Hi all my patient and long suffering readers,
As some of you might be aware, I am in the middle of writing my series, Who Am I? it's a bit different from my normal sort of writing as I am trying to write the story from two different perspectives, a boy, physically who is really a girl and a girl physically who considers himself to be a boy inside.
I am alternating the characters in each chapter and linking them to the shared experiences of crossing over to a different reality that is very similar to the one they had originally but with a few changes.
I have noted that the number of kudos and reads have dropped somewhat and I was wondering if the reason is that concept is too confusing for it to be a viable story for some readers.
One kind reader said:
This two lined story in parallel universe gives me headache. I guess I am just too tensed up to see how it will end.
and I can understand the confusion as it's hard to write a story like this and try to keep all the threads and continuity going.
I would love to have your feedback about the format of the story and whether you believe that I am on the right track or alternatively, maybe I should just move on and try something new that doesn't give people a headache (including myself!).
Hugs
Sue
Comments
I don't comment as much as everyone should
However I'm loving the story. Its too rare that the new male perspective is shown as well as the new female's. Most body swap stories seem to focus on the new girl/woman and the new male is just left as a background character.
I'll go double-check and make sure I kudos'd all the chapters.
{{Hugs}}
Perspective
It is a bit different than usual but it is enjoyable and I read each update. Please continue because I would love to see how all this works out.
Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
Did you ever read any of the Travelling Pants books?
If changing the narrator gives the reader a headache there were millions of young adults with a need for aspirin a few years back.
Your stories are so good and your writing skills so artful that your gentle readers can waltz through your stories with one hand . . . tied behind their back. (Not going to go the other route with that one.)
Sue . . . please yourself; and you're bound to please the majority of the rest of us.
Jill
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
I am easy
Doesn't matter what you write, I will read it. I really like your writing style and humour. I am enjoying the story.
Cheers,
Caren
Sue, why not tell the reader
who has switched bodies/speaking? That would help to quell any confusion.
May Your Light Forever Shine
I really like it!
I think back to the OZ books which had several alternate story lines which came together at the end, and recall I had no trouble following them. It's a fairly common format and I enjoy it most of the time. I think making sure identifying who this part is about at the beginning would eliminate the confusion.
Suzij
I love it...
I haven't been commenting much, but I never comment much. I have kudo'd after every chapter though, so unless the system stole your kudos...
Abigail Drew.
The back and forth
doesn't bother me. In my opinion writing a story like this is very ambitious and you've done a wonderful job. It's a body exchange story, but with a alternate world twist. Unusual, both kids have gained and lost in this exchange. That very setup makes this a must read story for those who is gender questioning. Just as important is the fact that both FtM and MtF are represented which is rare.
Please don't stop!
hugs
Grover
It's two stories in one,
and they both totally rock! = )
It's also refreshingly original, both to see this kind of format and to see FtM material. I would be very sad indeed if it didn't continue in the same fashion...
I love all your
stories Sue and this one is no different, Sure it makes me think for a moment, But in all honesty is that such a bad thing, Like many other people who come here i like something i can get my teeth into, Who Am I fits that bill perfectly for me...
Kirri
It's a great story, and very
It's a great story, and very well written, as are all of your works. I'm sorry if some readers find the alternating viewpoints too complex, but authors can't cater to every reader. Readers should be prepared to occasionally be challenged by something new (to them) and grow a bit through their reading.
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
I'm enjoying this story
Sue -
I don't know where this story will end up, but it is a great concept. I think that Stanman's suggestion that you briefly indicate who is talking would work.
I have not left comments because I wasn't sure where the story might be going and I hate to try to direct the action like the proverbial mother-in-law in the backseat of the car.
I don't know if you plan on bringing everyone together somehow or if Tommie and Tanya will come to terms with their new realities and just go forward. It is sad to me that they have had to confront the loss of their other parent and, in one case, the loss of their grandmother. I could see that grief playing a part somehow once they have settled into their bodies a bit more.
I would hate to see you abandon this story at this point. It's refreshing to see a body switch story being done in this way.
Hugs,
Monica.
A thought from the *peanut gallery*. Sue
As I think the time intervals between positing hurt it could make sense to post two at once or IE his story then hers, either on the same day or a day apart. Thus we would get the look at the world that is the same yet not the same from each perspective while the other's viewpoint was fresh in our minds.
Also I get hints, both early on and recent the SOME people on each side KNOW about the parallel Earths. So if that IS correct, and it may not be, will our hero and heroine ever learn of it?
It sad in a way because if one could combine the two Earth's families the two children would have a complete family essentially, except for a spare, frail grandmother.
In general I am happy with this. Just always wish to read more.
BTW We know why he was there, at the strange house. He was hiding from the bullies but I forget WHY was she there at her Earth's version of the house, the one in good repair, not the mostly abandoned place he broke into?
John in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
Keep up with the story!!
As with most stories, from most authors, kudos , comments, and pm's dip when there is a lull in the trauma being inflicted upon the characters. Angharad's EAFOAB is a testbed to prove my statement in a pinch, though you can study many other series to see what I mean.
It doesn't mean your readers dislike the series.
And these past 2 weeks have been heck on me in various ways so I have not read everything I wanted to since I am in various stages of projects yet to post. But I have read the series up to date.
I am guilty of not having left comments for you Sue.
But I can say I do like the series. It does task me to keep the two plots in mind - ever seeking their union at some point in the future :) However, it is fun at the moment keeping them separate. It isn't just a "plot device," the two tales running concurrently are the story.
If you need a neck and shoulder massage, a smoothie to sip on, and gentle background music to assist you in brainstorming up for Who Am I?: I'll do that for you :)
*hugs* ^^
Sephrena
I too...
Hi Susan,
I too do not often comment but I read every one of your stories...and throughly enjoy each an every one.
Ahh. Penmarris. If only.
"Who am I? is a fascinating romp. Two perspectives. Two adventures. A dash of spooky and the mystery of an inevitable meeting of the two protagonists but what then? Exciting. (I am still trying to figure out if there is another common denominator between the two existences.)
Bring it on!
Confusing? Not a bit. You write too well, your narrative too complete for confusion to reign for long.
Thank you.
Rachel.