Taking my readers input to heart

For a writer who is constantly trying to perfect his craft, I take the comments that readers give me, whether through email or in reviews, very seriously.

I am currently working on book 2 of the apprentice series and am addressing all of the suggestions and feedback I've received as yet. I truly appreciate it as I feel like It's really helping me to grow.

Some of the commenters mentioned that the first book was too short; book 2 will be at least twice as long. Others thought romance was missing and also wanted more internal dialog; the next book has those facets in spades. One of the most common comments was that people didn't like the modern language. Some felt the book should have read more medieval. It took me a while to cave to this, but now that I'm putting words to paper I see the point. I haven't decided if I will touch book 1 yet, but that may happen.

Several other tweaks and adjustments were made to my writing, including writing chapters in different characters perspectives and adding several female main characters. All things that I have never done before and I have my readers to thank for sharing their insights.

Also the new book takes on a completely different backdrop. I didn't want to write another quest, so almost the entire book happens in one location. I hope that provides a much needed change from the over used quest trope that seems to populate so many fantasy books.

If you are one of my beta-readers, you should be contacted sometime in late December to early January.

Thanks again,
Jim