Reflections Upon Publication

Honestly, I’ve never really written a launch statement before. The previous book, “Schemes and Plots,” didn’t have one—I simply threw it online without much thought. Since I work during the day and spend my evenings buried in writing, I don’t browse Dragon’s Den, I don’t haunt forums, I don’t chat in writer groups; I know nothing about the rules of the web fiction world. In essence, I’m a rookie on the road.

This time, I’m writing a launch statement only because a friend asked a few days ago when the book would go live. I told him the editor would decide in a few days, and he reminded me to write a launch note. Only then did I realize such a thing was expected. I’m truly embarrassed.

It’s been nearly four years since I started writing. I haven’t achieved much, I don’t know how to please readers, and I often argue with them—which is honestly quite unattractive. My temperament and mindset are not the best.

Fortunately, I still have a few friends who read my work and continue to support me. I sincerely thank you for your companionship all this time. Because of you, I still receive a few thousand yuan in manuscript fees each month. Otherwise, my salary at the company wouldn’t be enough to support myself, let alone Pipi and Dandan.

Let’s talk about the book. “Schemes and Plots” wasn’t particularly outstanding; it suffered from hard flaws in the plot, like the protagonist being framed early on and Liu Bei retreating in the middle. These issues cost me many readers, and I accepted the criticism, because it was indeed my fault.

They say a protagonist’s intellectual ceiling is set by the author’s own intelligence. I’m ashamed to admit I’m not especially clever. The reason “Schemes and Plots” didn’t turn out low-IQ, with both main and supporting characters showing wit, isn’t my own merit. I often study the classic maneuvers of brilliant figures from history and literature, and when it comes to warfare, I borrow from famous battles across eras. That’s what makes the protagonist seem so astute.

While I can patch up the intelligence of characters by referencing the actions of great minds, the plot itself relies on my own abilities. Thus, the narrative nearly collapsed at several points in the early and middle stages. This reveals my lack of cleverness—I’m both inexperienced and fond of play. That pretty much sums me up (and I really dislike being called unintelligent; whenever a reader says I’m dumb, I get angry and want to argue).

Still, it’s not all loss. What I’m most proud of is that my character portrayal isn’t too bad. The scenes with the protagonist’s parents moved many people. The brotherhood among the four siblings has been praised for its sincerity, and the death of the Emperor Ling, as well as the Empress He’s maternal love, were quite memorable.

So, I can only say I’ll strive harder. I hope to create more touching, unforgettable moments in this new book.

A while ago, I was chatting with my cousin. He told me that an excellent novel not only needs to give readers satisfaction and comfort, but must also resonate with them.

I fully agree.

The flaw in “Schemes and Plots” was that it gave readers pleasure, but not completely. It made them feel comfortable, but not entirely so. Besides the portrayal of parents and friendship, which were decent, my own assessment is that it barely passes muster—certainly not an outstanding web fiction work.

So, for this new book, my standards will be higher. I’ll devote more effort to refining the plot and developing the characters.

I’ll do my best to fix the weaknesses of the last book, enhance its strengths, and write with a distinctive flair.

I hope this book earns a place among the best.

Lately, everyone’s been complaining about my slow updates.

Previously, I hoped for understanding. After all, I’ve written 300,000 words for free, toiling for a month and a half with no income, and several people threatened to abandon the book, which is rather frustrating.

Just yesterday, I argued with a reader who said my update pace wasn’t fit for web fiction, that posting four or five thousand words a day was just filler, and he planned to drop the book.

Honestly, this month I updated 170,000 words. From September 14th to 19th, I posted three chapters a day, ten thousand words daily. The average for the month has been 5,600 words a day, all for free. The plot has been intense and satisfying, so it doesn’t seem too shabby.

But then, I reflected.

Yes.

Now, like Shen Chen, I’ve learned to reflect on myself.

Shen Chen wouldn’t start with an intelligence of 110 like Chen Mu. He reflects, grows, and hones himself.

Ironically, I learned this virtue from my own protagonist.

The readers are right. If the updates are insufficient, I should look for the cause within myself. I wanted to hold back chapters to launch with a bigger burst and earn more money.

But thinking it through, I wouldn’t actually make much extra. Slow updates only drive readers away. Why not just give readers plenty, keep them engaged, and worry about the rest later?

I’m ashamed—selfishness blinded me, and I even quarreled with readers. I apologize to that friend.

So, I can only ask everyone to give me another chance.

Starting after midnight, I’ll go all-out. On October 1st, I’ll post twenty thousand words, then three chapters a day, nine to ten thousand words daily, for a whole month.

Of course, that’s assuming I don’t drop dead.

I hope you’ll forgive me and give me your first subscription. I’m begging you all—I’ll keep working hard, so that even the most hard-working mule or sow in the production team would hang their heads in shame!

Thank you again.