Chapter 96: Thoughts on Going Live
TL: Etude
My first book is about to go live.
I had a lot to say initially, but now that the moment has arrived, I find myself at a loss for words.
Yes, Im just an ordinary guy with limited literary skills and knowledge. All I can do is write exciting stories.
But I think thats okay. Being able to write something that brings joy to others and eases the pressures of life is beautiful and valuable.
Life is already so realistic, isnt it? So novels should be a bit more fantastical, right?
Let me talk about the journey of writing this book. After all, it shouldnt be just you having fun while I suffer.
From the first chapter until now, Ive faced numerous setbacks and doubts.
Some said this genre works for others but not for me.
Others thought I wouldnt even make it past the first round of recommendations and should quickly think about starting a new book.
Indeed, that was the case.
When I reached 50,000 words, I only had 94 collections. The results werent promising enough to continue, but I couldnt bear to give up. So, I kept asking around can I write this? Is there any chance for improvement?
After receiving mostly negative responses, I thought, I might as well treat it as a hobby and keep going.
It wasnt until I reached 70,000 words that I barely managed to gather 70 follow ups, earning a chance to test the waters.
Before this, I kept wanting to give up, constantly doubting myself, and kept invalidating what I had written.
So, even after writing more than 50,000 words, I was still revising the crucial first three chapters, over and over again, each time wondering why no one wanted to read it.
Being a newbie in an unfamiliar place is really hard, and its difficult to endure the loneliness of working alone.
But fortunately, I persisted.
Here, I want to thank my editor, Transparent, for giving me a chance to sign a contract and providing me with writing ideas, encouraging me to persevere to 100,000 words.
Im also grateful to the chief editor, Ink, for helping me strategize and clarify the subsequent plot.
At this moment, I dont feel triumphant or assured, only relieved to have survived. Im thankful I didnt give up at 50,000 words, which allowed me to reach this day and go live.
Everyone says Im slow, but in truth, Ive deleted nearly 50,000 words just to get the characters of the male and female leads right.
Sometimes writing more makes it feel overdone, writing less makes it too vague. So, I write and delete, and these 200,000 words have not come easy.
Dont ask why.
Because Im a newbie, Im only level one, and opportunities for people to see my work are few.
Even if it means writing 100,000 words in drafts, I wont publish them just to increase the word count.
Im afraid that a single wrong sentence might turn away thousands of readers.
Especially the dialogues with Feng Nanshu, a few words might take me hours to perfect.
I hold a deep respect for Qidian, where I write with trepidation and nervousness, and feel anxious when facing my peers.
But whatever the case, there should be a result tonight.
In the early hours of the morning, I hope everyone will consider the effort I put into these 200,000 words and give me their first subscription.
Just one subscription could mean a full meal for me, and I would be deeply grateful.
If the results are poor, Ill just have a good cry and continue tomorrow.
Im not overly ambitious. Writing is half a hobby, half a necessity for living. I dont seek wealth or luxury, just some modest success.
About the updates after going live:
I wont lie I desire a top-tier patronage, a silver alliance, a golden alliance. Who doesnt want money?
Id bow down for even a small amount. (damn me too)
But, as I said, being a newbie, I fear messing up, so I keep on revising it. I cant promise how much Ill add, but at least four updates are guaranteed. Ill try to write as much as possible before dawn.
Also, Ill address a question many of you are concerned about.
Whether youre a famous author from another site, an anonymous poster, or a newcomer to online literature, it doesnt really matter. Whats important is that the story is appreciated by you all. This is an honor for me.
I came here on my own, as a newbie, sincerely engaging with a new platform. So, naturally, I am a newbie.
Another thing is about promoting and attracting traffic.
After some efforts on Douyin and Bilibili, my followers exceeded 200,000.
Thats an astronomical number.
Actually, I was unaware of this until one day a reader commented, asking for another episode instead of another chapter. Thats when I realized the influx of new readers.
I consulted with some experienced authors, and they all said that the conversion rate from such traffic is pretty low, so I shouldnt get my hopes up too high.
But I hope those who came from other sites will support me a little.
Even donating a small amount, watching an ad, or if you have the means, a financial contribution. If not, just being present is enough. If you cant do any of that, even a word of encouragement is appreciated.
Finally, a summary.
Along this journey, there has been continuous applause and flowers, as well as doubts and criticisms. But since Im here, I need not fear the outcome.
If I succeed, I will remain humble; if I fail, I will stay true to myself.
Tonight at midnight, under the beautiful moonlight, I will proceed no matter the multitude against me.
TL: Damn, I get emotional when I read this. The struggles of a writer Dont worry, the author is rolling in money right now. He got the golden alliance he was looking for (a donation of 1400 USD). Not me though ahaha. Id be happy if you joined my Discord and left shared this story.
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/2sZy2YcYSB
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This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