Are you sure those fans. . .

1.) Really understand where you're going with your story,
2.) Are expressing an unbiased position, or
3.) Are really "fans."

There are thousands of stories that seemingly have been painted in a corner. One of the ways of creating tension in a story is to make it seem like there's no way out for the protagonist. Maybe you've done such a great job of making it seem that all is lost for your damsel in distress that you've started to believe it yourself. This is not unique to you. The Greeks, after they had whitewashed themselves into whatever passed for corners in what soon would be ancient ruins, invented the Deus Ex Machina to keep their storytellers away from despair.

Put your story aside for a while. After a few months, take it out and read what you have from a fresh perspective. If you're still having issues, try drawing a tension diagram between the characters. Who is pushing who's buttons and why? Don't forget minor characters who really have a major role.

If all else fails, ask yourself, "What would Hollywood do?" I've had to go that route with several stories. It's not the best solution, but it is "a" solution.

For the record. I don't write serials because I'm NOT talented enough to pull off that high wire act. I'm amazed at those that do.

I'm a grinder. I've posted over 100 stories on BC. Some are even good. I have never NOT finished a story. I've gone back and destroyed characters, entire chapters, story lines, but I've always posted a complete story with what I think was a plausible plot -- beginning, middle, and end.

There are quite a number of people on this site who don't like me because I have expressed a deep concern with serials because I believe they create a false hope for some writers and eventually crush their spirits. I understand that writing ANYTHING is better than not writing. I've just worked with too many authors who have become hurt by the cruel master of unfinished story.

Please remember that other people have different needs from your story. I just read Grisham's new novel. When it was done I expressed to my spouse that if he'd just done one thing different it would have been a much better ending. Of course, with his ending he'll bank several more millions and definitely will have another film.

Your fans care enough about your story to tell you it has problems. That's a high compliment. Don't let those compliments make you think you need to heed their advice.

When I agree to work as an editor I always say my edits are SUGGESTIONS. The author is entirely free to accept all or none or somewhere in the middle because it is THEIR story.

The best stories don't feel JUST write for everyone, that's what makes them interesting.

Good luck.

Jill