Volume One had come to an end.
The first volume was meant to move at a brisk pace, and at a hundred thousand words, it was a quick read. As one reader pointed out, it was a little too fast.
But don't worry, the story won't end in a rush. There's plenty more to write about. The first volume went by quickly because there simply wasn't much more to cover.
Harry was, after all, a seasoned Witcher. His curiosity was still as strong as ever, but he was no longer a reckless kid—ever since he'd been jabbed with a pitchfork, he'd become much more cautious.
A lot of the storylines from the first volume just couldn't have unfolded.
Malfoy could be a bit dim, but he wouldn't provoke an opponent he had no chance against. This slick-haired young man will get his moment to shine later on.
Harry wouldn't pay any attention to a young wizard's taunts, either.
First-years can't join the Quidditch team, but don't worry—Harry will definitely join. I probably won't write much about that, though. It'll mostly be glossed over. After all, Harry is Harry. Even grown up and more mature, he's still Harry.
Now that I've rambled on, it's time to take a closer look at what I could've done better.
I wasn't all that satisfied with how I wrote the first volume. The overall pacing went smoothly, with the story progressing as planned, but I didn't quite get some of the smaller beats right.
The Hogsmeade chapter had almost no buildup—though that was my fault for changing things later on.
The climax also didn't land with enough impact.
The Forbidden Forest was a small climax, while the final room where the Sorcerer's Stone was kept was the big one. Especially when Harry pointed his sword at Dumbledore—that should've been a major emotional outburst.
I'm sorry I didn't manage to pull it off.
I held back too much. I'll have to think carefully about how to pace the second volume and build up its emotional moments.
I wasn't completely satisfied with the writing, either.
It's been a long time since I last wrote, so I was a little rusty. But I'm gradually getting back into the groove. I think I can at least give myself a passing grade for the part about the Potion Examination and Snape's feelings.
All in all, I just need to keep improving.
I'm going to shamelessly ask for some recommendations, monthly tickets, follows, and tips.
This book's performance has been pretty good so far, but people are insatiable. If it does even better, I'll be over the moon and put even more care into writing.
While I'm at it, let me explain the bonus chapter rules.
Before the book goes on sale, I'll add one chapter for every five thousand in tips. But since it's still early days, even if the tips pile up, I can only add one extra chapter a day.
This is only my first round of recommendations, and the word count is already nearly catching up with books in their second round.
If—just if...
If I'm lucky enough to get more tips, and I can't finish the extra chapters before the book goes on sale, I'll release them all at once on launch day.
Basically...
I'll definitely post ten chapters on launch day. As for how many bonus chapters I'll add, I'll see how the book is doing by then.
After launch, I'll reliably post ten thousand words a day. As for bonus chapters after launch, I'll have to see how the book is doing then, too.
That's about it!
I hope you'll keep supporting me!
Before you continue