@Canderpdx
I told myself I'd update on Fridays, and then today (Thursday) I published four chapters. I told myself I'd write ten chapters ahead and release one or two chapters a week, but nope. I get excited about the plot and I can't help it. This will backfire when I wildly release everything up to the chapter I feel blocked on and then we'll all be sorry.
I've uploaded the opening chapters of my second story (An Unwise Attachment) and am hoping to update on Fridays, though I'll admit I sometimes just get the urge to throw multiple chapters up when they're ready. This one is already running longer than A Foolish Infatuation, so I'm trying to get myself back on a word count diet. The formula is similar — but the characters have felt very different from the last set, which is probably how it should be. We'll see where they take us.
https://www.wattpad.com/story/412659833-an-unwise-attachment
@Canderpdx Oh I already love AUA, it's so endearing yet hurts so beautifully chapter 4 made me cry. Can't wait for more, will do some reader group posts when a few more chapters are up. Well done you for this wonderfully winsome read
The first two chapters will weed out a lot of readers. I felt compelled to explain a lot about the characters and their dynamic. I might refine that and edit down. I don't know yet. But I'm glad the first 4 chapters are live. It helps keep me going to finish it.
Thank you so much for writing A Foolish Infatuation and sharing with us. Your story was so refreshing and beautifully written with characters that felt real.and relatable. I look forward to your next story!
@ Canderpdx thank you so much for your reply! I'm taking my time savouring this gem of a story and haven't finished it yet.
I am really enjoying your story and if my ramblings about real life vs fiction help, I'm glad however please do feel free to ignore them too :)
Alex has definitely improved and I'm certain by the end you've made him lovely especially for Emily. There's a part of me that will think he's not ever good enough for Emily :) yet if Emily is happy with Alex that is the most important thing. I look forward to your next story!
@achase2 Thank you so much for commenting along the way — it means a lot. Knowing how a reader is feeling chapter by chapter is such valuable feedback, and it helps me think about how to do better with the next story. I especially liked your comments examining the characters' feelings and how things might play out for them in a realistic future vs fictional — that kind of thoughtful engagement is exactly what makes sharing a story like this so rewarding. Thank you for taking the time. I hope you find (or found) the ending entertaining - I know you disliked Alex (as intended), so I know it’s hard to like him later (not everyone will read on to find out), but he does love Emily to distraction in that fictional village of theirs. Thanks for reading and for the kind words! The next story is underway. It's cut from the same village-cloth - that's the mood I'm in right now - so let's see if I learned anything from all this great feedback. A little, I hope.
I started my second story and got pretty far, then decided I need to overhaul it. I just didn't love how it was flowing. And it needs to be fun to write, right? Reworking it now. Impatient to figure out the puzzle I have created for these characters. Part of me is glad to try for a better plot, part of me is irritated I wasted time. Part of me thought I could just post whatever and call it a learning experience. But - nope.
@FaelinReads Thanks for being so nice - I started rewriting and do feel happier now. Whew! Thanks for the encouraging words! It means a lot - it really made a difference when I went back to edit.
@Canderpdx Writing is a process though, right? No wasted time, the opportunity to revise or rework or fine tune...it has to be written, at least partially, before you know where next to go creatively. I think I'm right about this . Good luck tho! I loved your first story!
One thing I enjoy writing is giving my heroines strong, empowering relationships before they ever end up with the hero. They have full lives and the chance to be valued independently of the romance.
Then come the redemption chapters, where they'll almost always end up with the formerly TSTL hero—once he's earned it.
That said, the temporary Hero2 is ridiculously fun to write. He does everything right. He's kind, attentive, emotionally healthy... he just isn't her forever-person. So everyone parts on good terms, no unnecessary villainy required.
It's fiction, okay?
I mention this because I just wrote one of these chapters for my next story, and Hero2 turned out to be so compelling that my heroine wanted him for the endgame. I had to tone him down and remind her why she ends up with Hero1.
He was loosely inspired by a 1950s-era Richard Burton—stormy, intensely watchful eyes, cigarette in one hand, bourbon in the other. Brooding, magnetic, fun and dangerous in all the entertaining fictional ways.
It worked.
Far too well.
