricted myself too much with the sequel. The general plot of 6 is the story I always intended for the sequel. While 6 is the longest episode in the six-part series, to fit with the others in length, the plot became too compressed—in my opinion.

I have no idea what readers will think of it, but I will say right now that I, the writer, am not satisfied with the result. My dissatisfaction relates to the compressed nature of the plot, not the actual plot, which is what I intended. Of course I realize that some readers will dislike certain plot developments.

Finally taking a break from the writing yesterday, and giving my gardens some much needed attention, I kept thinking of lines I should have included, or written differently. This tells me that it is not finished in my own mind.

So far the reviewers have been very kind to the series on Amazon, and I truly appreciate all the comments. There was some (absolutely justified) disappointment expressed with the plotting in Episode 3. I think I was having too much fun with certain sections of 3, and possibly not giving enough attention to others. Yet, other than cleaning up typos I really wouldn’t change 3. It may be flawed, but it carried the story forward as I intended. I say this because I do not have the same feeling about 6. To my mind, it remains incomplete.

Of course readers my have other opinions, other issues with the story that never even occurred to me.

Love it or hate it, I always welcome your opinions. In a sense it is like preparing a multi-course meal for guests. I hope my guests will enjoy the entire meal and leave feeling satisfied. I know perfectly well that might not happen.

At least with Kindle I can make changes and simply upload the revised version to replace the current in the cloud drive. I suspect I will do that with 6 after a little time has passed. Not to change the plot, please understand, but to smooth it out in a few places.

Many thanks to the readers. Again, all comments welcomed.