Hello, everyone! Iāve been wanting to make this post for a while, but I wanted to beĀ sureĀ before I shared anything, for only a fool makes the same mistake twice - and this one, in a row.Ā
As you may be aware, I did two weeks of beta testing with close to 45 wonderful testers participating. And the reviews were overwhelmingly positive (seriously, you guys gave me such a boost in confidence š). It made me evenĀ moreĀ eager to share this game with everyone - to read all your thoughts and reactions about it.Ā
However. However, three of those testers said something that cut me deep. Because the hardest criticism to hear is the one that deep down, you agree with. They told me that the ending was lacking. Not because of the content, but because it cut abruptly. It left them wanting for more, but not in the satisfying way you feel after a big, hearty meal. Looking forward to trying more dishes from the same cook. It left them looking for more as in: I am almost full, but something is missing still.Ā
I picked the cut-off point between Book 1 and 2 based on an image I had in my head - a mix of red and blue in a dramatic blaze. But, I realized as I read the reviews of these three testers, that I picked the cut-off point wrong.Ā
It needs more. The book needs one final chapter.Ā
And it is such an easy fix. What would be the beginning of Book 2 is now the end of the first one. So, I left my self-pitying aside and did what I love to do. I wrote! And have thus finished the first draft of Chapter 8 - the new final chapter.Ā
Andā¦ I love it. I am in love with it. Chapter 6 was my previous favorite chapter, but this one now takes the cake. It ties the whole book together so much more perfectly, with threads and clues coming united and how did I not realize this sooner? Why did I ever consider releasing the Book as it was before? I cannot stress how important it is to have fresh eyes looking at your work.Ā
Because I have all the answers in my head, everything makes sense to me. So, in my eyes, the first ending would have been perfect - because I had knowledge that, of course, the readers canāt have! It seems so simple, but after you work on something alone for so many months, itās so easy to fall into this trap. This is a mistake I am vowing never to commit again.Ā
I am beyond grateful to my testers. They allowed me to craft this first Book into what it should have been all along. So much so that Iām embarrassed now about the whole beta process altogether - for I showed what I now consider an incomplete game to all of these wonderful people.Ā
All of this to say? I need about an extra month/month and a half to truly finish The Golden Rose. I am not done yet, as I have foolishly announced before.Ā
I know this will probably disappoint some of you - and you have every right to feel so. I am really sorry. Iāve been getting so many messages of support and excitement about the game, and I appreciate them so much. So itās with a very heavy heart that Iām telling you that I need more time.Ā
But, on the bright side, youāll have a longer game and more content to play once it does come out! 95% of the game isĀ DONEĀ - as in, coded and edited and shining. Iāve fixed all the continuity errors, all the bugs, and while Iām sure some typos have slipped through the cracks, at least the most outrageous ones are corrected too.Ā
The Rose is so close to being ready - I just need to add its finishing touches. And it will be such a better book because of them.Ā
Because I want to be completely transparent, Iāll share my to-do list before submitting the game:
Finish the second draft of chapter 8 and the new Epilogue.
Write all the suggestions/expansion of choices from my beta testers.
Do one week of extensive playtesting.
Storytelling is one hell of a craft. Itās a difficult one, oftentimes, a cruel one too. But itās one that, as long as you practice it, you get better. It may take months and years, it may be so slow, it seems as if you stand perpetually in the same place. But you get better.Ā
Iāve learned a lot, and I hope to continue learning even more. This was a particularly hard lesson to learn. A hard one to accept. One more chapter. I hope you all can understand.Ā
Have a great week, everyone! And Iāll be sharing all the progress I make. Iām so EXCITED to start writing the second draft!!!! š¹
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