@Pekky1234 Rewriting things now - so more like late July. Ugh - I got ten chapters in, fully drafted the plot and today I decided I need to change some major plot points. This is classic.
@Edith8020 you just reminded me I need to enhance the food descriptions in my current story! thx!
@Canderpdx The descriptions of the menus in A Gentle Awakening are so fun! But I do have to stop and Google the names of the menu items!
Do you have book recommendations that are in a similar genre to your book?
@Jshalb If you're looking for books with a similar feel, these are the authors and stories that have stayed with me over the years: Betty Neels was the biggest inspiration behind my vintage story, so she's always my first recommendation. If you enjoy gentle, clean romances with intelligent heroines, hardworking doctor heroes, and wonderful touches of food, travel, and everyday life, she's hard to beat. My favorite of hers is Matilda's Wedding. M.A. Nichols writes quiet, elegant romances (set in turn of the century era) with beautifully layered emotional tension. Flame & Ember and Tempest & Sunshine are two of my favorites. Alice Coldbreath's Brides of Karadok series (not the same genre really, but still good and a favorite) is full of delicious angst, satisfying grovel, and wonderful character development. The spice level is definitely higher than Betty Neels, so keep that in mind if you prefer tamer romances. Mary Balogh has written some wonderfully elegant, emotionally rich romances. I only wish some of them had more grovel—but the emotional depth is excellent. Eloisa James' With This Kiss (Parts 1 & 2) is one I remember very fondly. There's genuine regret, redemption, and some grovel. I believe you can find both parts together on Kindle Unlimited. Essie Summers is another vintage favorite. Her New Zealand-set romances have a similar comforting feel to Betty Neels, but her heroines tend to be a bit smarter and feistier. I enjoy her writing very much. Carla Kelly's The Wedding Ring Quest is set in the Regency time period and a lovely read. Smart capable heroine. And if you're specifically craving maximum grovel with vintage vibes, I have to recommend GroveltoHEA's Michael and Susan and Paul and Veronica. Those two stories (+Betty Neels of course), more than anything else, inspired me to write my own vintage-inspired romance as a tribute to the books I love.
@canderpdx - I loved it so much I am over here wishing I could visit The Crown to have a pint with Alex and Emily and, well, everyone in the village ! So good!! I hope you keep this up so I can look forward to the next!
@Jwill87-2 I keep thinking about who the right person for Rob might be—it's surprisingly difficult! I'm working on a second story now, and Rob will definitely be making another appearance. Since that story takes place within the area served by his veterinary practice, you'll get to see more of him while I continue trying to figure out who deserves him. Thanks for asking about Rob!
@Canderpdx perhaps Rob could make a fool of himself with some poor farmers daughter?
I'm thinking about what to write next — because I definitely want to try again. I've been stunned by the encouragement from everyone here, by the book getting posted in various social media groups, and by the chapter note from the original inspiring author, who regularly encourages her readers to write their own stories ( I get why now, and I’m glad I listened to her). And the super encouraging indie-author-champions I have interacted with here on WP. It put so many eyes on this story and brought such valuable feedback. Just wow. What a wonderful community.
I have two ideas turning around in my head, and neither strays far from the formula: smart heroine, foolish hero, some grovelling, cosy vintage vibes. I think it's fine to stick to a plan while I'm still learning to ride this bicycle.
A Foolish Infatuation will always be my first Wattpad baby. I don't think I'll ever feel about another story the way I feel about this one, or about the experience of writing it — and that's entirely because of the people who read it. Thank you to everyone who was so encouraging and enthusiastic and made this so much fun.
The best part is, I found out how much I enjoy writing for fun. And finding the right readers, has been a surprise gift.
@Canderpdxook forward to reading whatever you happen to write next. Absolutely loved A Foolish Infatuation ♥️
Love your writing. What a charming book!
@Hkdyal Thank you for this! I know nobody's particularly fond of the hero in the early chapters — and that's very much by design — so it's always such a relief when readers make it to the end and end up genuinely happy for the characters. Or at least being entertained. Whew! Thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to comment along the way. Hearing what readers think as they go is incredibly encouraging.
A very well written book with words flowing effortlessly!!!
@bazzingaAll Thanks for reading! I had such a nice time writing and comments like this make it even nicer. Thanks for the encouragement!