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What did you think about the alternate ending? I thought it was unnecessary as basically most of it was the same.

gali wrote:What did you think about the alternate ending? I thought it was unnecessary as basically most of it was the same.

I had different opinions on this when going through the editing process. I like the alternate ending the best and so did one of my betas. The other beta liked the original ending as did the editor. I thought I would try being innovative and do an alternate ending, but it hasn't gone over well. I'm correcting that in the second edit.

I have to agree. I loved the way the original ending ended, but found the alternate ending to be a redundant.

My issue with the alternate ending was that it ended the same, nothing was added but detail. I feel like if an alternate end "needed" to be included then Martha/Asa should have gotten their way, at least that's what I was hoping for when I read it. It would have been a nice way for a reader to choose "yay! Let's read more" or "that was a story. I'm moving on to something else"

Gnome wrote:My issue with the alternate ending was that it ended the same, nothing was added but detail. I feel like if an alternate end "needed" to be included then Martha/Asa should have gotten their way, at least that's what I was hoping for when I read it. It would have been a nice way for a reader to choose "yay! Let's read more" or "that was a story. I'm moving on to something else"

That is a very good point! I am picking one ending in the re-edit and that's it. I appreciate the feedback, it's very helpful. It's true that it wasn't really an alternate ending so much as just adding on to the original. Your ending would've been cool. ?Thanks again!

I was not a fan of the alternate ending either. As Gali said, it seemed to be too similar to the actual ending. I was actually a bit frustrated with how far back the alternate ending started as well. It felt as though I read several pages that were the exact same.

klbradley wrote:I was not a fan of the alternate ending either. As Gali said, it seemed to be too similar to the actual ending. I was actually a bit frustrated with how far back the alternate ending started as well. It felt as though I read several pages that were the exact same.

Yeah, it was a definite misfire on that one. I should've done what was suggested in the earlier post and let Martha and Asa have Charlie or something like that if I was going to try an alternate ending. Live and learn.

Janetleighgreen wrote:

gali wrote:What did you think about the alternate ending? I thought it was unnecessary as basically most of it was the same.

I had different opinions on this when going through the editing process. I like the alternate ending the best and so did one of my betas. The other beta liked the original ending as did the editor. I thought I would try being innovative and do an alternate ending, but it hasn't gone over well. I'm correcting that in the second edit.

It's neat to see how you (the author) has taken feedback and applied it to your work. I think fans can often view their favorite writers as these infallible professionals who are too good and too perfect to take notes from their readers. While I don't think it's wise to pander to the lowest common denominator (not what I feel you're doing at all) taking an honest look at something and reflecting how to improve it shows maturity and a willingness to grow.

Shelle wrote:

Janetleighgreen wrote:

gali wrote:What did you think about the alternate ending? I thought it was unnecessary as basically most of it was the same.

I had different opinions on this when going through the editing process. I like the alternate ending the best and so did one of my betas. The other beta liked the original ending as did the editor. I thought I would try being innovative and do an alternate ending, but it hasn't gone over well. I'm correcting that in the second edit.

It's neat to see how you (the author) has taken feedback and applied it to your work. I think fans can often view their favorite writers as these infallible professionals who are too good and too perfect to take notes from their readers. While I don't think it's wise to pander to the lowest common denominator (not what I feel you're doing at all) taking an honest look at something and reflecting how to improve it shows maturity and a willingness to grow.

I was thinking the same thing! She's responded back several times, and it's nice to see an author who engages with the readers!

Shelle wrote:

Janetleighgreen wrote:

gali wrote:What did you think about the alternate ending? I thought it was unnecessary as basically most of it was the same.

I had different opinions on this when going through the editing process. I like the alternate ending the best and so did one of my betas. The other beta liked the original ending as did the editor. I thought I would try being innovative and do an alternate ending, but it hasn't gone over well. I'm correcting that in the second edit.

It's neat to see how you (the author) has taken feedback and applied it to your work. I think fans can
often view their favorite writers as these infallible professionals who are too good and too perfect to take notes from their readers. While I don't think it's wise to pander to the lowest common denominator (not what I feel you're doing at all) taking an honest look at something and reflecting how to improve it shows maturity and a willingness to grow.

Thank you so much! I want to be a better writer and my job is to make readers want to read my books. I will always listen and take some and leave some and as you said, no pandering. Lol!

-- 03 Oct 2016, 12:42 --

Thank you as well KBradley!!!

As a reader, part of the struggle to appreciate the alternate ending is it comes so quick. I didn't realize the epilogue was over until I flipped the page and saw the words alternate ending. I started reading then, so it takes away from the closure. Perhaps a better way would be to publish the alternate ending online and include a short note in the 'after matter' about it being available online. That way it would be more separate.

Scott wrote:As a reader, part of the struggle to appreciate the alternate ending is it comes so quick. I didn't realize the epilogue was over until I flipped the page and saw the words alternate ending. I started reading then, so it takes away from the closure. Perhaps a better way would be to publish the alternate ending online and include a short note in the 'after matter' about it being available online. That way it would be more separate.

I was thinking the same thing. Like on a bluray/dvd. They sometimes have alternate endings in the bonus content section. When you flip to it, its like "Oh neat." However, if movies ended and before the roll credits scene it went straight to the alternate ending, most movie goers would be "Eh,"

I think alternate endings are fun, they let the story evolve into something else. But placement is definitely key. If you really wanted to put it in the book, add some space. Let the epilogue end, put in your thanks, maybe a mini author bio, and then have the bonus alternate ending. It allows the story to end, the reader to catch their breath, so that when they turn to that page its "Oh thats neat." reaction.

Lauren M wrote:

Scott wrote:As a reader, part of the struggle to appreciate the alternate ending is it comes so quick. I didn't realize the epilogue was over until I flipped the page and saw the words alternate ending. I started reading then, so it takes away from the closure. Perhaps a better way would be to publish the alternate ending online and include a short note in the 'after matter' about it being available online. That way it would be more separate.

I was thinking the same thing. Like on a bluray/dvd. They sometimes have alternate endings in the bonus content section. When you flip to it, its like "Oh neat." However, if movies ended and before the roll credits scene it went straight to the alternate ending, most movie goers would be "Eh,"

I think alternate endings are fun, they let the story evolve into something else. But placement is definitely key. If you really wanted to put it in the book, add some space. Let the epilogue end, put in your thanks, maybe a mini author bio, and then have the bonus alternate ending. It allows the story to end, the reader to catch their breath, so that when they turn to that page its "Oh thats neat." reaction.

Ooh! I love these ideas! You guys are great! One post said to change the ending to let Martha and Asa have their way. I thought that was a nice touch. I will go back and see who said that. I may want to do something like that and give her some kudos for the idea. Thoughts???

I agree with Gali. I thought the alternate ending was just unnecessary.

LivreAmour217 wrote:I agree with Gali. I thought the alternate ending was just unnecessary.

I think you guys are right. I told my new editor the other day that we needed to get rid of one of them in the re-edit.